By Binta Jaiteh
The Ex-Fifth Legislature Assembly Members of The Gambia (FLAMG) Tuesday donated sanitary products namely; sugar testing machines, toothbrushes, and ceiling fans to the Gambia Prison Services (Mile 2) Female Wing.
The association was formed in February 2024 to develop the country irrespective of political affiliation.
The Deputy Director of Planning and Human Resource Management at Mile 2 Prisons Mr. Keita Saidy representing the Director General said the government cannot do it alone.
“If you are counting needy people or departments, prison is one of the neediest people you can find because prisoners who are confined in one place are the neediest people,” he asserted.
He averred that the environment prison officers work in needs improvement because the facility they work in has been in use since colonial days.
According to him, the Director General is working tirelessly to make sure that the environment is conducive for inmates.
He thanked the fifth legislature for the wonderful gesture and hopes for more future collaboration.
Chairman of the Association Mr. Musa Amul Nyassi stated that the association is open to all the lawmakers who have once served the country.
“We are here as an association to contribute our quota and complement the government’s effort in serving the inmates.
“It doesn’t mean the inmates are bad to society but that is how Allah has destined their lives and they must go through confinement”, he explained.
However, he said they all have a responsibility to contribute to the work of prison officers.
The former National Assembly Member for Bundungka Kunda Constituency and the Coordinator General of the Association Bakary Njie stated that the Association was established to assist the needy.
“We felt that it is not ideal to sit and forget about the plight of the Gambians but to return the favour given to us throughout our five years in Parliament,” he stated.
He explained that the situation of the prisons prompted them to assist the prison services, especially the female wing.
“It is fortunate that during our visit we met a sizable number of female prisoners and decided to assist them with their main concerns”, he outlined.
He stressed that after their first visit to Mile 2 prison, they realized that the climate conditions were not suitable for human beings to live in without fans.
He assured the prison services that the challenges are numerous but more will come in the future as the association is still growing.
Adviser to the Association Mr. Dawda Sowe said the idea of these lawmakers have shown their commitment and dedication to the country’s development.
He went on to encourage all the philanthropists to come forward and assist the needy.