THE EDITOR, Sir:
MY NAME is Hugh Anderson, an inmate at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre. I am sincerely appealing to all the young youth out there in society to stay away from prison, stay away from crime and violence, it's not worth it... Life behind prison bars isn't easy, it's bizarre, wicked, hard, it's not a bed of roses.
My brothers I have fallen short and now spending time behind bars, trying to correct my mistake. So I am encouraging you not to make the same mistake I've made, you have the chance today, put away the badness, it's madness, and sadness.
I know it's not easy out there. This might sound "ludicrous" but I rather I was out there hungry, barefooted, selling Stars and bag juice on the street instead of being in prison today, it's not a bed of roses.
My life behind prison bars is the worst experience I have ever encountered, but it's a learning process for me, it taught me to be humble, gentle, loving, caring, encouraging, tolerant, patient and forgiving. These things help me to project a positive self-esteem with a great outlook on life. But my brothers you don't have to commit yourself to be sent to prison to gain these things. It's not an easy road; you have the opportunity today, make the best of it, try to gain an education or a vocational skill and get yourself involved in a good support group that will help you to make positive decisions.
If you have a problem or someone offended you, please don't resort to violence. Try and talk to someone you can trust and rely on to help you. Solve your problems in a peaceful manner. I am a true witness. Victim and survivor. The only real comfort I find in prison is serving God; and you don't have to come to prison to serve Him, you can seek Him right this minute and He will attend to your needs.
I am, etc.,
HUGH C. ANDERSON
2-4 Tower Street
Adult Correctional Centre
Kingston
