Camilleri explained that in recent years the Government has focused a lot on the rehabilitation of the residents of the correctional facility, not only through various professionals who are now employed with the Correctional Services Agency, but also with agreements with non-governmental organisations. This cooperation, he explained, will lead to the opening of the third half-way house which will be the first one for female persons.

“Work is also part of rehabilitation and therefore this project with Puttinu is one that will be beneficial even for the residents of the Correctional Facility.”

The statement also featured a letter written by a resident of the prison saying that when he heard of the opportunity of giving back to society made him feel “grateful”.

This is what the letter reads:

Dear Puttinu,

I am a resident of the facility managed by the Agency for Correctional Services at Kordin – or as it is better known to the rest of Malta and Gozo – the prison.

As I write to you, I am serving a prison sentence for a grave mistake, which, without hesitation, I acknowledge and admit was my own doing. It has cost me dearly, but even more so, it has cost those I hurt through my actions. And while I am paying the price for what I have done, I feel that my victims have been given a sentence of their own, handed down by me.

It is for this reason that when I was given the opportunity to contribute to the furniture that will furnish the Puttinu Cares apartments in London, I felt grateful.

Grateful for the chance to give something back to those upon whom life has also handed a sentence – those who didn’t deserve it and were entirely blameless. I felt grateful that my sole contribution to this life would not be limited to the actions that brought me to this cell. And grateful too that what I do from behind these walls will have a positive impact on the society outside – the same society that, sooner or later, I hope to rejoin as one of you.

Thank you from my heart,
Resident

Meanwhile, during the conference, Camilleri described this as a ” a project for all Maltese and Gozitans, saying it offers hope for those seeking treatment and those wanting to reintegrate into society and say, ‘I have understood, I have learned, and now I am ready to contribute more’.

On his part, the CEO of the Agency for Correctional Services, Chris Siegersma, stated that the agency’s involvement in this project reflects not only its dedication to social causes but also the impact it will have on the lives of those in need. Through this project, the agency will offer inmates the chance to continue their rehabilitation, aiming to re-enter society prepared and with a greater sense of responsibility.

The President of Puttinu Cares, Angele Cuschieri, emphasized that this project should bring honor to the country, highlighting that even foreigners are amazed by the generosity of the Maltese people. The purpose of these apartments remains focused on ensuring that patients and their relatives can concentrate on treatment and healing, while Puttinu shoulders part of their burden by providing the peace of mind that a dignified apartment awaits them, free of charge.

She added that these prisoners, with their talents, will be giving back to society and alleviating the suffering of many patients and families going through difficult times.

At this press conference, Josefa Sammut, a mother of two children who, due to a rare condition, required treatment in England every six weeks for ten years, represented the families who will benefit from this project. She explained the significant difference this project will make in her life and her family’s life, as this building will be close to hospitals. She expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the work the prisoners will carry out to make these apartments ready to host families.

What’s your take on this project?