Madison Caribbean Adventures - Talent Behind the Walls

My Caribbean Adventures series continue and we are still highlighting my trip to the beautiful island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. If you've read the others in this series then you may know that I spent the last two weeks in December there. That means that I got to enjoy Christmas in the Caribbean. Lots of sunshine and of course a few raindrops here and there but nothing major. Today I want to share with you another tradition that is done in St. Vincent. It's called Talent Behind the Walls. Well if you're wondering what it's all about let me give you a brief rundown of what it is. Every year the prisoners at Her Majesty's Prison get to highlight their talents, whether it be poetry or singing. After all just because you're in prison doesn't mean that your life is over. It's also something the people of St. Vincent have come to look forward to every year. Entry is via donation to see them perform. One thing to note is that they are separated by bars and police protection so we are totally safe.


My Sunday started off bright and sunny and mommy got me dressed and ready to go. I had never seen someone in prison before and the fact that they were having a concert was a novelty to me. Then again they are human beings just like me and deserve to have a bit of fun right? I surely think so.


I was very surprised at how much people actually showed up to this concert. I had no idea that there would have been so many people there. There are no seats to sit so we all had to stand up and watch the performance. Being only 2 I couldn't see much but mommy did lift me up every once in a while so I can take in some of the performances. There were vendors at the concert and I got to enjoy my very first Vincy snow-cone. A Vincy (what Vincentians call themselves) snow-cone consists of shaved ice, syrup and condensed milk and tastes absolutely delicious. I also got some popcorn which I just happen to love.


The performances were a lot of fun to listen to although I had a difficult time understanding what they were saying at times. While the country of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a British territory and the primary language is English, they also have a dialect that only West Indians understand. I do however understand some, not all, of it since mommy speaks it to me.


I was able to see performances from not only the male prisoners on the island but also the female prisoners too. Songs included traditional Christmas carols and then songs that the inmates composed themselves. The composed songs were the funniest ones and mommy had so much fun laughing out loud at a few of them.


Here is one of the performance that mommy just happened to record while we were there. I hope you're able to understand the Vincy dialect. It can be fun hearing them speak and trying to understand what they're saying.


If you're ever in St. Vincent and the Grenadines around the Christmas holidays, you'll want to put the Talent Behind the Walls on your schedule of things to do. I'm glad I was able to attend and enjoy it along with mommy and my sister Krxssy. Be sure to try the snow cone and the popcorn. You'll love it.



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63 comments

  1. Masshole MommyJanuary 21, 2015 at 12:42 PM

    I had absolutely no idea anything like this was done anywhere. When I think of prisoners, I think of hardened criminals, so not really the kin of thing I would want to expose myself of family to. Just goes to show the cultural differences, right?

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 1:33 PM

      That's the thing Robin, they're not all hardened criminals. The crime rate is a LOT lower than any state in the US. We were also pretty safe and away from them. Unlike the US where we may not be able to have one of these because of fear that the prisoner would run away, these only look for the chance to showcase their talent if only for a day. :)

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  2. UnknownJanuary 21, 2015 at 1:27 PM

    What a great way for people to show off their talent. Your camera is amazing with the video... was it your cell phone or DSLR?

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 1:34 PM

      Hi Maria it really is and we used a DSLR. Not sure if our Samsung Galaxy S5 would have done such great a job.

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  3. Susan@Organized31January 21, 2015 at 1:53 PM

    I'm so jealous, I've always wanted to go to the Caribbean. Looks like you have a wonderful time.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:49 PM

      I did have a wonderful time and if you get a chance to go I would say take it.

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  4. UnknownJanuary 21, 2015 at 2:00 PM

    This brought a big smile to my face. :) Thank you so much for sharing it - it's so unique and about a talent show that I would have never read about otherwise. Very touching.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:50 PM

      I'm so happy I was able to make you smile. It is something much different than what we're accustomed to here in the US for sure.

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    2. Pamela ::Still Dating My SpouseJanuary 22, 2015 at 8:49 PM

      It made me smile as well. The entertainment was wonderful. Makes me wish I was there. We will have to plan a trip to the Caribbean during the holiday season.

