INMATES RECEIVE EARLY INDEPENDENCE GIFT FROM EHP GOVERNOR

CAPTION: Eastern Highlands Governor Simon Sia during his visit to Bundaira Correctional Institution in Kainantu

BY VICKY BAUNKE, in Goroka

INMATES at the Bundaira Correctional Institution in Kainantu, Eastern Highlands Province, have received an early Independence gift from Governor Simon Sia yesterday.

Governor Sia made a surprise visit to the facility ahead of Papua New Guinea’s 51st Independence anniversary tomorrow.

He brought food supplies and cash for the inmates to mark the country’s Independence celebrations.

The visit gave the inmates an opportunity to celebrate the occasion with something different from their usual prison meals.

An inmate spokesman thanked Governor Sia for remembering them and making time to visit despite the many development issues facing the province.

He said the visit was particularly meaningful because the inmates were able to celebrate Independence as a community behind the prison walls.

For the inmates at Bundaira Correctional Institution, this year’s Independence celebration has carried a message beyond the usual national festivities.

The inmates were reminded that their current circumstances do not have to define their future.

Governor Simon Sia encouraged them to use their period of confinement as an opportunity for transformation, with the hope of returning to their families as responsible members of their communities.

The message comes as Papua New Guinea prepares to mark 51 years of Independence tomorrow.