“Prisoners are also human beings and they deserve better while serving their sentences at the prison,” he explains. “I can assure that their health remains a top priority for the government and my administration. Over the past years, I have initiated a lot of reforms within the prison that are geared towards improving their health condition and ensuring that the prison environment is up to standard.”
DG Manneh, who was speaking recently during a donation of sanitary items among others by the Prison Christian Association, said: “I am happy to be associated with this benevolent gesture. This means a lot to me as the head of the institution and the prisoners themselves. The donation by the prison officers also demonstrates that we are one and the same despite the inmates currently serving their various sentences at the prison.”
Established in 2015, the Prison Christian Association which comprises prison officers, have over the years embarked on a series of donations within the prison and among other places with the desire of giving back to the community.
The Prison boss further said: “Over the years, with support from the Ministry of Interior, I have initiated a lot of reforms within the prison with the objectives of creating a conducive environment for inmates at the prison. That’s why we have qualified health personnel at the prison that would be taking care of all the health needs of the prisoners. I can tell you that the prisoners themselves can attest to the fact that things have greatly improved.”
The donated items, he went on, would be used purposely for the inmates and also for cleaning facilities at the prison, he said, adding: “The cleanliness of the sanitary facilities is essential not only in order to respect people's dignity but also to prevent the transmission of infectious diseases among others. We want others to emulate the donors in supporting the prison with sanitary items among others.”
Supt. Joseph B. Mendy, the President of the Association, dwelled on the importance of the donated items to the prisoners, saying: “Prison officers and prisoners are all the same. We have funds through fundraising that we organise. Therefore, we thought of giving the inmates the little profit that we make during the fundraising with a view to also contribute our part in improving the health condition of the prisoners because we spend more time with you.”
He went on: “Despite the challenges we are encountering, we are committed to improving your living conditions. If the prisoners are in peace, then there would be peace in the country, but if it is the opposite, then it would be difficult for all of us. The government alone cannot do it. Thus, it is crucial for others to come to your aid.”
For his part, Modou Jarju, the deputy director of the prison, said: “The senior management of the department is committed to improving your welfare. Our desire is to ensure that you have 80% or more of all your needs and we are working towards that direction. We value you people and we respect you so much. In fact, we always took your issue to the highest authorities.”
Commissioner of Operation Lamin A. Sowe, in his remarks, emphasised the need for prison officers and the inmates to maintain cordial relationship. He said: “It is through that cordial relationship we are witnessing this benevolent gesture.
“As a department, we will continue to provide a conducive environment for all of us. If there is no proper health at the prison, there is most likely that I may get something in the prison which I can transmit to my family. That is why the director doesn't joke with the health condition of the inmates.”
Commissioner Joanna A. Mendy made also some virtuous remarks, saying: “At the moment, here is your home. This is not our making but it is the destiny of Allah. We don’t know who will be here tomorrow. Again, being in prison doesn't mean you shouldn’t be taken care of and that is why we also decided to do our little contribution.”
Momodou Jallow, who spoke on behalf of the inmates, thanked the donors for the support, saying: “These are among the much-needed items for inmates, and they would go a long way in improving the hygiene of the prison.”
