FORMER HOSTAGE SHARES EXPERIENCES WITH HYDEBANK PRISONERS


Former Beirut hostage Terry Waite today spoke of his experiences in captivity to an audience of inmates at Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre.

Mr Waite, a trustee for the Butler Trust, which recognises the achievements of prison officers, was paying his first visit to a Northern Ireland Prison. He was present to receive cheques totalling more than £4,000 for Northern Ireland charities, from prison staff and inmates.

During his stay, he toured the women’s unit at Ash House and delivered a lecture to 75 inmates in the prison chapel.

The former church envoy, who spent four years as a hostage after being kidnapped by Islamic Jihad, was impressed by the rapport between staff and inmates at Hydebank.

“One of the good things about this prison is the open attitude that exists with the prisoners and the good relationship there is between prison staff and prisoners,” he said.

“A lot of people think that prisons these days are too soft but what people who have never been in prison don’t realise is that deprivation of liberty is in itself a very great punishment.”

Mr Waite, who has toured dozens of prisons throughout the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, said it was vital that inmates were encouraged to use their time productively for re-integration into society.

“Prison isn’t just about punishment but about helping people get back on their feet and you do that by having a good relationship with prisoners.”

He said his time as a captive in the Lebanese capital had taught him to make the most of adversity.

“My message to prisoners is that everybody in life faces problems. Some are more severe than others but a difficulty or a tragedy needn’t be totally destructive. Often something positive can come from it.”

Kerry Roberts, one of the female inmates who met Mr Waite, said: “To meet someone who has been through that experience makes it easier to deal with what we are going through. It is nothing compared to what he has endured.”


Hydebank Governor Stephen Davis said: “This shows that prisons can contribute much to and make a real difference to the community.
“These are an example of a wide range of projects that we are running to help worthwhile causes. It is a credit to the dedication of both staff and inmates.”


Notes to Editors

A cheque for £1,000 was presented to the Northern Ireland Chest, Heart and Stroke Association and two cheques totalling almost £3,200 were given to the Ulster Cancer Fund.

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