The Agriculture Department and the Seychelles Prison Services met this morning to sign an agreement at the Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change, and Environment. This agreement aims to support the rehabilitation of inmates serving their sentences at Montagne Posee Prison by engaging them in agricultural activities.
Mr. Keven Nancy, the Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Department, and Mrs. Janet Georges, the Commissioner of Seychelles Prison, signed the agreement. They were accompanied by three officers from the Agriculture Department and two representatives from the Seychelles Prison Services.
P.S. Nancy mentioned that the Department is willing to support the Prison Services and help inmates learn more about agricultural practices. Keeping them engaged and reducing the time spent idling. Involving prisoners in agricultural activities will not only enhance food security in the country but also provide benefits to the prison by promoting such practices within their operations.
C.P. Georges highlighted that this initiative presents a significant opportunity for both the Prison Services and the inmates, as it will promote greater productivity within society. The inmates will have the chance to learn and share their experiences with other inmates, which may motivate them to participate in the rehabilitation program. She also mentioned that some inmates have reached out to her expressing a desire for a rehabilitation program in the agricultural field. Therefore, she is very appreciative that the Department has agreed to partner with them in this endeavor.
The inmates will be under the complete supervision of Prison Services throughout the program and must adhere to the code of conduct set by both Prison Services and the Agriculture Department at all times. Staff from the Agriculture Department will guide the inmates in various tasks, including land preparation, weeding, crop and livestock maintenance, forage collection, and any other duties that may be assigned.