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  5. LisaJanuary 21, 2015 at 2:27 PM

    it looks like you had a really great time! That popcorn looks amazing! I want some!

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:50 PM

      The next time I'll be sure to save some for you and I did have a marvelous time.

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  6. Wrapped Up N UJanuary 21, 2015 at 2:44 PM

    This was big an adventure Madison and we are truly blessed you shared it with us. It goes to show you should never judge a book by the cover. You looked like you had a blast! Oh and by the way I really want to try the popcorn and snow cones too!

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:51 PM

      You really shouldn't judge a book by its cover and I really did have a great time especially with my popcorn and snow cones.

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  7. UnknownJanuary 21, 2015 at 3:41 PM

    That's such an experience. Everyone has their talent and at least they got to share it with the other people no matter what their situation was.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:51 PM

      That is so true Danielle and it was a great experience. Hopefully I'll be able to experience it one again.

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  8. UnknownJanuary 21, 2015 at 3:53 PM

    St. Vincent and The Grenadines are definitely on my list. Hidden gems of the Caribbean! They are both on my bucket list! Love the dialect!

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:52 PM

      I hope you'll be able to visit one day. I just know you'll love it.

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  9. Jen BJanuary 21, 2015 at 3:59 PM

    This looks amazing!! It looks like a wonderful time and I think its wonderful that this is done by the prisoners!

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:53 PM

      Yes it's great of the government to let them showcase their talents for us to see.

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  10. Ann JonesJanuary 21, 2015 at 5:01 PM

    I love that last pic, cutest expression :) I think it's great that they let the prisoners sing, they are still people and should be treated as such. It sounds like it was an interesting show!

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:54 PM

      It really was a great show and I had a great time while I was there. I agree they are still human beings and should be treated as such. Giving them a short time to entertain others is something they look forward to along with the people of the country.

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  11. Erika AwakeningJanuary 21, 2015 at 5:29 PM

    I love your photos. Thanks for writing about something more "edgy" like this and opening our hearts and minds :)

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:54 PM

      You're very welcome Erika and I'm happy that you liked them.

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  12. RebeccaJanuary 21, 2015 at 5:30 PM

    what a cool idea. I love live music and if these prisoners have talent why now share it with others. I think everyone deserves a second chance if they truly mean to change their lives. Very cool program.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:55 PM

      Thank you Becca and I agree with you. Everyone deserves a second chance in life. These prisoners did something wrong but we all do every once in a while. It's great that they give them just a little bit of time to entertain others during the Christmas season which is a season of giving.

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  13. Lois Alter MarkJanuary 21, 2015 at 5:58 PM

    So interesting to learn about different cultures, and this event sounds like it was great.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:56 PM

      It really was great and it was great sharing it with you.

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  14. AngelaMJanuary 21, 2015 at 6:08 PM

    This is so neat. I think it is great that they let the prisoners have a little fun. They are human just like us they just made a mistakes and got caught. Thanks for sharing your adventure.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:56 PM

      You're very welcome Angela and I agree with you 100%.

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  15. Liz MaysJanuary 21, 2015 at 7:10 PM

    This sounds like an incredible progressive program. I'd love to go to this event and show these people some support!

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:56 PM

      I hope that if you're ever in St. Vincent during the Christmas holidays that you'll be able to attend.

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  16. mystickitchenJanuary 21, 2015 at 7:10 PM

    What a amazing experience! My husband and I got to visit the Caribbean side of Mexico last year- it was beautiful and the people were more than friendly! I love the Caribbean!

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:57 PM

      The Caribbean is a beautiful place although Mexico isn't considered the Caribbean but I'm sure it's still beautiful. I've personally never been there. :)

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  17. Christy GJanuary 21, 2015 at 7:47 PM

    The Vincy snow cone sounds amazing. I would to visit another country one of these days.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 9:57 PM

      It's great to visit other countries and experience different cultures. I'm hoping to visit a few more when I get older.

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  18. mail4roseyJanuary 21, 2015 at 10:02 PM

    I bet it's something the prisoners look forward to too. I've never seen anything like it, except in movies, and even then not quite the same!

