Banished All Over Again?

I wonder if you recently watched the TV programme “Banished” on BBC2?  It was about UK convicts in the 17th century who were of course banished to the new world, Australia.

Hold that thought, as I read this week that Denmark spends 41 million kroner on sending criminal youths on Caribbean cruises in a bid to rehabilitate them.  In 5 years city councils have spent this amount of money on the programme. There are 2-3 troubled youths on each of the boats. 26 city councils throughout Denmark have opted to send 59 young criminals and drug abusers to the islands.

As part of the programme, 2/3 young offenders will be put on a ship, along with a Captain and a teacher to sail through the Caribbean, The kids receive their lessons on board over the course of a year, at which point they head back to Denmark to take their exams. Some harder criminals may be sent again on a 2nd voyage.

One of the majors participating in the scheme, does defend spending all this money, he says it is not a cruise, they “are demands made” and he does not care what they do as long as they stop abusing.  Unfortunately, despite the cost, the endeavor does not always work as one formally troubled youth who has completed the programme, said the drug and alcohol abuse does not necessarily cease during the year they are away.  The students are reportedly allowed to drink alcohol during weekend trips and at official arrangements.  Apparently marijuana is surprisingly easy to source on several Caribbean Islands – you don’t say!

Personally, I can not believe that anyone would think this is a good idea. What do you think?