Minister Peter visits Bihute prison, donates gifts to inmates

Minister for Youth, Religion and Community Development, Jason Peter, visited Bihute Correctional Prison last Monday as part of the Church Development Council [CDC] program in Goroka, Eastern Highlands Province.

Joined by Secretary Jerry Ubase and CDC members, the visit signifies the importance of Church-State Partnerships in helping rehabilitate inmates and supporting correctional staff.

Bihute Prison Commander, Superintendent Donald Apeti, welcomed the delegation and raised concerns about staff shortages, colonial infrastructures, and funding constraints.

Despite these challenges, he noted that the prison has recorded no escapes in the past seven months, due to strong prison management and Court cooperation.

Minister Peter further thanked the Churches for their ongoing support and acknowledged their role in helping inmates find hope and purpose.

He presented gift packs to female inmates, including warm clothing, toiletries, and supplies for a six-month-old male infant.

Crutches were also given to the male inmates, along with a wireless speaker system for the facility.

Sergeant Kelly said it was the first time such support had been shown to both men and women inmates.

Sergeant Gele urged more church and community support through life skills training.

Minister Peter concluded that the Ministry, through the Department for Community Development and Religion, is in discussion with the PNG Correctional Services to roll out basic life skills and empowerment programs in the prisons nationwide.