Readers’ reactions

‘Like living in hell’ – Ex-con Berry calls for greater attention to prisoners’ welfare, plans to encourage youths to turn from crime.

Isn’t it supposed to be inhumane and uncomfortable so that people aren’t encouraged to end up there? I’m pretty sure I saw prisoners partying in new Clarks with new Henny bottle which I haven’t been able to afford out here. – @jayjamiejay1

Everyone deserves a second chance. – @ForeveryoungFi1

They can rot in prison for all I care. – @WeiCine

Prisons have to be privatised, for any meaningful improvement in conditions to be realised. – @AstuteFellow

Good idea, the authorities need to implement a system where former inmates, especially Mr. Berry, can speak of his incarceration and his experience islandwide with youngsters especially those affiliated with gang activities. – @ValiantPI

Disappointed he didn’t spend the rest of his days in prison. – @Christi55277921

He looks rather healthy and well fed after 31 years though. – @DiegoThomas_

This is what Jamaicans for Justice is supposed to be talking about. – @MishealScott

A heartless population will always be a violent population, it’s different sides of the same coin. – @SoWhatYoureRea1

What are the conditions of “zinc yards” by comparison? Might be a correlation there. Heard of stories where people commit crimes to purposely become wards of state, getting their basic needs met. Imagine that, poverty leads to crime as means to get structure and needs met. – @MrR3N01

Why? Unnu fi suffer. – @ja_soulja

So wait ya now, you commit crime and want five-star hotel to go serve time? – @McleanDionne

Prison should be where you get reform, skills education and fit for society can’t go in bad and come out worst. – @Talkitlikeitis

This convicted murderer is giving prescription to the society. Does he know how many innocent pensioners are living beneath the poverty line? – @browngriselda53

If only he had a few hit songs, then maybe the hypocrites would be willing to listen, oh well. It’s not like they knew how recidivism affects them either. – @Taz57452735

Prison isn’t a vacation. There are no hotels and beaches. If you don’t want that to be your reality, stay within the confines of the law. – @BoopbettyMz

After killing someone, Linton Berry wants the authorities to value the life of inmates. Many of whom didn’t value the life [they took] that landed them in prison. – @trefraud

What of the lost quality of life for the poor murdered victims and their families? A betta you keep quiet yaw man because these killers a floss wid Henny and champagne inna dem communities. – @DiRealLauren

Readers’ Reactions sourced from The Gleaner’s Twitter page. Compiled by Khanique McDaniel