Twenty-three inmates of the Naboro Maximum Prison were part of the 60 inmates who participated in the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) Yellow Ribbon Walk of Empathy program yesterday.
FCS Acting Commissioner Salote Panapasa said this was the first time inmates were given the opportunity to attend the Yellow Ribbon Walk and the response from the public was overwhelming.
“Since its inception in 2008, we are now able to bring down inmates from the maximum correction centre, including two who are notorious and (most times) disobedient against officers’ instructions,” Ms Panapasa said.
“The main thing is the acceptance and that will definitely take away the stigma associated with prisoners.
“I believe what they (prisoners) have seen today will be able to make them understand the great work that we’re doing in creating awareness to the public for their acceptance when they return home.
“I believe that we should work together to achieve the objectives and functions of the FCS.
“We cannot go different ways. We need to go in the same direction so that we can achieve our objectives together.”
Attorney-General Siromi Turaga, who was also part of the half-day event, said this was a great initiative from the FCS but more input was needed from the community, particularly religious bodies.
“This is the first time ever for inmates to be released (to be part of the event) so you can see the big relief and excitement,” he said.
“But I’m urging members of the public, I’m urging the lotu (churches) who preach a lot about forgiveness and acceptance, but we have to put it into action.
“I’d love to see the churches be involved with the Yellow Ribbon program.
“Saving souls, yes, but what about saving lives and restoring lives? “If society can manifest to them that they’re accepted, then it’s a big change for them.”
Mr Siromi said he had asked Ms Panapasa to arrange for the involvement of inmates at future functions as it would be a form of rehabilitation.
