Having received presents, most mothers would be enjoying a sumptuous Sunday lunch in the company of their children and loved ones today. For the incarcerated females at the Women's Prison, Arouca, their special day was yesterday, the eve of Mother's Day.This was the day they were allowed to spend quality time with their children and relatives.It was an initiative of the Trinidad and Tobago Prison Service in collaboration with Prison Fellowship Trinidad and Tobago and the Soroptimist Club.Under tents draped with Phagwa-coloured buntings, they hugged, kissed, cried and chatted with their children.
The consensus among them was they dreadfully missed their children and their homes. More importantly, they were penitent about their crimes ranging like capital offences and drug trafficking.As the Tamana Hills grew distant, aunt Judith Moreno and Joshua, 10, made the trek to Arouca to visit his mother Diana Pascall. Presenting him with a huge Birthday Card, Pascall said: "I feel good to see them. I am so happy when he comes to visit. I made the card for him for his birthday on Tuesday."Nuzzling his head closer, Joshua said: "I am happy to see her. I miss her." An etching read "My Tiger Prince."
Pascall set about learning plumbing and studying for CXC since she was intent on getting a "legal job."Quizzed on how she felt about seeing her mother, Toye Sooklal, and daughter Latisha Collins, six, Asha Sooklal said: "Excited." Asha had wasted no time in getting her face painted.Pulling her tighter, Sooklal added: "It's kind of depressing. The last time I saw her was Christmas. I have seen a lot of changes in her."Serious about improving her lot, Sooklal had enrolled in several self development programmes."It's not nice being away from family, friends and children. It's hard waiting in prison."
Volunteering a kernel of wisdom, Sooklal said: "Trouble does come on a horse and leave on a snail."Yet all was not lost since Sooklal had established communion with the Creator. She said the opening prayer.The senior Sooklal would be spending Mother's Day without her daughter. Shaking her head, she said: "It's hard. But we have to be there in whatever way we can for each other."
Margaret Elcock: 'Woman YouAre Precious'
Offering words of comfort and motivation, CEO Isaac 98.1 FM Radio Margaret Elcock said: "Woman: you are special. You are created for a purpose. You must know how special you are. God has a plan for your life."Elcock told them God understood their pain, hurt and loneliness. But they must seize the opportunity to get to know him.Elcock, who was accompanied by her mother Edna Toppin, shared her personal tragedy of losing her son who was stricken with cerebral palsy. She said: "He never walked or talked. But he kept me on my knees. But I know he is in a better place. I am a different person."To top off the reunion, prisoners were given toiletry bags. The children got snack bags. Displaying their singing and spoken word talents, the children including La Toya Johnson paid tribute to their beloved mothers.