As we walked a few more steps forward we came across three wardens, who opened another iron gate for us, while greeting us with the common African cheerful
handshakes. In the main yard that lay in front there was a roughly tarred football field on which a handful of prisoners were kicking around with an old football. There were about 50 more prisoners sitting in circles against the walls of the fence around the field. They were chatting and laughing in an atmosphere portentous of a market or café rather than a prison. Our sudden appearance on the scene brought the conversation to a pause in some of the groups. They watched us curiously, but in a friendly manner and I was naturally a curiosity for them as a result of my white colour. As the ball was kicked towards the goal it hit me on the leg. The guy who had kicked it came running towards me with apologies. The metal board that was on the left side of the wall bore the number “291”, written in chalk. The current number of inmates. The guys who were closer to me came over to shake my hands, and to express their gratitude for my visit. A bit out of the circles there sat a gentleman of about 40. His hair was being shaved by another prisoner with a simple razor blade. The fact that a warden was standing by and having small talk with them did seem to suggest that it was not forbidden to have a razor blade here.
At the left side of the courtyard there was a small building with glassless window frames. We made our way into it. The walls were painted dark-green. In the front part of the room there was a big blackboard on which there was some faded writing, probably in Mandinka or Wolof, two of the local languages spoken around here. There was also an orderly row of benches and chairs, which in combination with the nature of the entire space gave the impression of a normal classroom. Apart from our ‘Outsider Group’ there were a handful of prisoners in the room. All the prisoners present here, and who were seemingly already good friends to the rest of the outsider group, greeted me very warmly. We took our seats, and Alex uttered some greetings, which were translated into Wolof for the sake of those who could not understand the language of the Commonwealth.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The Setting of the Central Prison
3. The Interaction with Inmates
4. Liturgy and Musical Expression
5. Reflection on Crime and Punishment
6. Departure and Final Impressions
Objectives and Themes
This report documents a personal visit to the central prison in Banjul, The Gambia, aiming to observe the living conditions of inmates and the role of spiritual support in a correctional environment. It explores the human stories behind the prison walls and the emotional connection formed between a volunteer and the incarcerated individuals.
- The daily life and atmosphere within a Gambian correctional facility.
- The significance of spiritual and musical engagement for prisoner morale.
- Observations on the local judicial and penal system.
- The emotional impact of cross-cultural human connection in restricted spaces.
Excerpt from the Book
The Drummer Called John Thomas
Finally I wrote out my address and handed it over to the huge drummer - John Thomas as he was called. After receiving it he suddenly held me quite close to his chest and kissed me on the cheek. We stood in this posture in the middle of the room for about 20 seconds. The body of this colossal fellow was trembling strongly as we held fast to each other. I could feel his tears flowing down my cheeks. He spoke into my ears in a low and meek voice, expressing repeatedly his gratitude for my coming to see him in prison. “I will always pray asking God to guide and protect you, so that you should have a fulfilling life back at home.“ He was almost at the end of his 11 years prison sentence, given that he had already been here for 10 years and 7 months. “Once I am free I will join a group of musicians, where I can use my voice and drum to give praises to the Almighty God.“ I now took my turn to wish this soft, muscular giant all the best, while promising to also pray for him. I assured him that I would pray especially that his dream of going around the world, making music in praise of the Lord should soon come true.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: The author provides the context of his internship in The Gambia and his initial motivation for visiting the central prison.
2. The Setting of the Central Prison: This chapter describes the arrival at the prison and the initial impressions of the facility's security and internal environment.
3. The Interaction with Inmates: The narrative details the warm reception by the prisoners and the atmosphere in the courtyard that defied stereotypical expectations of a prison.
4. Liturgy and Musical Expression: Focuses on the religious service held for the prisoners, emphasizing the role of music and preaching as sources of hope and strength.
5. Reflection on Crime and Punishment: The author contemplates the severity of the Gambian penal system in relation to the specific inmates he encountered.
6. Departure and Final Impressions: Describes the emotional conclusion of the visit and the lasting impact of the farewell interaction with an inmate.
Keywords
The Gambia, Banjul, Central Prison, UNICEF, Internship, Inmates, Spiritual Support, Liturgy, Human Rights, Musical Expression, Prison Life, Rehabilitation, Cross-Cultural Connection, Penal System, Hope.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary subject of this report?
The report provides a firsthand account of a visit to a central prison in Banjul, The Gambia, focusing on the human experiences and living conditions of the inmates.
What are the central themes of the work?
Key themes include the intersection of spirituality and incarceration, the psychological impact of prison life, and the humanity found within a restricted environment.
What is the core objective of the visit?
The visit was intended to provide spiritual assistance to inmates, allowing the author to gain insights into the daily lives of those serving sentences under the Gambian penal system.
Which methodology is used to present the findings?
The author employs a narrative and observational methodology, documenting his personal experiences and dialogues during his time as a volunteer.
What does the main body cover?
It covers the journey into the prison, the social dynamics between inmates, the liturgical services held, and the emotional farewells at the end of the visit.
Which keywords best characterize the report?
The report is best characterized by terms like The Gambia, prisoner rehabilitation, spiritual hope, human connection, and penal conditions.
How does the author describe the atmosphere of the prison?
Surprisingly, the author describes an atmosphere more akin to a market or social gathering in some areas, highlighting the communal bonds formed among the inmates.
What is the significance of John Thomas in the narrative?
John Thomas serves as a focal point of the human connection, representing the resilience and hope for a future beyond the prison walls through his passion for music and faith.
Does the author critique the penal system?
The author reflects on the harsh nature of the sentences in the Gambian Criminal Code, particularly for relatively minor offenses, while maintaining an empathetic focus on the individual inmates.
- Quote paper
- Master of Arts in Diplomacy, Law and Global Change Gabriel Vockel (Author), 2002, The drummer called John Thomas - A report from a prison in The Gambia, West Africa, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/66219
