Gordon Robinson | Ninjaman’s prison reform

In March 2009, 20-year-old Ricardo Johnson (a.k.a. “Trooper”) was shot and killed on Marl Road, Olympic Gardens.

In November 2017, after a trial lasting over a month including testimony from seven witnesses, Dancehall’s “Don Gorgon” Ninjaman (Desmond Ballentine), his son Janiel and Dennis Clayton, were all found guilty of Trooper’s murder. Traditional media quoted Ninja as philosophically saying “Ah so it go” as he exited the courtroom after being convicted. Independent online music magazine Urbanislandz.com, specialising in reggae, dancehall and hip hop, published a fuller quote which had Ninja following up with “Don’t f*** with me Jamaica, I’ll be back!”

Ninja’s defense counsel was quoted by Loop News as promising to appeal “all the way to the Privy Council” because Ninja didn’t receive a fair trial. A month after conviction, Justice Martin Gayle sentenced Ninja to life imprisonment with 25 years to be served before he can apply for parole. Ninja reportedly responded “thumbs up Judge” on his way to prison. On the day of his sentencing Ninjaman was 51 years 11 months old. So, regardless of quality or quantity of the evidence, an appeal was inevitable.

In August 2023, Ninjaman, who previously boasted he fathered 29 children with 28 women, was visited on “family day” by self-styled close friend Stacy (‘Stacious’) Bryan. Stacious reported Ninja was “swag up”. She was quoted by online dancehall and reggae magazine Dancehallmag as saying “him step out inna full suit ah Burberry wid khaki Clarks fi match..”

On Ninja’s physical condition, Stacious, who gave character evidence for him at his trial, reported “him look di same. Same size—little bit lighter. Him seh him did bigger, but every time him walk him hear di Beenie Man voice ah seh, ‘you wanna be that guy?’ Because him have a Beenie Man belly, suh him did haffi hurry up and lose di belly suh him lose di weight.”

Apparently, Ninja is doing fine in prison.

But, by November 2023, Ninjaman, never known to be the taciturn type, wrote a 1,600 word letter addressed to PM Andrew Holness; Opposition Leader Mark Golding; and NatSec Minister Horace Chang complaining about prison conditions and making “prison reform” proposals.

Writing as a self-proclaimed prophet, Ninja pre-emptively scolded his addressees: “I believe being incarcerated should not be a hindrance to me or anyone else in the system contributing to Jamaica in a positive way. Therefore, I would greatly appreciate you giving thought to the following, and that it does not get buried in the recesses of your minds.”

Ohhhhhkayyyyy…. So what were his proposals? First up, rehabilitation:

“I believe that the system….should find a way to rehabilitate those who are at some point scheduled to return to the general populace.”

Now there’s a novel concept. Why didn’t Andrew, Mark or Horace think of that before? Just in case they didn’t understand, the verbose vocalist emphasised “The men and women who are incarcerated should be given some hope that when they return to society they will have options, or more than likely a great number of them will return to the very thing that got them locked up in the first place, maybe worse.”

What a remarkable amount of insight after being “in” relatively briefly.

Second up “put inmates to work”. After blaming crime on “the system” Ninja makes another creative suggestion based on “There are a lot of unused skills that are going to waste” in prison. So Ninja claimed “I am here to change the mindset of the youth” and “I am asking the government to assist me with restarting a rehabilitation programme that I am willing to spearhead.”

SPEARHEAD? This must be the Guy Lombardo show! Apart from an unfortunate choice of word, read on to see the size of the testicles on this guy “I have already spoken with the superintendent and deputy commissioner of the prison and requested a meeting from both. After that meeting I would like to request a meeting with the Minister of Security and Minister of Justice, Chief Justice and Prime Minster to be held at the prison institution. I would love if they could visit the institution so they can see first-hand what we are dealing with, so they can find ways and means to deal with the problems at hand.”

