THE Fiji Corrections Service’s “Voices of Hope” choir was launched at the Nasinu Corrections Facility yesterday, eyeing the annual “Bose Ko Viti” 2019.
The FCS in collaboration with internationally-acclaimed composer and musician Tuilagi Igelese Ete will grace the stage tomorrow for the annual Methodist Church of Fiji and Rotuma’s conference choir competition in Suva.
Speaking at the launch, FCS Commissioner Francis Kean said this was the beginning of something big.
“This is just the beginning of bigger things, not only for the Fiji Corrections Service, but for Fiji. Having a choir like this and the name Voices of Hope, I believe it is quite fitting,” he said.
“I would like to thank Mr Ete and the team, this is something the Fiji Corrections Service cannot repay. Sowing seeds into the lives of those under our care, and I think it’s a very Christian-like gift that we instill in our men and women who have unfortunately fallen on the wrong side of the law, and have now come under our care.”
Ete said he enjoyed working with the corrections team.
“The power of music to empower and inspire is huge and it is part of our duty as musicians to serve and I really enjoyed coming here every week and just serving them and fellowshipping with them has actually blessed me more, and it is a huge encouragement for us.” as well,” he said.
“The name of the choir Voices of Hope is a reflection of what the Corrections Service is trying to do — serving our community and ensuring that our inmates get that opportunity to be inspired and empowered.”
The choir is made up of 70 members, 34 of whom are inmates, 24 corrections officers and 12 representatives from Pasifika Voices.
