Ex-inmate Richard Huggins now artist

Senior Investigative Reporter

shaliza.hassanali@guardian.co.tt

When Richard Huggins was convicted of the 1997 murder of Thackoor Boodram, the brother of reputed drug lord Dole Chadee, few could have predicted the transformation he would undergo in prison.

Huggins was sentenced to death in August 2001 with his younger brother Leslie Huggins and seven others: Michael Maharaj, Samuel Maharaj, Damien Ramiah, Bobby Ramiah, Seenath Ramiah, Daniel Gopaul and Mark Jaikaran for the gruesome killing.

The murder, one of the country’s most infamous, attracted national attention and led to dozens of front-page headlines. Boodram, a pig farmer, was kidnapped from his South home on December 20, 1997. His abductors demanded a ransom, but ten days later Boodram’s head was found in a whisky box at the Caroni Cremation Site.

Boodram’s body was never found. An autopsy showed he was shot three times in the head and then beheaded.

However, in March 2006, the Privy Council quashed the sentences of the men, and their death sentences were commuted to life imprisonment. In a shocking move in 2011, the State’s main witness in the case, Junior Grandison, swore to a statutory declaration stating that the evidence he had given at the trial implicating the men had been fabricated.

The case culminated in years of litigation, with the men being resentenced by High Court Judge Geoffrey Henderson in February of this year. The resentencing resulted in Huggins and seven of the men being freed.

Huggins’ younger brother Leslie did not earn his immediate release as he is still serving a separate life sentence for the 1996 murder of his cousin Clint Huggins, whose testimony after his death led to the conviction of Chadee and members of his gang and their eventual execution for slaying four members of a Piparo family.

Just before noon on March 2, Huggins tasted freedom as he walked out of the Port-of-Spain Prisons after 26 years behind bars. He entered prison at age 30. Following his release, Huggins shied away from the media and stayed low-key.

However, Huggins made his first public appearance last Tuesday when he stepped into the atrium of Long Circular Mall, St James, dressed in a shimmering black jacket, polka dot tie, and black jeans to showcase his beautiful acrylic portraits at the Prison’s Art Exhibition 2024 themed Our New Beginning.

Huggins’ presence marked a new beginning in his life–From a convicted murderer to a prolific self-taught artist.

He credited the prison service for allowing him to see his true potential and talent.

The stroke of Huggins’ paintbrush told a story in each of his stunning paintings.

In his first interview since his release, Huggins told the Sunday Guardian he uncovered his hidden skill in a drab cell at the Carrera Prison. “It was a long journey and many sleepless nights,” Huggins admitted.

But he did not give up. Huggins began to push himself to the limit as he explored his creative mind.

• Continues on page 16

• From page 3

Using his paintbrush, he told stories he experienced while incarcerated.

Looking at his best oil portrait named Seduction, Huggins beamed with pride. “I completed this last night. I spent about two months working on it,” he said.

Hidden among the vines and leaves in the painting was the outline of a woman’s body. When Huggins entered Remand Yard in 1998, his only skill was straightening and painting vehicles. Huggins became intrigued by art when he saw a few inmates making postcards.

“They were drawing images on paper using ballpoint pens,” he recalled. He could not hold back. “I started drawing postcards too.”

His attempt earned him high commendation from prison officers and fellow prisoners. “It was a gift given to me by God. It was a talent I had in me that I never knew or explored.”

In 2006, Huggins became heavily involved in the prison’s art shop and its programmes at Carrera Prison. It provided rehabilitation for him and set him on a new course.

As a member of the Prison Art Programme for over 15 years, Huggins completed Level B art in jail. While art brought great joy to his life, Huggins said his happiest moment in jail was the news of his release six months ago.

“I felt like a whole weight came off my shoulders. It was a great feeling. To live in a cell for 26 years with restrictions and rules was not easy.”

Of the 26 years he remained under lock and key, Huggins served four years and eight months on death row. Almost two decades were spent at Carrera Prison. Now free, Huggins is leaving his life in the Lord’s hands.

“God is in control of everything,” he said when asked if he was fearful of losing his life.

Huggins had no previous convictions before being charged with the capital offence. Inside the prison, Huggins was taught how to meditate by the Raja Yoga Centre.

His daily meditation provided inner peace, motivation and inspiration. “When you meditate, you focus on God … and you leave all your negativity behind.”

His artwork has earned him money. Huggins has painted over 100 pieces—90 per cent of which have been sold in previous exhibitions. One of the buyers was House Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George, who delivered the featured address at the exhibition and praised a team of former prisoners for showcasing their skills.

Huggins said his biggest obstacle in prison was its restrictions. “There are always problems in the prison system, but the most challenging was the restriction from moving around.”

Having gained his freedom, Huggins has been giving back to society by offering art classes to six children. He also provides interior design as well. In the coming days, Huggins will register his Central-based business called Dorothy Construction and Artistic Interior Designing.

Commenting on the country’s murder rate and violent crimes, Huggins said parents have to get a firm grip on their children and even suggested that involvement in art could help delinquent youths.

“It’s a scary thing because anyone can pull out a gun and shoot you because there are so many guns out there. These youths and them just don’t care. All they are looking for is fame and rank.”

The post Ex-inmate Richard Huggins now artist first appeared on CNC3.