The donation, presented at the headquarters of the Gambia Prisons Service (GPS) in Banjul, included sanitary pads, deodorants, bath soap, laundry soap, body cream, all packaged in branded gift bags of BSIC - Banque Sahélo-Saharienne pour l’Investissement et le Commerce.
Senior officials of the Gambia Prisons Service, alongside top management and staff of BSIC Gambia, attended the presentation ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Ms Sigga O. Njie, Senior Manager for Corporate Affairs and Communications at BSIC Gambia Ltd, said the initiative reflects the bank’s desire to give back to society, particularly to vulnerable groups.
“We are pleased to be here once again to extend this modest but meaningful gesture to our female sisters. We know this donation will not solve all challenges, but we believe it is thoughtful and necessary to support the welfare and dignity of women in this situation,” she said.
Ms Njie emphasised that BSIC views community engagement as a core responsibility and remains committed to contributing positively to Gambian society.
Echoing similar sentiments, Nguie Mboob, Director of Retail Banking at BSIC Gambia, said the visit was inspired by the belief that every individual deserves care and recognition, regardless of circumstance.
“Today’s visit is driven by a simple but important belief: that no one should feel forgotten. As the year draws to a close, we felt it was meaningful to support the women here with items that promote hygiene and daily wellbeing,” she stated.
While describing the donation as modest, Ms. Mboob stressed that it was given with “genuine concern and respect,” adding that BSIC hopes the gesture will remind inmates that people outside the prison walls care about their welfare. He also thanked the management and staff of Mile II Prison for facilitating the visit.
Representing the prison authorities, Commissioner Joanna Mendy, Head of the Female Wing at Mile II Central Prison, expressed deep appreciation to BSIC Gambia for the support, noting that such contributions significantly ease the burden on prison staff.
“Government can do a lot, but it cannot do everything. Donations like this make a big difference to us. What may seem small to you is very big for the women under my care,” Commissioner Mendy said.
She explained that many female inmates lack family support, with some coming from neighboring countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and others having no relatives in The Gambia.
“Here, we are their family. And when people from outside remember them, it gives them hope. May God replenish you abundantly for thinking about them,” she added.
Also speaking, Ms. ABIS Manneh, Director of Human Resources and Administration at BSIC Gambia, highlighted the bank’s strong national identity and longstanding contribution to development.
“BSIC is more of a Gambian bank than many people realize. The Government of The Gambia is a shareholder, meaning taxpayers’ money supports this institution. That is why we see it as our duty to complement government efforts,” he said.
Manneh assured that the donation marks the beginning of deeper collaboration with the prison service, adding that BSIC has been actively involved in supporting infrastructure, agriculture, and other development initiatives across the country.
For her part, Commissioner Lamin Sowe, Commissioner of Operations at the Gambia Prisons Service, described the donation as a meaningful contribution to the core mandate of prisons reformation, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
“Reforming people requires partnership. Donors and communities have a vital role to play. This gesture may seem small, but it boosts confidence among inmates, especially women, and helps change societal attitudes about prisons,” he said.
Commissioner Sowe noted that since 2017, the prison service has recorded positive reforms, including inmates graduating from skills programs and returning as trainers, signaling progress toward reintegration.
Meanwhile, Deputy Director General II, Keita Saidy, underscored the importance of hygiene for incarcerated women and described the donation as a form of emotional support and motivation.
“Beyond the physical items, this donation sends a message of hope that people still care. That alone can restore confidence and give inmates strength to believe in a second chance,” he said.
He further praised the openness of the prison service since 2017 and called on Gambians to view prisons not as places of stigma, but as institutions of correction and opportunity.
The ceremony concluded with prayers and expressions of gratitude, as prison officials commended BSIC Gambia for setting an example in corporate citizenship and reaffirmed calls for continued partnerships to support inmates’ welfare and rehabilitation.
BSIC Gambia reaffirms commitment to dignity, rehabilitation, and community welfare.
