Minister for Corrective Services George “Maggie” Angene says the inmate numbers at the Corrective Services in Arorangi have decreased since he took on the minister’s role in 2018.

Angene was responding to a question from Opposition MP Vaitoti Tupa in Parliament yesterday on the programme being implemented at the Arorangi prison.

Angene said he has made an effort to visit the inmates every morning and evenings to discuss the issues they face.

He said that in 2018 there were 64 prisoners and today there are only 28.

“When I was in this place (prison), the minister during that time had never ever paid a visit to us, but today being a responsible minister, I always make an effort to visit them in the morning and in the evening to discuss issues they face,” said Angene, who served time in prison in the 1990s.

He said that there he received his training to read and write, and today he is responsible for teaching them.

“I thank the Prime Minister for the allocation to improve the living standard in this place.

“This place can be referred to as a place where earthquakes happen.”

Angene said in the past, the public would be scared of inmates but today he said they are welcomed and accepted.

“We don’t see that experience with the inmates, our community accepts them and welcomes them.

“I truly believe the Honourable Prime Minister will support any allocation for Corrective Services so inmates will be cared for properly and further development to this place.

“And I believe that the living standard that I have been providing for our children in prison has a high standard and they are enjoying their term in prison.

“I don’t like to call them prisoners, but prefer they are my brothers in this place because I truly believe that the standard they are living is very similar to those living outside.”