Inmates

Inmates join million-tree campaign

Thirty low-risk male inmates from Bomana Correctional Institution participated in the initiative as part of their community rehabilitation.

NCD Governor, Powes Parkop launched the tree planting during the 2023 World Environment Day.  

This collaboration between NCDC and the correctional institution provides prisoners with opportunities for parole and community involvement.

Inmates trained in catering

The inmates have been learning these catering skills while at the same time, putting those catering skills to practice by providing meals to the CS cadet officers at the Bomana Training College.

As part of the rehabilitation programs that CS provides for the detainees, such training programs provide an opportunity for them to learn certain practical skills that they can use to support themselves once they are released back into society.

Gospel bands visit inmates

The inmates expressed gratitude at being able to listen and fellowship with the gospel groups.

The Bomana Prison ground was filled with the beautiful sounds of the P2UIF band; not the entire band but remnants of the original group. Either way, their voices still reached the hearts of inmates.

This is the first time such bands like P2UIF and Covenant Creed have been invited into the prison grounds to minister to the inmates.

What happens to inmates’ children?

Olivia Warome was sentenced to prison last month where she is serving a sentence of 9 years.

The 30-year-old from Watabung village in Daulo district, Eastern Highlands, left behind two children to go serve her sentence.

She has a six-month-old infant currently in her care at Bomana however, she is raising concerns about her other children.  

She said most times the children they leave behind have their rights breached.

“They are not going to school, maybe they are not eating well,” stated Warome.

Rights of a child forgotten in prison

These innocent victims of crimes committed by their mothers spend up to three years in jail until they are released back into the communities with families.

They eat what is basically served to older inmates – a diet that consists of staple foods. 

The Bomana correctional institute outside the nation's capital is no different.

With a female population of 30, it currently has two toddlers under the age of 3 who are under the care of their convicted mothers.

Inmates join in Easter programs

Those from the minimum security unit compound will join in the Stations of the Cross walk tomorrow in Port Moresby, after permission was sought from the Bomana jail Commander Haraha Kiddy Keko.

Those who remain within the confinement of the rehabilitation facility will take part in other spiritual programs, including a crusade that will be held on Friday night at the main compound. 

“I’d like to also all inmates and my colleagues a happy celebration with a well thought out, with the spiritual lessons on everyone," stated Keko. 

Celebrating Christmas behind bars

Over 700 inmates of the maximum security were joined by the female, juvenile and minimum security prisoners. 

Amongst the inmates were two refugees.

Archbishop Kurian Mathew Vayalunkal, Apostolic Nuncio to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands and representative of Pope Francis, was welcomed by Chief Superintendent Commanding Officer Supt. Haraha Keko DCS of the Correctional Centre.

He expressed his gratitude for the spiritual benefit received by the inmates through the involvement of Catholic Church. 

Police officers implicated in Kerema cell escape

Gulf police commander Silas Wayagure tells PNG Loop that the nine men all convicted for drug- related charges escaped from the Kerema holding cells under suspicious circumstances.

While Wayagure would not go into detail, he says there appears to be a serious breach of protocol and jail cell procedures involved in this matter.

For now, the escapees are still at large with police continuing the massive man hunt  to capture them.