Koror, Palau— On Friday August 16, 2024, a significant milestone in improving inmate welfare at the Koror Jail was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of a key facility improvement project. This project was made possible through COVID-funding received by the Ministry of Health and Human Services through the US CDC’s Epidemiology and Laboratory Capacity Program (ELC). The funding was intended to strengthen COVID-19 mitigation measures within confinement facilities.
The enhancements to the Koror Jail Visitation Center ensure that incarcerated individuals are able to access legal representation, host family visits and avail of health services, both in-person or through video-conferencing, thereby reducing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Additionally, long-needed improvements were made to the kitchen to ensure that it meets food safety standards.
The ceremony was attended by J. Uduch Sengebau Senior madam Vice President and Minister of Justice, Gaafar Uherbelau Minister of Health and Human Services, Chief Ricky Ngiraked as the jail warden, Director of the Bureau of Health System Administration Arnice Yuji, Chief of the Division of Primary & Preventive Health Edolem Ikerdeu, Acting Chief of the Division of Health Information & Intelligence Tmong Udui, and ELC Administrative staff who were instrumental in ensuring the completion of this project: Komtil Masayos, Omtilou Tellei-Dizon, Mederang Takeo, and Talei Wasisang. Contractor Aldrin Tellei and engineer Victor DeLeon from A’s Construction Company, were also present. A’s Construction donated additional paint services as their contribution to this effort.
The Vice President and Minister of Justice emphasized that while inmates have committed offenses, they remain an integral part of the community and deserve to have their basic rights respected. The renovations reflect the government’s commitment to treating inmates with dignity and ensuring they have access to necessary services. Minister Uherbelau also noted that both ministries are held to high standards, and this successful collaboration highlights their dedication to maintaining professionalism and improving services for all.
The ceremony reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing conditions in correctional facilities, ensuring that inmate care upholds shared values of humanity and respect.