The cell measured approximately nine feet in height, ten in width and twelve in length. The walls were blotched with stains of questionable sources. On the west wall an opening dropped from the ceiling level and was barricaded with iron bars.. At times 27 to 46 prisoners were packed and locked 24 hours a day and could only leave the cell at 2h a.m for the 30-second shower. An unprotected electric bulb decorated the ceiling of the cell.

The dyab, a five-gallon container used as a non flushable toilet bowl, most of the time overflowing with urine and feces. Twice a day prisoners took turn emptying it. The dyabs were not replaced often, consequently their rims became serrated, making their use painful. They were also leaking most of the time, making the living conditions even more difficult. The spot designated to the cellmate who was closer to death was always next to the dyab.

Downtown: The latrine area

Car: The dyab, the sanitary container

Cage: Jail (“Gone behind the cage” meant that someone had died)

Houlahoope: Set free

Serum: Encouraging news

Hat: Luc Désir, head of Secret Services

Lime: Newcomer with fresh news

Slippers: A not so interesting newcomer

Orange: A Haitian accused of being a communist

Swallow: A woman

To sing: Give information to the authorities

Patrick returned to Fort Dimanche in February 8, 1991. Here photographed in in his old cell.