Prison chapel reopens after $50k spruce up

| 15/05/2014

(CNS) As a result of significant mould problems in the chapel at HMP Northward the facility has been closed for over a year. But after 18 inmates, public works and Edie’s Décor got to work on it the place of worship has been spruced up. After the $52,189 refit the chapel was recently rededicated at an open evening service with prisoners and members of the community. Prison Chaplain Cathy Gomez said the chapel is one of the most widely used facilities in the prison and as prisoners built the original structure they were keen to assist in the renovations.

Each night of the week prisoners attend services in the chapel to which various churches send volunteers. There are also services on Saturday and Sunday mornings, and Bible-study groups during weekdays. In addition Christian Video Ministries screens a Christian movie each month. With the re-opening of the chapel, it is hoped that additional programs will be introduced during the daytime.

“I pray that this sanctuary will be a place of healing and restoration for the prisoners as well as for the staff,” Gomez said.

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  1. Anonymous says:

    where do they find the time to do the christian thing in the chapel with all that ganga they have to gather around the perimeter?

    • Anonymous says:

      Jesus said, "Let he with no sin cast the first stone"…

       

      😉

  2. Dina says:

    Well done!!!

    There are many who will not have the opportunity to have a relationship with the Lord and to get to know him as our Saviour. They have taken the Bible/Prayrer an dicipline out of our schools and replaced it with no proper foundation for our CAYMANIAN children. Therefore leaving our children to learn by their mistakes.

    At some point in time ALL should have the opportunity to have a relationship with God, as our souls is the only thing that can be saved. ALL YOUR WORLDLY POSSESSONS WILL BE NO MORE.

    • Anonymous says:

      You don't need to shout your inherent prejudice by using capitals, but it does help us identify where you are coming from quite easily so thank you.

    • Anonymous says:

      Bring it bsack to schools as an option. Don't go telling my children fairy tales.

    • Jah Dread says:

      There are some  posters who continuosly seem bent on telling us what we should and should not do. To them I say, mind ya business. If you want to be or you are an Atheist more power to you. Just leave us to our way of helping others through religion, charity and good will something you all don't seem to have for the people of these Islands. Pray tell what you doing here anyhow leave if our ways don't suit you will ya.

  3. Anonymous says:

    Cathy Gomez is a woman with a good heart. 

    • Anonymous says:

      This is not about Cathy. How many women and men that have helped out at the prison and is still helping and their names are not surfacing anywhere. This is the reason that we do not produce better fruits as everyone wants recognition. These guys should have been helped many years ago, anyhow better late than never.

  4. Anonymous says:

    Brudda Joey Ebanks must be bursting with pride

    • Anonymous says:

      When God walks in the heart pride walks out. I am pretty sure that you have had some relative in prison or will have at some point and time, or perhaps you have been there yourself or was lucky and was not caught. Drugs and stealing are not the only wrongs. Say "Thank God I have been lucky".

  5. Anonymous says:

    Prisoners turn to religion to get out of jail.

    Politicians do the same, they use religion to gain control over the naives.

    Irritating . . . . .

    • Anonymous says:

      I think there is a syllogism here:

      Criminals turn to religion to get out of jail.

      Politicians turn to religion to avoid jail.

      Therefore politicians are probably criminals.

  6. Fatima Prayer says:

    "O my Jesus,

    Forgive us our sins,

    Save us from the fires of hell,

    Lead all souls into heaven,

    Especially those most in need of thy mercies.

    Amen"

  7. Anonymous says:

    The moment they step foot out of Northward they are back to their ole ways – so this is a waste of money – bet they won't step foot in a church when they are free. – should have spent that money on the mentall ill!

  8. Anonymous says:

    Hope Joey is attending for his share of the healing and restoration!!

  9. Anonymous says:

    Instead of building a chapel and spending precious funds on that, couldn't the money and the labour of the prisoners go to building much needed mental health faclities somewhere on the island?

  10. Anonymous says:

    And surely this money came from the churches or religious groups rather than the public purse . . .

  11. Anonymous says:

    What an awful waste of money.

  12. Lawless Caymanas says:

    Well done to all involved.

    • Anonymous says:

      Cathy you are a true Woman of Grace.  God Bless for all you do for the inmates and the community at large.

       

      • Castor says:

        It's really amazing the naysayers and negative comments on this article. Obviously these are people who have never had a son, relative, friend in prison. Keep up the good work.