Food For The Poor Secures Easter Freedom for Nonviolent Prisoners Across the Caribbean
COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (April 9, 2026) – As Christians around the world celebrated Easter and the promise of resurrection and new life, Food For The Poor (FFTP) extended that promise by restoring freedom to nonviolent prisoners through its longstanding Prison Ministry Program.
This Easter season, FFTP secured the release of eight prisoners in Haiti, one in Jamaica, and three in Guyana, bringing the total number of individuals freed to 12.
For more than two decades, with the support of compassionate donors, FFTP has worked with local authorities to secure the release of incarcerated men and women by paying outstanding fines tied to nonviolent offenses. Many of those imprisoned were detained for acts rooted in extreme poverty, such as stealing food to survive or minor infractions that would not typically result in prolonged incarceration elsewhere.
In Haiti, those released from prisons in Cap-Haïtien and Morne Casse received food, shoes, clothing, and transportation assistance to help them safely return to their communities and begin rebuilding their lives.
Father Jordany, who leads FFTP’s Prison Ministry Program in Haiti, met with the men prior to their release, reminding them of the guidance he has shared during regular visits. He encouraged them to remain on the right path and emphasized that life outside of prison offers dignity and purpose. Just before the men walked out of the prison, he prayed with them and blessed them.
One prisoner, Judner, shared how the experience transformed his outlook.
“I am grateful for the support I received during one of the most difficult times in my life,” Judner said. “It helped restore my hope and gave me the strength to start again.”
In Jamaica, one prisoner was released Tuesday from the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre after FFTP paid a fine he could not afford related to a nonviolent offense stemming from a family land dispute.
The 67-year-old man also will be enrolled in the organization’s Fresh Start Programme, which provides individualized support to help former prisoners reintegrate into society. A farmer by trade, he will receive assistance such as seeds, fertilizer, and tools to help restore his livelihood and achieve long-term stability.
In Guyana, three prisoners were released last week from the Lusignan Prison after FFTP paid fines they could not afford for nonviolent offenses, including minor property damage and traffic-related violations. In addition to securing their release, they received care packages, meals, and Bibles to support their reintegration and spiritual growth.
Valini Leitch, Senior Project Associate with Food For The Poor-Guyana, offered words of encouragement.
“These men are stronger than their past mistakes and deserving of a second chance,” Leitch said. “The Bibles we provided are meant to serve as meaningful guides for purposeful living.”
One of the beneficiaries, Carlyle, expressed his gratitude:
“It was hard being here knowing I couldn’t pay the fine,” he said. “Today means everything. I just want to go home and do better.”
FFTP President/CEO Ed Raine said the Prison Ministry Program reflects the heart of the Easter message of renewal, redemption, and the power of second chances.
“Through this ministry, we are not only restoring freedom, but dignity,” Raine said. “We are giving individuals the opportunity to begin again, to rebuild their lives, and to know they are not forgotten. We are deeply grateful to our donors who make this expression of compassion and faith possible.”
Support the Prison Ministry Program by sending checks payable to Food For The Poor at 6401 Lyons Road, Coconut Creek, FL 33073. Please include reference number “SC# 074122” for proper routing. Online donations can also be made at foodforthepoor.org/prisonersrelease.
Food For The Poor, one of the largest international relief and development organizations in the United States, is committed to facilitating paths out of poverty and transforming lives. As an interdenominational Christian ministry, we help families across Latin America and the Caribbean. Our efforts span urgent humanitarian relief and long-term development – from emergency aid and hunger alleviation to education, housing, and economic empowerment. We follow a distinctive approach that integrates faith, multi-sector strategies, and trusted partnerships. Whenever possible, we strive to work at the community level, partnering with local leaders and residents to co-create sustainable solutions that address the multi-dimensional nature of poverty. For more information, please visit foodforthepoor.org.
Michael Turnbell
Communications
954-471-0928
[email protected]
