A  two-part workshop series was  organized with the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre focusing on Gender Based Violence and Sexual Harassment.

The first part of the series engaged participants in interactive workshops facilitated by accomplished trainers from the Bureau of Gender Affairs who discussed the identification and elimination of Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Harassment

The second part of the workshop  included  instruction in playing music and learning to read music and introduction to creative writing and dub poetry.

Over 240 inmates were included in the overall programme which included creating written works focused on Gender Based Violence and learning pieces of music which promoted positive values and attitudes.

The music participants were exposed to the techniques of playing the recorder and showed consistent improvement. Due to limitations on instrument availability, a selected number of participants received training on the guitar, keyboard and Traps Drum-set. While some participants had prior knowledge of playing these instruments, there were others for whom this was their first experience.

 

The Creative Writing participants produced several stories and poems focussed on GBV which were shared and suggestions for improvement provided by the facilitator. The participants were divided into three groups to do improvisations. From this exercise, participants created three scripts which they rehearsed for presentation. These were titled, “Wuklis Rass”, “Say No To Abuse” and “Take A Stand”. The scripts were further developed as part of the group work exercise.

 

On August 20 and 21,2025  participants in the GBV Intervention Workshops were acknowledged for their engagement and were given the opportunity to showcase their newly acquired skills. Three songs which were taught in the workshop were performed by the instrumentalists. A poem written by a participant from the creative writing cohort was also performed to the gathering, which included inmates, officers and members of the administration of TSACC.

 

In recognition of outstanding performances, Certificates of Excellence and Merit were presented to participants identified by the facilitators.

 

One of the invited guests, who is an adjudicator with the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission, shared the following thoughts:

“I was totally blown away today by the excellent display of talents that were presented at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre under the auspices of Y.A.R.D. Empire. The exceptional work and commitment invested by Terri Salmon, CEO and creative strategist of Y.A.R.D Empire, certainly deserve kudos. The audience, including myself, was mesmerised by the expert delivery of poetry, music, and drama. The theme, “Ending Gender Based Violence” was quite fitting for the inmates. Every selection seemed to have been carefully crafted and expertly woven to enhance the excellent execution and delivery of the theme, which skillfully explored anger management, elder abuse, and emotional intelligence.  The quality of the presentations by the inmates was of an international standard. The inmates displayed discipline and a high level of professionalism both on and off stage”.

 

involvement with Y.A.R.D. Empire:  

“This is certainly an excellent rehabilitation programme. I hope it grows from strength to strength, allowing inmates to showcase their talents more frequently. Hopefully, the government and the powers that be will invest even more to facilitate the continuation of such an auspicious rehabilitative programme. The slogan “rehabilitate to integrate” was manifested and achieved. When one inmate is lifted up, the entire Jamaica is lifted up. Y.A.R.D. is certainly building a “Golden Empire” at the Tower Street Adult Correctional Centre Kudos to Terri, the board of directors, and all her associates who assisted with the program.
A hearty congratulations!!”