Premier Pamela Gordon and Labour Minister Quinton Edness yesterday got a first-hand look at what former prisoners, given a second chance, have accomplished.

Locust Hall of Devonshire had been derelict for 40 years and without a roof for 30 years.

But thanks to the work of former prisoners, the 200-year-old building -- which is owned by the Bermuda National Trust and leased by Duncan Hedley-Coates of Atellier International -- has seen extensive renovation and restoration.

Mr. Hedley-Coates and employee Bob Dent read about the The Wood Shop -- a religious-based programme that gives former prisoners work with the aim of building their self-esteem and independence -- and decided to use the programme's participants for restoration of Bermuda cedar work and painting.

Mr. Dent told The Royal Gazette he understood where the men came from and said work solves half of their problem.

He added: "It took a year, but they stuck with it and did a super job.'' Ms Gordon and Mr. Edness agreed that the craftsmanship was superior. But neither promised a total Government bail-out of the cash-strapped programme.

Organisers are seeking some financial help from Government to keep the programme afloat.

In addition to the expenses of running the programme, they estimated that they would need some $25,000 a year to help two prisoners who are soon to be released.

"I've seen this building and Mrs. Loretta Hassell's house that they've worked on and I can't help but be impressed,'' Mr. Edness said.

"Government did help set up their administration and the men have turned what they've earned back into the company,'' Mr. Edness continued.

"I don't know if there will be a further grant of money. But I will certainly discuss it with my Cabinet colleagues.'' Mr. Edness said he would like to see more private funds raised for the Wood Shop programme which he stressed Government wanted to see continue.

"This is a good way to get them back on the road to work,'' Ms Gordon added.

Wood Shop facilitator Clevelyn Simmons said: "We are in appreciation of Government programmes that have helped us, especially Naomi Schroter of the Labour and Training Office.'' The two-year-old Wood Shop was founded by former prisoners Jerome Crockwell, Richard Warner, and Clarence Hill and now has developed with the help of community activists.

Mr. Simmons' brother, Rick Richardson, Hands of Love Ministry founder Fern Wade, and the Wood Shop's financial backer Roland Hill act as a steering committee. Both Mr. Hill and Mr. Simmons are unpaid managers.

Mr. Simmons stressed that he believed in the programme as an avenue for ex-inmates and ensured that the men received a wage.