Parolees, Lloyd Smart (left) and Douglas Hayles. - Photo by Adrian Frater

Adrian Frater, News Editor

Western Bureau:

When parolees Douglas Hayles and Lloyd Smart were released from prison months apart in 1990 and 1991, respectively, the two childhood friends, originally from Montego Bay in St. James, promised the Parole Board that prison would not be a part of their future.

The men, who were sentenced to 32 years in prison in 1981 after being convicted for robbery, burglary and shooting with intent, had both become accomplished musicians in prison and had decided to join forces and make a life out of music.

Through the help of the charitable organisation Food For the Poor with which they had made contact while in prison, the men received a set of musical instruments on their release and started their new life with hopes of becoming accomplished musicians.

Strong temptation

The men returned to St. James and finding the type of life that landed them in prison still a strong temptation, they moved to Westmoreland and later Lucea, in Hanover, where they settled on lands owned by Hayles's family. It was there that they formed their own band, the 'Burning Needs'.

"Getting the band going was very easy because we were both members of bands in prison, so we knew what it was all about," said Hayles. "It was I who formed the Blues of Life Band at the St. Catherine District Prison and Lloyd (Smart) was a vocalist with Inner Expression Band at General Penitentiary."

In the just over 16 years since they left prison, things have been going very well for Hayles and Smart, who are both 48 years old. Another childhood friend, Ian Kerr, who was also convicted and sentenced for the same crime they had committed, joined the band a few years after it was formed.

"Things were going great, the band was getting a lot of work and we have even had one tour of South America," said Hayles, a classy bass player. "In addition to the band, I also formed a sound system, Black Majesty, built a small recording studio and established a small grocery shop."

One month ago, on April 12, the men's dream literally went up in smoke as the entire complex, housing shop, dwelling house and studio was burnt to the ground, allegedly by a group of young men, two of whom were reportedly held on the scene by the police.

Lost personal belongings

"These guys (the alleged arsonists) wanted to take over some lands that Hayles inherited from his family," said Smart, who lives elsewhere with his family. "Because he would not allow them to do as they pleased, they decided to burn down the place."

The fire resulted in the loss of the sound system, over 1,000 records and all the personal belongings of Hayles and his three children, who live with him, but were spending time with his mother at the time of the fire.

"I was inside when the building was set on fire and when I ran outside I was attacked with stones by the men," said Hayles, who thinks he is lucky to be alive. "I put the total damage at J$3 million, but in terms of what I had put in and was expecting in return, it was priceless."

Since the incident, Hayles said he has been facing a serious mental dilemma: part of him is crying out for revenge yet when he thinks of the consequences, especially his children's future, he has had to be restraining himself.

"Some of our old friends from the past are saying we should defend it (take revenge)," said Smart, who has since resorted to an old skill of making roots tonic. "The temptation has been very great."

Hayles, who has been moving around from the home of one friend to another since the incident, is particularly distressed by the fact that his children, who are staying with different friends, have not been able to attend school.

"It really dread on him," said Smart. "I have to be constantly talking to him and counselling him that at our grandfather age (48 years old), we should be thinking about the happy ever after instead of prison and running from police."

Smart, who still has the Food For the Poor letter they received in prison, stating that they would be granted the original instruments for the band, as a memento, said he is hoping that some Good Samaritan will come to their assistance and help them to put the band back together.

"I still believe we are capable of reacquiring all the things we got through the band because we are the same men, with the same ability, and the same desire to keep the promise we made to the Parole Board and Food For the Poor when we left prison," said Smart. "All we want is another start."

Despite the temptations clouding his mind, Hayles said his ultimate desire is to remain a man, whom his children can be proud of. He is hoping that time and help will heal his wounded soul.