(FEATURE)
By:Saidu Jalloh (Intern)
As part of president Bio`s vision for public sector reform and judiciary transformation. The Chief Minister`s visit to the correctional center last week serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many inmates.
His visit touched so many untouchable problems in our society. Prison is one of the places neglected by many personalities. Chief Minister visiting there and giving them advices on how to live a positive life means a lot to them.
Chief Minister toured the Pademba Road correctional center and what he saw made him call government to reconsider policies that contribute to a huge spike in the number of people behind bars.
In an unprecedented visit by the Chief Minister, Sengeh met with half a dozen inmates at Pademba Road correctional center. The trip was part of the president call to focus attention on criminal justice reform.
He is giving hope especially to those men and women convicted of heinous crimes, those who often are stigmatized and forgotten by society in general and even their own family. He is showing us that we are all equals in the eyes of God despite our position or situation.
The Chief Minister presented the Sierra Leone Correctional Center with two brand-new laptops intended for inmate computer lessons, enhancing their opportunities for education and skill development. Additionally, he provided footballs to aid in physical training and exercise programs for inmates.
Prison life is difficult and frustrating, so having people as young as Chief Minister, David Sengeh visited them and engaged them on the president big five agenda is a positive start in the public sector reform. They should not be left out in any development that is taken place in the country.
Also, challenging them to grow what they eat is a good step. Government spend a lot on those prisoners on food and other items so bringing the idea of agriculture to them will help reduce the burden on government.
It’s use to be that way that inmates do agriculture and grow food that not only feed them but also provide decent meal. The other day I was in a court heard a convict begging a magistrate to give him a longer sentence. I was surprised. While people like myself is doing everything I can to stay away from Pademba Road correctional center, this convict is begging to stay there for a longer time because everything there is free. Free meal, free home, free medical, at the expense of government revenue and the tax payers money. Bravo to the Chief Minister for bringing this initiative.
The Chief Minister’s visit serves as a significant turning point in the approach to managing correctional facilities in Sierra Leone, emphasizing rehabilitation and self-sufficiency for inmates while also addressing critical concerns such as overcrowding. The move towards integrating agriculture into the rehabilitation process is seen as a promising step toward a more sustainable and effective correctional system in the country.