Prison Worker Reunion On Riot’s 25th Anniversary

OBERLIN, La. (AP) — Men and women who worked at a federal prison taken over by Cuban inmates in 1987 held a reunion and honored the 28 workers held hostage 25 years ago.

Cubans who came to the United States on the Mariel boatlift burned down four prison buildings at Oakdale and held workers hostage for up to eight days after learning they might be returned to Cuba.

The Town Talk reports that four former hostages were at the Allen Parish Civic Center on Saturday. Some have died; others couldn't make the trip. But the building was filled with prison workers who worked day and night during the riots and takeover.

The incident lasted from Nov. 21-29, 1987. It ended after a videotaped appeal from a Roman Catholic bishop.