By Buba Gagigo
Salifu K. Jaiteh, Chief Executive Officer of SK Jaiteh & Sons and a prominent businessman and philanthropist, made a generous contribution of blankets, clothing such as jeans, and medications valued at D74,000 to Mile II inmates on Wednesday. The donation took place at his office in Banjul.
During the presentation, Mr. Jaiteh emphasized the importance of not isolating individuals based on the reasons for their imprisonment, expressing his commitment to supporting the inmates with essential items, Jaiteh stated “Whatever maybe the reason of their imprisonment should not warrant us to isolate them,” he said.
Mr. Jaiteh called for the cooperation of prison authorities in the rehabilitation process and stated that the donated materials would provide comfort and protection against the cold weather. “I felt obliged to donate to the inmates and I believe these materials will be useful to them in protecting them against the cold weather” Mr. Jaiteh said.
In his remarks, Mr. Jaiteh, who also serves as the Cyprus Honorary Consul in the Gambia, underscored the significance of national security for conducting successful businesses. He expressed gratitude to the Gambian government for maintaining peace and creating a conducive environment for business activities.
Motivated by the prevailing cold weather, Mr. Jaiteh stated that the donation of blankets was a response to the inmates’ need for comfort during this period. He pledged to continue fulfilling his corporate social responsibilities by supporting those in need within the community.
The Director of Operation, Mr. Sowe, received the donated items on behalf of the inmates and expressed gratitude for the timely and significant contribution. He commended Mr. Jaiteh for complementing the government’s efforts and highlighted the positive relationship between Jaiteh and the prison service.
“The gesture is timely and will go a long way in helping the inmates. The government cannot do it alone and seeing the likes of Mr Jaiteh coming to complement the efforts of the government in all aspects is commendable. We are grateful and this shows the outstanding relationship between you and the prison service which you have wholeheartedly cherished” Sowe said.
During the ceremony, the Head of Medic at the Prison also extended thanks to the CEO of SK Jaiteh, noting the limited supply of drugs from the government and the diverse health conditions among the inmates. He emphasized the importance of such contributions in stabilizing the health conditions of the inmates and urged other businessmen to follow Mr. Jaiteh’s example.
“These drugs will go a long way in stabilizing the health conditions of inmates. I urged other businessmen to emulate Mr Jaiteh” the Head of Medic expressed during the ceremony.
Salifu K. Jaiteh is a top businessman and philanthropist in the Gambia with a storied history of philanthropy within the nation.