While the rest of the country celebrated the 50th Independence in freedom, inmates in correctional institutions around the country too held independence celebrations.
The Bomana Correctional Service (CS) institution outside Port Moresby city was no exception has they were blessed with donations of food and drink cartons by Bhuiyan Group of Companies to make their celebration a success.
The donations included cartons of frozen food and beverages, five cartons of chicken, six cartons of lamb flaps, 10 cartons of sausages, 10 cartons of soft drinks (24 packs each), and 50 cartons of bottled water.
Those food donations catered for the entire prison population, including warders and their families, as they join the rest of the nation in celebrating Independence Day on Tuesday.
Bomana Prison Minor Security Unit (MSU) Officer-in-Charge, Senior Inspector Joe Yamason, received the donation from Bhuiyan Group of Companies Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gius Uddin Bhuiyan and his team, acknowledging the company’s continued support and contribution on many occasions, thanking them for putting smiles on the faces of the prisoners.
Snr Insp Yamason emphasized that the company has no formal ties with the Correctional Service but continues to provide heartfelt support.
“They are not our service providers, and the government does not fund them, however they are outsiders who came with good hearts to support us with this donation of food, knowing that its Independence Day,” Snr Insp Yamason said.
CEO Gius Uddin Bhuiyan, a long-time resident of Port Moresby for the past 23 years, said Papua New Guinea is like home to him. He added that his business has supported communities over the years and will continue to do so.
Mr. Bhuiyan also confirmed that Bhuiyan Group employs more than 400 Papua New Guineans across the country.
Team member John Bria, who assisted with the presentation, stated that all businesses operating in the country should have community obligations.
“Companies should give back to communities rather than just operating for profit without contributing.”
“The government should not allow outsiders to come into the country, make profits, and leave without giving back,” Mr. Bria said.
CIS Senior Inspector Yamason confirmed that Bomana currently houses more than 700 prisoners, with 400 convicted and the remainder on remand.
“The prison population includes 60 women, 32 juveniles, and the rest in both the high-security and minimum-security units.”