By Julie Badui Owa – EMTV News, Lae
More than eight hundred prisoners of the Buimo Jail in Lae took part in a three-month long sporting activity as part of their rehabilitation program.
Buimo jail acting Manager Welfare and Sports Coordinator, Sergeant Arnold Juvai, told EMTV News during the grand final on May 10 that they see sports as a tool for mind development and to help counter security concerns for the prisoners.
A prisoner who was convicted for robbery, Nemas Hangu, says they would like the sports rehabilitation program to continue.
The Buimo Prison sports oval was occupied with inmates on Friday (May 10), who challenged each other for the grand final matches. The juvenile came out strong and beat the convict prisoners in touch rugby. They played while other inmates from the cells watched and cheered.
Each cell formed a team containing remandees, low risk inmates and the general convicted prisoners.
Almost 900 inmates from 10 cells were actively involved in playing soccer and touch rugby for three months. One of them is Nemas Hangu, who was convicted for robbery.
“We are happy for this sports rehabilitation program and we call on Buimo CS to ensure this program continues.”
Buimo Prison is the most populated prison in the country with over 1, 300 prisoners managed by 100 correctional service officers. There are 12 cell blocks with a holding capacity of 40 men. Currently, there are almost 100 detainees occupying the cell. The overcrowding has contributed to many problems such as health, food shortage and escapes.
“Buimo Prison’s sports rehabilitation program is a program we, Buimo CS is trying to maintain to help develop the prisoners’ mindset and prepare them to join their community after prison,” says Buimo Jail acting Manager Welfare and Sports Coordinator, Sergeant Arnold Juvai.
The sports Rehabilitation program is supported by business houses including, Lae Biscuit, Coca Cola, Panamax, Everclean, KC2 Limited, to name a few and the community members.
