Jassmin Peter offers a glimpse inside an important part of Singapore's living history and discovers a surprisingly hopeful future for those eager to make a fresh start.
Painful past
First constructed by the British as a civilian prison in 1936, Changi Prison was named after the peninsula on which it stood, at the east end of Singapore. The area was the British Army's principal base in Singapore and as a result, boasted an extensive and well-constructed military infrastructure - including three major barracks and several smaller camps. During World War II, Changi Prison became a collection of several Prisoner of War (POW) and internee camps and soon became synonymous with suffering.
Initially, prisoners were allowed to wander freely around the area, but in 1942, fences were erected, dividing the individual camps and restricting movement. Throughout World War II the prison underwent phases in construction. Gardens and reasonably well-equipped camp hospitals were established, dilapidated infrastructures restored and allied POWs built a chapel using simple tools and random materials. For a period of time, there was even a university operating in the camp, but it was eventually closed.
Following the war and the eventual withdrawal of British troops in 1971, the Changi military area was reclaimed by the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) and continues to operate as one of Singapore's main military facilities today. Changi Chapel & Museum (www.changimuseum.com) is dedicated to all who lived and died in Singapore during World War II.
High-tech rebuild
In 2000, Changi Prison was demolished and Changi Prison Complex (www.prisons.gov.sg) established, with the front gates of the old prison preserved for posterity. Built to accommodate 1,561 inmates, the Complex covers 13 acres, includes a women's prison and rehabilitation centre, and is enclosed by a 3,000-foot long, 24-foot high concrete wall. Each section is fitted with high security doors and corridors are monitored round the clock.
Infamous inmates
The main prison is a maximum security reformatory for Singapore's most hardened male criminals - those considered to be unlikely candidates for rehabilitation, serving long sentences or on death row. Execution by hanging is carried out on Friday mornings. Statistics are no longer released, but Amnesty International (www.amnesty.org) believes Singapore executes up to 10 prisoners each year. Changi Prison is also one place in Singapore where judicial corporal punishment by caning is performed.
Notorious Western criminals who've served sentences at Changi Prison include:
- Nick Leeson The British rogue trader, whose unchecked risk-taking caused the collapse of Barings Bank, served four years of a six and-a-half year sentence. He was released after being diagnosed with colon cancer. He is now CEO of Irish Football club Galway United.
- Michael McCrae (aka Mike Townsend) A British financial advisor currently serving the fourth year of a 24-year sentence, for the gruesome double murder of his driver and his driver's girlfriend.
- Nguyen Tuong Van A Thai-born Vietnamese Australian, executed at 25 years of age in 2005 after being caught with 396 grams of heroin at Changi Airport - en route from Cambodia to Australia.
Daily drill
Inmates operate on a well-planned itinerary. Each day starts with a roll call, followed by physical activities to encourage fitness, relieve pressure, build sportsmanship and encourage interaction. As the Complex boasts one of the biggest laundries in Singapore - responsible for cleaning bedsheets for the SAF and most local hospitals - inmates are given the opportunity to adjust to working life and earn a modest income, which they can use to support their families or pay for education. Academic classes are conducted by Ministry of Education teachers and inmates can sit for Basic Education For Skills Training college courses and GCE O and A-Level exams. They can also contribute to society by becoming involved in activities to support community events, such as compiling fun-packs for National Day Parade attendees.
The Yellow Ribbon Project (www.yellowribbon.org.sg), established in 2000 and spearheaded by the Community Action for the Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders (CARE) Network, works hard to raise awareness of challenges faced by ex-inmates through conferences, job fairs, events and fundraising activities. September's inaugural Yellow Ribbon Prison Run led participants through the Complex, while passing historical sites such as Johor Battery and Changi Chapel Museum.
Inspired by the song, Tie a Yellow Ribbon 'Round the Old Oak Tree, which is based on the real-life tale of an ex-offender's journey to forgiveness, the act of wearing a yellow ribbon is now known as a sign of acceptance. By revealing the social stigmas ex-offenders face, the Project hopes society will be less inclined to ostracise those who've demonstrated a willingness to change, by giving them a second chance and the support required for successful rehabilitation. As tragically, those not given such opportunities may re-offend - if only to return to the ordered world they understand and are accepted in.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Befriend an ex-offender, coordinate or assist at a fundraising event, provide skills training or instruct sports, art and music programmes for inmates and ex-offenders, or screen a movie at your social group or workplace to encourage awareness. Tel: 6546 9539 or 6214 2816/832/860, www.prison-volunteers.gov.sg,
www.yellowribbon.org.sg, Email: yellow_ribbon_proj@yahoo.com.sg
Posted Nov 09
