Last evening, at the residence of the Canadian High Commission, we hosted a fundraiser for Youth Opportunities Unlimited. The movie “Songs of Redemption” was screened, with the filmmaker Nando Garcia Guereta in attendance. It is the story of the Kingston penitentiary system and how music is used as a tool to help the inmates achieve rehabilitation.

It is, as you would imagine, a powerful yet also both depressing and uplifting film. We had a wonderful turnout, with the Minister of Justice Mark Golding and Minister of Education Ronald Thwaites, as well as numerous other dignitaries in attendance. The Canadian High Commissioner Robert Ready and his wife Joanne Ready were instrumental in organizing and hosting the event.

We also watched a performance from Irie Souljah, a reggae artist from Spain. It was another wonderful evening under the moon and stars.