LIFE OF A PRISON GUARD

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A report of the events of the last years of the prison at Plasa Wilhelmina and the first years of the prison at Koraal Specht.

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WILLEMSTAD - BIDA DI UN SIPIR. Relato di susesonan di e último añanan di prizòn na Plasa Wilhelmina ie promé añanan di prizòn na Koraal Specht [LIFE OF A PRISON GUARD. A report of the events of the last years of the prison at Plasa Wilhelmina and the first years of the prison at Koraal Specht] is a shocking autobiography in Papiamentu which has recently been published. It is not only for the Curaçao community but for the whole world. Juan C. Martis is the writer of this book.

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                 Juan C. Martis is a warder (prison guard) who worked at both the prison at Plasa Wilhelmina and the one at Koraal Specht. In his autobiography, he writes about his experiences as a prison guard and superintendent in the 50s, 60s and 70s. His determination to do a good job while working to maintain a well-functioning prison structure was not always appreciated by the prison management at the time. He has even had to defend his rights as an employee and as a person several times. During his career as a warder, he felt several times as if he was the one behind bars and not the other way around. Many setbacks came his way simply because he wanted to practice his profession in an honest and professional manner. Plans were made to take away the most precious thing he owned, his life. He fell victim to ingenious criminal minds. But his immense willpower and infinite faith never allowed him to surrender. In this book he tells in detail not only how he was humiliated, discriminated against and treated unfairly, but also how he managed to keep his faith and self-control despite all this.

                   In 1974, supervisor Martis was the victim of an industrial accident caused by a notorious detainee. This was widely measured in the media on the island. It is after this work accident that Martis decided to document his story in writing. And for the rest of his life he dedicated himself to uncover the truth after all kinds of false stories circulated. In this book, Juan C. Martis talks about the long road to justice. Juan C. Martis has been able to see his autobiography and hold two trial versions of it with pride and satisfaction. Unfortunately, shortly afterwards he was called to the Kingdom of God.

                  In this way we want to introduce the society of Curaçao to his autobiography. A true story that everyone can learn from. It is also suitable for high school and high school students. The book features several photos (courtesy of National Archive), additional information and images from the period described. LIFE OF A PRISON GUARD. A report of the events of the last years of the prison at Plasa Wilhelmina and the first years of the prison at Koraal Specht is an indispensable book in every household. Total number of pages 277. Interested parties can call 668-8078 or send an email to djisunpensamentu@gmail.com. Available for NAf. 59.95. For more information, you can also visit Facebook: Djis un Pensamentu.