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‘You never judged us’ – HMP Inmate Sylon S. Forbes

Sylon S. Forbes speaking on what the programme has meant for him. Photo: VINO
Sylvon S. Forbes showered praises on counselor Rev. Selwyn L. Vanterpool MBE, MA, MPs, L.Th. (above). “You never judged us, you are like a father figure to us,” he told Mr Vanterpool who humbly nodded. Photo: VINO
Sylvon S. Forbes showered praises on counselor Rev. Selwyn L. Vanterpool MBE, MA, MPs, L.Th. (above). “You never judged us, you are like a father figure to us,” he told Mr Vanterpool who humbly nodded. Photo: VINO
Forbes was one of the several who successfully completed rehabilitative programmes at Her Majesty's prison. Photo: VINO
Forbes was one of the several who successfully completed rehabilitative programmes at Her Majesty's prison. Photo: VINO
BALSUM GHUT, Tortola, VI – Sylon S. Forbes was one of three inmates at Her Majesty’s Prison, Balsum Ghut who testified as to the benefits derived from their participation in the recently concluded rehabilitation programmes.

“Positive thinking brings success,” he testified before his fellow inmates, relatives, government official including Minister for Education and Culture Honourable Myron V. Walwyn and Speaker of the House Honourable Ingrid A. Moses among others.

He had requested to speak despite not listed on the programme as he wanted to let the world know how much his and peers’ lives were impacted by the non-judgmental and fatherly figure of counselor Rev. Selwyn L. Vanterpool MBE, MA, MPs, L.Th.

“You never judged us, you are like a father figure to us,” he told Mr Vanterpool who humbly nodded.

Earlier in the programme as listed Mr Forbes testified that though the ‘Just Think’ programme he had come to realize that his thinking determines his general behaviour and response to situations in life.

“When my thinking has been negative, that is passive or aggressive, my behaviour was negative. Whereas when my thinking was positive that is assertive, my behaviour and the final outcome was positive and respectful of the rights and feelings of others as well as my own,” he said.

He said that through the programme he has grown emotionally and spiritually and he is now able to challenge his negative thoughts and replace them with positive, assertive and productive ones.

“Before taking any action,” he said, “I now stop and think. I am 100% certain that if I was aware of and practicing the insights gained from the ‘Just Think' course I would not be incarcerated at this time. Because of the ‘Just Think’ course I am looking forward to a bright and successful future,” he said.

Forbes is currently serving time after on March 28, 2013, Police arrested and charged him on one count of Rape and one count of Possession of Child Pornography. He is Trinidadian national who was at the time residing in the Settlement, Anegada. The crime was committed on March 9, 2013.

11 Responses to “‘You never judged us’ – HMP Inmate Sylon S. Forbes”

  • political mileage (17/12/2014, 08:41) Like (13) Dislike (7) Reply
    This particular minister takes more photos than dr smith and the governor combined...LOL....He has his own photographer?
  • look @ the photos (17/12/2014, 08:44) Like (32) Dislike (7) Reply
    BIRDS OF A FEATHER FLOCK TOGETHER
  • weed (17/12/2014, 12:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Good to hear he has changed
  • qc (17/12/2014, 13:55) Like (4) Dislike (3) Reply
    never knew he was in jail for that....hope punkin taking care of he
  • ey (17/12/2014, 13:56) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    This programme seems to be making an impact on these young men. Wish there were more Preachers like Rev Vanterpool, he does not just talk the talk but he walks the talk.
  • Ok Then! (17/12/2014, 14:38) Like (10) Dislike (0) Reply
    Can we have one of these programs in the high school?? Because those kids need help now! Not when its too late..
  • She (18/12/2014, 00:02) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    GOD SHE LOVES TO BE IN PHOTOS
  • LO (23/12/2014, 12:37) Like (0) Dislike (0) Reply
    He who is without Sin cast the first stone. I see a lot of stone throwers commenting. Respect to the man of God who saw beyond the faults of those incarcerated and saw redeeming qualities. To those that took advantage of the programs offered Good for you. Be encouraged and do not allow the negativity of others to hold you back.


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