Westgate inmates should not be denied the opportunity to donate blood, according to prison group head Kenneth Burgess.

“We are constantly pushing to get the antiquated laws changed that prohibit us from donating blood,” the Lifeline member told The Royal Gazette.

Lifeline consists of volunteers serving life sentences, enabling them to have a positive impact on prison life as well as giving back to the community.

The Island’s strict donor laws already allow for more than adequate screening, Mr Burgess pointed out, and donated blood is continually in demand.

Although many other countries have similar bans on prison inmates giving blood, he called on residents to rethink it.

“I would like to encourage Bermuda to be courageous in this, and take the lead in changing that law,” Mr Burgess said.

Blood is not imported to the Island and the Bermuda Hospitals Board issues regular calls for new donors.

Most donated blood is used to treat patients who have gone through surgery or therapies for conditions such as cancer and sickle cell anaemia.