Prison poinsettia scheme returns

HMP La Moye inmates are once again supplying the Co-Op with approximately 2,000 poinsettias for the festive season. 

For the past five years, inmates have grown poinsettias as part of a rehabilitation scheme. The plants are grown by prisoners in glasshouses over the summer and autumn months, and prisoners are responsible for keeping the plants healthy until they reach maturity. 

Poinsettias are difficult to grow as they are susceptible to a range of pests and diseases, so they provide an educational opportunity for the prisoners as well as providing meaningful work for nearly six months of the year. 

Once the plants reach full maturity, they begin to turn red and are ready for sale. Many prisoners involved in the scheme purchase some of the plants to offer to family and friends when they visit.

As for the rest of the plants, they are supplied to Co-Op for sale to the public. All the proceeds from sales are reinvested in the project and fund the materials needed to produce next year’s crop. 

Lesley Harrison, Head of Reducing Reoffending at SoJP, said: “This project doesn’t just produce a plant that many of us associate with Christmas, it’s a means of reducing reoffending through prisoner rehabilitation.  It’s one of several schemes that our dedicated team of officers and prison support staff provide so that we can make our island safer, and reduce the costs associated with criminal behavior.

“We are extremely grateful to the Co-op for their ongoing support, and for enabling us to deliver education and training that ensures that prisoners are work-ready and community-ready.”