Food for the Poor pays prisoners fines

At least 17 prisoners who were sentenced after committing minor offences will be released tomorrow.



Charity organisation Food for the Poor said it would be paying the fines for the prisoners as a Christmas gift.



According to Prison Ministry Coordinator at the Food for the Poor, Sandra Ramsay the fines vary from $1,200 to $60,000.



Mrs. Ramsay said the prisoners were selected by prison officials and will be taken from five of the island’s correctional facilities.



She said the offences include simple larceny, minor traffic violations or ganja charges.



The programme started in 2000 with the help of a Jamaican couple living in Florida.



This Christmas’ programme will cost the organisation $600,000.