Those who have been longing for Siccaturie 'Jah Cure' Alc**ck to be released, will have a little while longer to see the singer.

Jah Cure, who was transferred to the Tower Street Adult Correctional
Centre from the St. Catherine Adult Correctional Centre about four
weeks ago, had his application for parole turned down last year despite
a passionate campaign launched by his clique of concerned friends,
family members, and entertainers. This was after he became eligible for
parole on July 28, 2003.



Commissioner of Corrections Major Richard Reese said yesterday that a
prisoner can re-apply for parole within a year of being declined. The
Parole Board however, which decides whether or not to release a
prisoner, is separate from the Corrections Department.



Jah Cure was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment on April 26, 1999, for
two counts of rape, robbery with aggravation, and illegal possession of
firearm, all arising from the same incident. He received this sentence
at age 19.



Major Reese said that Alc**ck's earliest date of release, if he does not
breach any regulations, is July 28, 2007. However, if he breaks any
rules, he could stay in prison until July 18, 2011.



Disciplinary measures



Though many stories surround the reason for his transfer, the
commissioner would not say why Jah Cure had been transferred. He
explained that prisoners can be transferred for security reasons, to
give them access to rehabilitation, for disciplinary measures, or if
they are in conflict with other inmates. "We would prefer not to
disclose the specific reason, because it is really internal," Major
Reese stated.



However, Jah Cure's voice will continue to be preserved for posterity,
as Major Reese said that the singer will have access to recording
facilities. Speaking with THE STAR
at the opening of a computer laboratory at the Tower Street Adult
Correctional Centre on Monday, Major Reese said that he understood Jah
Cure had some recording equipment, and while it was still in Spanish
Town it would be brought over to Tower Street shortly.



When it does get there it will not be put in Jah Cure's cell he noted,
but will be in an area where he will have access to it. Apart from
music, though, Major Reese said, "What we want to get him into is an
education programme. Sometimes a person has an interest in a skill and
a vocation and that is all they pursue."



Monday's opening of the computer laboratory at the Tower Street Adult
Correctional Centre will also help Jah Cure and other inmates
interested in music, as it will form the basis of a digital recording
facility. Major Reese noted that, "all the relevant software will be
there," and inmates will be "able to produce their own music, " as well
as being advised of their intellectual property rights.



The commissioner said that it was possible for persons from outside the
prison to send in music for Jah Cure to use, but only at the singer's
request. However, do not look for him on stage at a show before he is
on parole or released totally.



"People have to understand that we are living in serious times. Persons
who commit serious violent offences will not be participating in
outside programmes. Whatever we do for one category, it goes for all.