A very warm welcome to
new writers on both sides of the pond and I hope everyone’s friendships, both
new and old, are going well. Thank you to everyone for your letters, emails and
cards; it is always good to hear from you.
The main news on the row
is coming from Central Unit at ASPC Florence. I’m afraid I have now had
multiple reports that the guys’ freedom has been reduced in recent months.
I understand there have
been a number of lockdowns, meaning the guys are confined to their cells 24
hours a day, sometimes for several days at a time. It seems these have been in
response to staff shortages and fights/attacks, however people have been locked
up even when the violence happened in a different pod (area). It is also
reported that, even when not in a lockdown, there are restrictions on when
people can leave their cells and for how long, and that yard time outside has
also been reduced, some say to at least half. I gather it has been extremely hot
and uncomfortable in the cells, which we have some capacity to imagine in the
UK as it has been, and continues to be, unseasonably hot over here. Besides all
of this being deeply unpleasant for the guys it is concerning that blanket punishments
are being issued as a result of a few people’s actions. I am also getting
numerous reports that the mail is severely disrupted, with many people not
hearing from their penfriends for months at a time and letters appearing to go
missing. Please keep me posted on further developments. (Source: all of you –
thank you!)
It sounds like a very
stressful time at Central Unit at the moment and my thoughts are with you all,
and with your penfriends who I know keenly feel your discomfort.
I do have
some good news though, I’m glad to say. Michael Ray White’s death sentence has
been overturned and the state have been ordered either to issue a lesser
sentence or to have a resentencing hearing. The court ruled that Mr White’s
lawyer failed to challenge the alleged motive given by the state, which then
became the sole aggravating factor applicable to issuing the death penalty. The
court also said his lawyer had ‘utterly failed’ to investigate mitigating
factors in Mr White’s life that could have been used to argue against the death
penalty. I wish Michael all the very best going forward. (Source: Cronkite News)
Finally, I am afraid I
have decided to step down as coordinator at the end of September. I would like
you know that it was a very difficult decision as I feel a connection and
responsibility to everyone on and off the row. However, due the stresses of my
job, I have decided it is best I step down. I also feel I need to give more
time to my friends and family, including my own penfriend.
I imagine it may be
difficult for people, on the row particularly, to have to get to know a new
coordinator every few years, for which I am sorry. I have gotten so much out of
the role and my exchanges with everyone; I have not only enjoyed getting to
know you all, but I have been humbled by people’s commitment, strength,
compassion and gratitude. You have all taught me a great deal, for which I
thank you; I will do my best to carry it with me.
I will continue to be
here to support you until October, so do please continue to get in touch. Once
a replacement is found the details will go in the Wing
and they will write to everyone to introduce themselves; I am sure they will be
a strong source of support to you all. Any letters that get delivered to me
after I have handed over to the new person will be forwarded on to them so
please don’t worry about that.
It has been an honour
supporting you all and I wish you all the very best going forward.
In peace and love,
Lindesay
