SINT MAARTEN (GREAT BAY) - The Correction Department at the Point Blanche Correctional Institution hosted a highly impactful Empowerment Session on Monday, November 24, 2025, centered on the theme “Pathways to Purpose – Unlocking Potential.”
The afternoon brought inspiration and reflection to the inmate population through powerful messages delivered by guest speakers Dr. Ann Marlin-Evans and Dr. Nolan Nanton, who are both respected motivational and spiritual leaders.
In her opening remarks, the organizer of the event, Manager of Corrections Mrs. Henrietta Doran-York, welcomed the inmates and highlighted the significance of the day’s theme. She noted that purpose is something deeply personal and enduring, stating: “Purpose is something that cannot be taken away from you — it can only be rediscovered, strengthened, and lived out one step at a time. Today is one of those steps.”
Doran-York also encouraged the inmates to listen with openness and to embrace the opportunity for growth, adding: “I encourage you to take in whatever speaks to your heart today, and let it help shape a better tomorrow for yourselves.”
Dr. Nanton and Dr. Marlin-Evans delivered powerful alternating motivational messages that touched on resilience, discipline, spiritual strength, emotional healing, and the importance of self-awareness and accountability.
These sessions not only captivated the inmates, but also the staff that were present were deeply moved by these presentations.
Dr. Marlin-Evans impressed upon the fact that although the past explains their scars, they should know that they are not their scars anymore.
Dr. Nanton during his presentation told the inmates that even if a diamond has been buried in mud, when it is taken out and cleaned up, it is still a beautiful diamond.
Their combined approach created a balanced and engaging session, culminating in a joint Question & Answer segment that allowed inmates to seek guidance and ask meaningful questions.
At the close of the program, the President of the Inmates’ Association Mr. Dante Ottley expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the inmate population. In his short but heartfelt remarks, he thanked the speakers for seeing beyond the inmates’ circumstances and speaking to their potential: “Your words reminded us that purpose doesn’t disappear because of our mistakes — it is still inside of us, waiting to be rebuilt. Today you gave us something many of us don’t always feel: hope. Hope that we can grow. Hope that we can change. Hope that our story is not over. Your words reminded us that purpose doesn’t disappear because of our mistakes — it is still inside of us, waiting to be rebuilt.”
Ms. Doran-York stated that this Empowerment Session marks the first in a new series of structured motivational and developmental programs at the Point Blanche Correctional Institution.
She closed by stating: "The Management Team affirms its commitment to continuing such initiatives, recognizing the importance of consistent guidance and structured empowerment as part of the inmates’ rehabilitation journey.
“This Institution believes firmly that transformation is a continuous process and intends to build on the success of this first session, as sessions like these form an important part of the prison’s mission to encourage positive transformation and support inmates into developing new perspectives, skills, and inner strength”.
https://www.soualiganewsday.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=63690:inmates-impacted-by-powerful-empowerment-session&Itemid=450
