Press Statement
28/7/2000
Long Kesh Camp

Today is an historical day as we witness the imminent closure of this infamous Prison Camp. During its existence thousands upon thousands of Loyalist from every corner of Northern Ireland have sacrificed their freedom over the past 30 years of war.

Let us not forget the Loyalist Prisoners who have been killed and those who have died while incarcerated within this Prison Camp and other Prisons throughout the country.

These barbed wire fences and gun towers tell a very grim and brutal story that many in our society chose to ignore. Only those who have endured and experienced that grey and gruesome world of confinement can truly understand the hardships and suffering it can bring.

We thank those families and relatives of thousands of prisoners who supported us through the long years. Their Loyalty and Devotion cannot be underestimated or ignored.

We also acknowledge the release of Prisoners today will not be welcome by everyone and we understand and sympathise with that view. It is not our intention to glorify this occasion; Long Kesh touched the lives of many thousands of families within our community. Long Kesh must never be forgotten nor be allowed to repeat itself.

On the 28th July 1972, twenty-eight years ago to this day, I was arrested in Belfast. In August 1972 I was transferred from Armagh Prison to Long Kesh and became the first Loyalist Prisoner to set foot in this Prison Camp. Since then thousands have travelled that path. Today, beside me, we have Jim Wilson ex-internee, Michael Acheson among the first to enter the H-Blocks, and also the prisoners who have been released today. A history not just in years but also in human testimony. We are Alpha and Omega, the beginning and hopefully the end.

 

William Smith

P.U.P. Prisons Spokesperson

 

EX-PRISONERS INTERPRETATIVE CENTRE

Press Statement

Embargo: 8:00am Friday 28th July 2000

Conscious of the sensitivities surrounding those bereaved and maimed as a result of the conflict none of the Ulster Volunteer Force and Red Hand Commando prisoners released today will be available to the media. Events of recent days have reinforced this decision and it would not be our desire to glorify the conflict or our role in it. Indeed we would still adhere to the Combined Loyalist Military Command statement of 1994 in which 'our abject and true remorse' was expressed and extended to all innocent victims of the conflict.

Nevertheless this is an historic day which can best be regarded as a milestone towards transition from war to peace. The significance of the closure of this establishment needs to be acknowledged without triumphalism but with dignity and integrity and due regard for those who have understandable difficulties with this event.

The political and social history from a loyalist perspective stretching almost 30 years from the cages of Long Kesh prison camp and the H-Blocks of the Maze cellular system can best be described by men whose freedom and liberty was sacrificed while they languished behind the wire and walls which contained them.

A short press conference will be held at approximately 9:30am at which a statement will be read and immediate responses given to appropriate questions.

Representing Ulster Volunteer Force and Red Hand Commando ex-prisoners will be:

William Smith, the first loyalist prisoner in Long Kesh prison camp in 1972.

Jim Wilson, a loyalist detainee from the internment era of the early 70's.

Michael Acheson, a protesting loyalist prisoner in the early days of the H-Blocks.

Just prior to this press conference a symbolic thank you to all the staff and volunteers at the Ulster Quaker Service Visitors Centre will be conducted as a mark of appreciation for the service and support given to the families and friends who made the journey to the prison during all the years of its existence.

Finally we would ask for your co-operation to make this as short and orderly as possible in the interests of the greater good.

Thank you.

 

EX-PRISONERS INTERPRETATIVE CENTRE

Press Statement

RE: Quaker Visitor Centre, Friday 28th July 2000

Once in a while an event occurs which triggers memories of friendships made in difficult times and places. Today's closure of the prison is such an occasion.

Over the past 28 years the Quaker Visitor Centre has provided a service for families and friends of Ulster Volunteer Force and Red Hand Commando political prisoners.

To their credit the staff and volunteers of the Quaker Visitor Centre also tirelessly worked against injustices that took place in the Maze.

Today, it gives me great pleasure to act on behalf of all those beneficiaries of this service but with particular reference for the families, to thank all those involved over the years for their dedication to their Christian beliefs and their commitment to relieving pain and discomfort in this somewhat hostile environment.

Our thanks are for the practicalities of your service and for the cherished memories of your Christian behaviour. From the thousands who benefited I say Thank you.

Marion Jamison
Area Support Officer