By: Vicky Baunke in Kainantu, EHP
Inmates at Bundaira Correctional Institution in Kainantu, Eastern Highlands Province, marked Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence anniversary with a message of hope, redemption and second chances.
Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia visited the facility on Tuesday, delivering food supplies and K1,000 in cash to help inmates mark the anniversary.
For most Papua New Guineans, Independence Day is a time of family gatherings and national reflection. But behind the walls of Bundaira, the occasion served as a reminder that inmates remain part of the nation and that prison does not have to define the rest of their lives.
Governor Sia urged inmates to reflect on their actions, take responsibility and use their time in custody to prepare for a better future.
“You must use this time within the walls to reflect on yourselves and change. The Government wants you; the country wants you, and your people and families want you to become good people,” Sia told the inmates.
“We haven’t forgotten you. No one is perfect in our lives. We all make mistakes.
” He encouraged inmates to maintain their faith and respect the justice process, saying that while physical freedom may be restricted, they could still find hope and spiritual freedom through Christ.
Sia urged them to use their time in confinement to transform their lives so they can return to their families and communities as responsible citizens and contribute to nation-building.
For inmate spokesman David Tony, the visit was significant beyond the food and financial assistance. Tony, who has been serving his sentence since 2014, said he could not recall an Eastern Highlands Governor visiting the facility during an Independence celebration.
He thanked Governor Sia for making time to visit despite the many development challenges facing the province.
Tony also recalled an earlier visit by the Governor during which mattresses and blankets were provided to the facility, saying the continued engagement demonstrated accountability, transparency and honesty in leadership.
The visit allowed inmates to feel connected to Independence celebrations taking place across the country. While prison walls separate them from families and communities, the Governor’s message was that their mistakes do not have to be the end of their story.
The presentation was witnessed by Bundaira Correctional Institution Commanding Officer Laka Gaoma, correctional services officers and members of the Governor’s office.
