The Tailevu Provincial Council has pleaded with their people to accept and love their sons when they return home from prison.
Tailevu has the highest number of inmates in prison facilities, totalling 163.
Council chairman Semi Matalau said they had continued with visitation programs in prison facilities, encouraging their sons that there was more to life.
“We visit those in prison and encourage them to come back changed, enough of breaking the laws, come home and use the natural resources to generate income through small businesses,” he said. “We also encourage them to know God.
“And for villagers back at home, we have reminded them that these are our sons, and we need to accept them back home.”
Mr Matalau said they were aware of cases in which former inmates had been rejected by their villages and families.
“We all need to help them become better persons and that is why we have told our people to accept these inmates who have served their sentences.
“It’s called a second chance.”