Yep. That’s just what we need. Ninjaman Chairman of a Prison Reform Committee and Special Advisor to Government!

His third proposal was to create opportunities for inmates. He wants “Computer classes, technician classes, mechanical among other things…” He wants goods manufactured by prisoners to be sold at auction and “The prisoners involved in these work programme (sic) could benefit from a percentage of the proceeds; the greater percentage goes into an account for the institution….”

Sounds cushy, don’t? Prison officials as employer, marketing/sales agent, distributor and accountant? Looks like, upon release, one should ensure one’s return as soon as possible.

Ninja wasn’t finished:

“If the prisoner has a child, a portion of that could go to that child…”

What if you have 29 children?

Ninja wants “old prisoners” released. So say all of us and many human rights organisations including Stand Up Jamaica and Jamaicans for Justice are fighting daily for the aged, infirm and mentally ill to be noticed by the system. So, Ninja, rest assured your gratuitous abuse “I want to ask the Jamaican Human Rights Organisation, what are you doing?” is misplaced.

His missive closed with standard dancehall long, rambling self-praise in which he assured us he was a visionary; a man of peace; and a respecter of women (probably why he claims to have impregnated so many) intent on building a peaceful Jamaica. He closed with emphatic arrogance “I promise to elaborate more on these topics once my requests are honoured.”

Surely no political leader in Jamaica would possibly even think of “honouring” extortionate effrontery with a reply? Well, to date neither PM nor NatSec Minister has publicly responded. But, in a widely published letter, Mark “Dead Comrades voting no problem” Golding appeared to see political mileage in replying.

He began as obsequiously as Ninja demanded:

“Dear Mr. Ballentine,

I have received your letter….and wish to express my appreciation for the time and effort you have taken to share your thoughts and proposals regarding the Jamaican prison system, and for your expressions of dedication to the betterment of Jamaica and the well-being of its citizens.”

What the granny gungus natty? Except for self-serving claims, what in Ninja’s actual record is deserving of that appreciation? That embarrassing boot-licking was immediately followed by PNP politicking and marketing:

“I am also concerned about the current state of our prison system. Indeed, in my recent speech at PNP’s 84th Annual Conference I pointed out that the rate of re-offending in Jamaica stands at an unacceptable 40 per cent, which is an alarming statistic and underscores the urgency of change. I believe that a progressively reformed prison system can contribute significantly to reducing crime and violence in our country. Your insights, stemming from firsthand experience, are worthy of serious consideration with a view to action.”

Jeez Louise! Whaddaya know? Ninjaman has opened Mark’s eyes!

It. Gets. Worse!

“Your commitment to spearheading a rehabilitation program is commendable and I am willing to engage in discussions on how we can make this vision a reality. I accept that observing the conditions firsthand will be important for us to gain a greater appreciation of the challenges and the potential solutions, and I am willing to be part of that process. If invited, I am also willing to participate in the meetings that you have requested with key stakeholders, including the Prime Minister, Minister of Security, Minister of Justice, and the Chief Justice.”

I surrender. It’s now official! There’s no political low to which this PNP won’t sink; nothing it won’t convert into a political football game so long as political advantage is perceived possible.

Reality check: None of Ninja’s ramblings is new. His 1,600 words could’ve been summarised in one: Rehabilitation. This, including skills training and sports, has been a Department of Correctional Services’ (DCS) structured operation for years which is how Ninja can so dismissively refer to inmates playing football. Sport is a key element to rehabilitation. Ask any Church.

DCS wrote in reaction to Ninja’s diatribe “in our efforts to reduce recidivism a number of the recommended academic and vocational training as well as life skills, mentorship, sports, therapy and spiritual guidance, are offered. These programmes are guided by proven scientific principles and international best practices, exposing and preparing offenders for successful reintegration. However, inmates’ participation in these programmes is not mandatory.”

You can lead every horse to water but some horses prefer rum.

Peace and Love.

Gordon Robinson is an attorney-at-law. Send feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com