Celebrating Success, Confronting Reality: GARD Center’s Soap-Making Programme Closing Ceremony by Brent Simon
On Monday, 8th December 2025, the GARD Center proudly hosted the closing ceremony of its Soap-Making Training Programme – an initiative designed to transform skills into opportunities and give participants from His Majesty’s Prisons a foothold toward a better future.
The programme which ran from November 4th,2025 was completed at the ceremony which challenged the participants to invest in themselves, commit to change, and step toward reintegration with purpose.
Mrs. Cheryl Samuel/Soap-Making Tutor, gave her expert guidance as the participants explored the science and craft of soap production, experimenting with formulas, natural additives, scents and different techniques.
Throughout the training, in addition to making the products they built discipline, teamwork, confidence and resilience. it is hopeful that all of these traits would enhance the inmates return to society.
The ceremony celebrated persons who chose to grow and learn and have also chosen to believe they can create something different with their lives.
Officials present at the event were:
– Bishop Juan Miguel Simson – Chairman, GARD Center Board of Directors
– Rev’d Jacqueline H Liddell – Secretary, GARD Center Board of Directors
– Dame J.M. Eusalyn Lewis, DCN, OBE – Vice Chairman
– Mrs. June Jackson – Executive Director
– Mrs. Angela Ephraim – Principal
– Ms. Janice Micheal – Permanent Secretary Ministry of Public Safety and Labour
– Col. Trevor Pennyfeather – Superintendent, His Majesty’s Prisons
– Mrs. Cheryl Samuel – Soap-Making Tutor
– Ms. Micheala Harris – Rehabilitation Assistant Coordinator, His Majesty’s Prisons
– Mr. Kirthley Maginley – Member, GARD Center Board of Directors
Their presence underscored the wider commitment to rehabilitation and the belief that structured skills training can help break cycles and rebuild lives.
Congratulation to the Graduates:
Mr. Kenworth Charles
Ms. Jay Marie Chin
Mr. Akeem Henry
Ms. Brittany Jno-Baptiste
Mr. Lindell Matthew
Mr. Corey Mills
Mr. George Thomas
Ms. Kenisha Whyte
While programmes like these can’t erase the past they can help prevent future harm by giving individuals the structures, skills, and a real alternative to the paths that led them to prison in the first place.