Thriving After Prison
Kimona Ward at 34 is living proof that a criminal record does not have to stigmatise you for life. Her inspirational success after doing time for drug dealing is a true story of redemption. Born and raised in Kingston, Jamaica, Kimona grew up independent and resilient. She had to be strong. Abandoned by her parents as a baby at the tender age of one, she was left in the care of her kind-hearted grandmother in a sprawling house filled with aunts and uncles, her stepfather, two older brothers and an abundance of boisterous cousins. Little Kim cultivated a tough protective layer and insulated her vulnerability when pinned down and punched, kicked and bitten by the other kids or when an uncle flew into a hateful rage and beat her. She recalls: “Another uncle verbally abused me, saying I wouldn't turn out to be anything because my parents left me. But I didn't let his taunts sink in. I’ve always been headstrong and mature beyond my years. I never let anyone’s negativity af