Six inmates from the Western Division were temporarily released to celebrate Christmas with their families.

Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) divisional rehabilitation officer West, Josaia Walevu, said the inmates were selected because of their good behaviour in prison.

“After assessments, they were given approval to spend some quality time with their families,” Mr Walevu said.

The inmates would spend a week with their families.

“These inmates underwent thorough assessments and their application were submitted to our NHQ for approval.

“They are mostly those who had served half of their sentence and the main purpose is to continue to build on their family bond. It is also for them to prepare for their reintegration back into society.

“They were released on strict conditions like no alcohol or any type of illegal drugs to be taken and a curfew from 7pm to 7am daily.

“They are to remain at their fixed address and if any of these conditions are breached, the inmate is taken back in.”

He said the inmates went through four stages of rehabilitation programme to qualify for the special release.

“The rehab framework programme included instilling discipline, dealing with offending behaviours, upskilling and aftercare. These are the framework where we help inmates come out of their criminal mindset and attempt a second chance for a better life.”

Josaia Rasiga Tawake, one of the inmates, was released on Christmas Eve from the Lautoka Corrections Centre.

The father of five children was jailed for six months for dangerous driving.

He was delighted to be given a chance to spend time with his five children, his wife and his parents at their home in Simla, Lautoka.

He thanked God for this provision and blessing to be released because of his involvement in the FCS rehab community work programme.

Edited by: Maikeli Seru

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