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Sun, Dec 25, 2005 - Page 12 News List

Puerto Rico coffee growers go to prison to solve labor shortage

A pilot project started by the government last month to address a shortage of workers takes inmates out into the hills a few hours a week to pick ripe coffee beans

AP , YAUCO, PUERTO RICO

"It takes away the boredom of being locked up. It's a form of therapy for us," said Andre Rivera, a 24-year-old convicted armed robber with a wide grin and tattoos snaking up his arms.

"It's been a tremendous experience," chimed in Juan Coyazo, 31, who is serving a seven-year sentence for assault.

"We're in the mountains of our Puerto Rico and we're proud to be picking the fruit of our soil," he said.

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