Some were incarcerated unskilled and came out skilled. Some came out sick, while others hale and hearty. This was the state of some of the 65 subscribers of the male correctional service in Freetown at Pademba Road.
On Thursday, 133 convicted inmates of Correctional Services, Sierra Leone, received President Ernest Bai Koroma’s prerogative of mercy.
The President’s prerogative of mercy to release subscribers of correctional services is bi-annual, says Sulaman Turay, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the male correctional service in Freetown.
James Ama was a caretaker at a residence in Wilberforce when thieves broke into the residence he was guarding and stole properties inside the premises. He said he was held responsible and was charged and convicted for larceny. After two years of incarceration, he came out like a gold nugget smelted into a fine jewel.
James Ama was taught tailoring at the Pademba Road facility, technical and industrial department. He became very good at sewing and tailoring. Ama said he is delighted now that he is out and he intends to continue with his newfound trade. Because of his exemplary behavior while incarcerated and the skills he displayed, Ama was presented with a brand new sewing machine to kick-start his new trade.
He urged the government to strengthen the correctional industrial department, revealing that there are over 2,000 young inmates who have nothing to do while they serve their jail term.
Thin and sickly looking Morlai Suma said he has spent 2 years and 3 months in the correctional facility. He said he would be going over to Lungi to stay with his family. After regaining his health, he said, he wants to be a welder.
Some of the newly released inmates sprung into the arms of love ones who were impatiently waiting outside the prison walls. As they embraced relatives and friends, some shed tears of joy knowing that they are free at last. Others had no clue what to do, they seemed disoriented standing sheepishly looking lost as to where to go from there.
By Ophaniel Gooding
Twitter: @ophani
Friday January 20,2017