Sixteen prisoners both male and female were baptised bythe United Pentecostal Church at Bemana Prison outside Port Moresby on Thursday.
The day was withnessed by fellow inmates, correctional service officers, and family members.
Also present was newly appointed jail commander Acting Chief Superintendent Haraha Kiddy Keko.
Superintendent Keko wasthe former commander for the Kerevat Jail.
Amongthem was Elise Honda, from Western Highlands Province who was convicted of drowning her three children. She is serving a life sentence in Bemana female’s prison.
She joined two ther female and 11 male detainees who asked for divine intervention and a second chance at life in Christ.
It was an emotional moment for them asthey marched up one by one to Pastor Peter Dege to be baptised.
Two fromthe maximum security prison were inspired and joinedthe ceremony. One ofthem was Dr. Theo Yasause.
Pastor Peter Dege toldthe detainees that it is never too late to change for the better. The commanding officer said this is amongthe best options for rehabilitating staff and detainees at prison camps.
The commander said it is very important thatthe hierarchy maintain frequent prison visits to ensure all is under control nationwide.
He said inthe last 2 years Bemana lackedthese visits resulting inthe increase of jail deaths and recent breakouts in Bemana, Beimo and Beon.
It was more alarming whenthe Bemana escape bythe last William Kapris was aided by a female warden.
The commander said more will be invested in human resource and later infrastructure and equipments.
Just 2 weeks in office, Keko replaced Michael Mondia who introduced mobile phones in prison and relaxed visits for prisoners.
He said during his term he hopes to improver sanitation, security and officers’ professionalism in and out of uniform.
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