The moving story of inmates at Mile II in dire need of clothes has not only touched the heart of prominent Gambian businessman and long-standing philanthropist Salifu K. Jaiteh, but it also spurred him into donating D250,000 worth of clothes and medications to the inmates of the State Central Prison.
Last Wednesday, the philanthropist, who is also the Cyprus honorary Consul to The Gambia, was warmly received at the prison’s administrative building by top prison staff, including the deputy prisons boss Jatta Baldeh.
The deputy prisons boss, speaking on behalf of the director general of the Gambia Prison Services, said the donation was timely and that it would positively impact prisoners’ health and wellbeing.
Mr. Baldeh acknowledged that the donation struck an agreeable chord with the noble objectives of the Gambia’s ongoing security sector reform project.
Speaking at the handing over event, SK Jaiteh explained that he was moved into action after he heard from one of the released detainees from Mile in a recent interview that inmates were grappling with an acute clothing problem.
“After listening to the interview, I immediately felt I have a role to play knowing that I have been involved in second-hand clothes business for the past three decades,” he pointed out.
The philanthropist said though the donation may appear small, it’s his belief that it would be hugely beneficial to the inmates in dire need of better clothes.
“Everybody has a stake in the proper maintenance of the prisons. I think the prison staff is rendering a great public service and I think these donated items will motivate them to do more and better,” the long-time philanthropist added.
SK Jaiteh has, over the years, been investing the profit from his business in supporting worthy causes.
“I gain huge inner pleasure from supporting humanitarian causes because I have a fervent belief that the charity you give out is what belongs to you and what you save is what belongs to your children,” Consul Jaiteh explained
He acknowledged that he derived immense joy and pride from the donation to the Mile II inmates, knowing fully well that it’s going to support the rehabilitation of hundreds of people.
The donated items included D250,000 worth of drugs, rags, blankets, HHR, shorts and ladies’ t-shirts.
The Chief Medic at Mile II, Chief Superintendent Jabang, described SK Jaiteh as a wise man, who always supports Gambians without hesitation, especially in times of critical need.
“These drugs will go a long way in helping the inmates against diseases,” Chief Supt. Jabang acknowledged.
The chief prison medic said this was not the first time that SK Jaiteh reached out to the prisons with a helping hand, recalling that the philanthropist once donated a deep freezer, eye-glasses and clothes to the prisons facilities. “This latest donation will be distributed among inmates in need of clothes. Last year, we used his donated clothes to support inmates, especially foreigners, who lacked the necessary support from their families during their time in prison,” he stated, adding: “Normally, people do come into conflict with the law when they are not in good standing in terms of clothes. When they arrive here for detention, we use the clothes from SK Jaiteh to provide them with proper clothing until they are released. Some inmates used his donated clothes up to the time of their demise here. What can be more impactful to our institution than such a donation? Rest assured, these clothes and drugs will be used to support inmates in their rehabilitation and reintegration process.”
Other speakers, including the commissioner of operations Commissioner Sowe, commissioner Janjanbureh Prison and prison storekeeper all expressed appreciation over the gesture, describing it as timely.
“SK Jaiteh has an open-door policy. He is a patriot, who is always ready to support worthy national causes,” said Commissioner Sowe.
Written by Ebrima Jarra