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 21, 2015 at 10:37 PM

      I'm sure it is since it's their one day to shine and show us on the outside that there is something they can do when they get out.

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  19. CzjaiJanuary 22, 2015 at 5:54 AM

    Looks like a fun event! And thanks for sharing the video! :)

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  20. DeDa StudiosJanuary 22, 2015 at 6:39 AM

    This is a very unique experience. Looks like you have a fantastic time with great music.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 22, 2015 at 10:09 AM

      I did have a great time and it was fun music indeed.

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  21. C (Kid Things)January 22, 2015 at 7:18 AM

    It looks like such an amazing, special event. I would love to visit around there one day.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 22, 2015 at 10:09 AM

      I hope you're able to one day. I know you'll love the island for its beauty.

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  22. Kelly HutchinsonJanuary 22, 2015 at 9:05 AM

    What a fantastic cultural event for the family to enjoy. I love music, so this would be great for me.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 22, 2015 at 10:09 AM

      It sure was a lot of fun for me and everyone that was there.

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  23. UnknownJanuary 22, 2015 at 9:14 AM

    This looks really cool! What a wonderfully unique experience!

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 22, 2015 at 10:10 AM

      It is unique. I'm not sure anything like this is done in any other Caribbean island so I was glad I was there to enjoy it.

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  24. debdennyJanuary 22, 2015 at 10:25 AM

    Oh girl, you look like you had fun. I think I would love to see this.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 25, 2015 at 3:14 AM

      I think you should take a trip to St. Vincent so that you can.

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  25. UnknownJanuary 22, 2015 at 11:36 AM

    Looks like you had a great time.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 25, 2015 at 3:14 AM

      I did Nicholle and can't wait to do it again one day.

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  26. James, Davis, and Associates TestJanuary 22, 2015 at 12:51 PM

    I never heard of this program before. It is important for people in jail to be able to have an outlet for their creative talents. It may help with rehabilitation and make prison more bearable.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 25, 2015 at 3:15 AM

      I'm sure that it's something that they look forward to yearly and I'm happy that they do have an outlet for their talents.

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  27. DebiJanuary 22, 2015 at 8:05 PM

    That is pretty incredible. I had no idea that they did that anywhere. It seems like such an amazing time.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 25, 2015 at 3:15 AM

      It is even if it's only for a few hours. It's enjoyed by everyone.

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  28. DanielleJanuary 22, 2015 at 11:11 PM

    I really love this post! This is something I wouldn't have learned about otherwise, and I think it's wonderful. It didn't really phase me that they were prisoners, of course they would be managed in whatever way the prison guards were trained to do. It must be so fun for them to share with the general public, and to give themselves and the public an event to look forward to! So nice on so many levels :)

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 25, 2015 at 3:16 AM

      I do agree Danielle. It's great for the government to do something like this for them yearly. It's something that they enjoy along with the public as well.

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  29. UnknownJanuary 23, 2015 at 9:05 AM

    Thank you for another post. I am so jealous of your experiences. It looks amazing and eye opening.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 25, 2015 at 3:16 AM

      It was amazing there and there is so much more I want to share with you.

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  30. BonBon Rose Girls KristinJanuary 23, 2015 at 10:26 AM

    What a special experience. I bet that gives the prisoners hope and a better chance at rehabilitation.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 25, 2015 at 3:17 AM

      I want to believe that it does Kristin and I enjoyed it immensely.

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  31. thetiptoefairyJanuary 23, 2015 at 10:21 PM

    How interesting! This seems much better than what I've seen with prisoners. At the Oklahoma state prison, every year they have a prison rodeo. They have an arena built there, and the public buys tickets to watch the inmates ride bulls. My ex husband took me one year, and it was awful. The inmates are not allowed to practice at all. Then, on one bull, they tie a bag of money to his horns, and allow the inmates to chase him down to get it. I swear it was like going to a Roman gladiator show.

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    1. The AnnMarie JohnJanuary 25, 2015 at 3:17 AM

      Oh no that doesn't sound like it was fun at all. I can't imagine going to see something like that.

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