A Guamanian, she is on-island as a courtesy supervision parolee.
Liana, who declined to give her family name, said she was 11 when she had her first taste ofmarijuana.
The 27-year-old Liana has been on parole since Nov. 2007.
She believes that “there is no sense to incarcerate an individual if there are no rehabilitation or treatment programs provided.”
She added, “I feel that the Department of Corrections needs to provide rehabilitation programs to all inmates.”
Inmates should beallowed to get their General Educational Development, or GED, diploma as well as attend classes on relapsed prevention, parole planning, anger management, parenting, stress management, drug and alcohol.
Liana saidGuam’s Department Corrections provides inmates with “treatment and education” programs that aim to “help inmates become law-abiding citizens.”
“If there is lack of funds, Guam Corrections seek help from the federal [government],” Liana said.
CNMI Corrections, Liana said, “provides opportunities for Bible studies, phone privileges, as well as home visits, work assignments and community release programs.”
These she said “are good for family integration, and for the inmates so they will not sitthere doing nothing.”
But, she added, “because of the lack of funds, Corrections here cannot provide the inmates with the proper rehabilitation programs.”
Liana believes that the recidivism rate on Saipan “will grow higher because of the lack of job opportunities for individuals who have criminal records.”
The community and others, Liana added, “expect the best from us but their doors are always shut.”
“I also believe that drug addicts will never get the help they need due to lack of rehabilitation centers,” Liana pointed out.
“Inmates are given the time and the tools in prison to sort out themselves in order to be better law abiding citizens. But upon release they are not given the opportunity to exercise their talents and skills because of their criminal record so they commit crimes in order to make ends meet and survive.”
Liana is currently on house arrest. She turns over her journal every Monday, and does community work from Monday toFriday.
What are the lessons you have learned as an inmate?
I learned to make better choices in life.
I learned to think before I act.
I also learned that I have no control with what happens around me but I can only control myself.
What was the first crime you committed?
Possession of controlled substance on Guam in 2000. I was 17 years old.
Second was theft by receiving a stolen vehicle.
Third was hindering apprehension. In 2005, I helped a murderer and two otherescapees serving life sentences from prison. They were on the loose for 10 days.
Do you have regrets?
I use the past to guide me in the present and to help me better my life for the future.
My mistakes in life and my difficult times have become my teachers.
Why do some people commit crime?
Trying to make ends meet and surviving. In my case, to support my drug habit.
What can be done to prevent crimes?
We should make better choices.
In one-word, how would you describe your life?
Before committing crime: I grew up in a drug environment. I had no guidance.
During commission of crime: Constantly high on crystal meth. No sense of values.
During incarceration: Being incarcerated was a blessing in disguise for me. I believe if I didn’t get incarcerated at that time, I would probably be dead by now, or in a mental asylum.
My parole time has been a growing process for me. The guidance given to me is fair and reasonable.
I’ve been clean from meth for six years.
What are your messages to the community?
For parents: Allow your kids room to make mistake but be there to lift them up to overcome the trials and consequences they face. Give full positive support. They don’t need to be reminded of their failures. They need to know there’s hope.
For children: The choices you make in life havemajor impacts. Do not be a victim of your circumstances. Reach out and seek help.
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