Inmates to exhibit works of art expressing their remorse

By Talaia Mika

APIA, SAMOA – 22 AUGUST 2022: A unique art exhibition is in the making for this coming November.

The art exhibition to be held at the Taumeasina Island Resort, will display the art works by the inmates at the Tanumalala prison that will express their remorse and to make amends for what they did wrong that put them behind bars.

It is part of the rehabilitation project for inmates so they can continue a meaningful life when they are released after serving their time.

The art exhibition is a collaboration headed by Senior Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Vui Clarence Nelson and the British High Commission in Apia as part of the rehabilitation program at Tanumalala prison.

“Crucially, this art exhibition will be unique as it will portray repentance and apologies by the inmates for their unlawful decisions which led them to Tanumalala,” according to Justice Nelson.

“This is one way for you to make amends for your mistakes, by painting or reading the Bible, let it be your apology to God, to the country and to the law you’ve broken,” Justice Nelson said to the inmates.

Justice Vui Clarence Nelson (left corner) with Police Commissioner Auapaau Logoitino Filipo, British chargé d’affaires to Samoa, Robert Owell and four inmates showing off their artwork – a handshake of friendship between Britain and Samoa.

There are currently over five hundred inmates at Tanumalala, but only those who have been in prison for more than a year are eligible for the rehabilitation program and the exhibition.

Proceeds from the exhibition will go towards the prison development and part will be distributed among the artists.

The British High Commission will be funding a well-known overseas-based Samoan artist Papalii Penehuro to train and coach the inmates with their art skills for two months.

According to the Deputy Police Commissioner, Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga, these programs occupy the inmates’ time in prison and up-skill them in preparation for a meaningful life after their release.

“That way when they’re released, they’ll have something to do in their communities and families, to help them make money and so forth,” he added.

“The rehab program is very useful from our observation, some previous inmates who have been released have put up their own businesses and showed real improvement and that’s what we pray for, as a result of this program,” Leiataua explained.