Unquestioned commitmentDear Sir,I write in response to Mrs. Ann Dunstan’s letter of 7 August and to an earlier newspaper article on the subject of The Reading Clinic’s relationship with the Department of Corrections. My aim in writing to you is not to conduct a debate via the pages of The Royal Gazette, but to set the record straight. Inmates do not sign up for the Fresh Start programme, but are recommended by the Department’s Education Coordinator after testing on the Wide Range Achievement Test 3.

Inmates are also screened using a learning disability tool. The Education Coordinator reports that there is no evidence to support the claim that over half Westgate’s population signed up for the Fresh Start programme.

The Fresh Start programme requires a specified cohort strength of willing participants in order to be effective and to give value for money. At a cost of $2,710 for fourteen, two hour sessions, it is not inexpensive. So far this year, there have been insufficient inmates with needs that justify conducting the programme.

The wider reality is not as your readers might have inferred from Mrs. Dunstan’s comments. For example, educational programmes have, in fact, been delivered throughout this year. Two reading instructors have offered their services to 18 prisoners on a one to one basis. Regular upgrades in English and Basic Maths are in place.

A total of 20 men enrolled in the GED programme and 12 obtained their GED certificates. Those who were unsuccessful will be tutored in preparation for a re-sit in September. Twenty one men successfully completed the basic computer class and some have progressed to the International Computer Drivers Course (ICDL).

Mrs. Dunstan’s comment “it almost makes you wonder if there is some predetermined plan to ensure some segment of the population remains as second class citizens” is, at best, unfortunate.

Far from subscribing to a conspiracy to maintain disadvantage, the Education Coordinator and her staff have an unquestioned commitment to delivering the best service they can to inmates who have a need for basic skills classes. They also present opportunities to those inmates who wish to obtain formal qualifications to prepare themselves more effectively for employment after release.

There is always room for improvement in any sphere of human activity and I welcome practical and constructive proposals that will enable the Department of Corrections to help inmates to contribute to the community after release. Unwarranted criticism of the education staff at Westgate is not, however, a sound basis for a healthy working relationship.BRYAN PAYLING

Commissioner of Corrections<$>Open your eyes, MusingAugust 29, 2006

Dear Sir,I write to invite letter writer “Musing” to come out and meet the men she claims don’t exist. The many male role models and more than a “few good men” after meeting and chatting with men who raise their children alone while working a number of jobs with never a thought of trying to make the mother suffer, or prevent child involvement nor to have her incarcerated for not paying towards the child’s expenses.

More over these fathers suffer the brunt of a gender-biased court system that ensures so many men quit involvement with their children.

I don’t blame you for not knowing these many good Bermudian men. It is far more popular to blast the irresponsible than to praise or encourage the many excellent male parents who are only allowed by the courts post-divorce to fulfil their role when the mother gives up her parental interest.

I wonder if the Government, some of the judges and social workers might one day work out that encouraging male parents would result in more men becoming involved with their children, as opposed to the mess we have created where good fathers are systematically reduced to being a pay cheque. Should these men have the audacity to attempt involvement with their own flesh and blood. they stand a good chance of being taken for an expense ride though the court system while being insulted, demoralised and bewildered along the way.

So Musing, if you want to learn why male roles models have been broken and destroyed, come, listen and then you might have an understanding of what it’s like to lose the most important thing in one’s life — your own child — and then, for good measure your money, house and good name (many good men are falsely accused of abuse and interference by a mother who wants to win at any cost).

A judge tells you to pay the money and don’t interfere with the decisions of the mother, this means you have no say in your own child’s health or education. How about that? Not even a report card. Still wondering where the men went? I need to say more because there is lots more to cover, so call me at 234-2858 and I will invite you to a Childwatch meeting and your eyes will be opened.EDDIE FISHER

Sandys