Fifty inmates from the Labasa Corrections Centre are currently engaged in sugarcane harvesting on various farms in Labasa.

Deputy Commissioner of Corrections Senior Superintendent Jo Kulinidilo said the inmates, who began harvesting on June 23, were engaged as per the request of farmers who applied to the Fiji Corrections Service seeking labourers.

“Payment is determined by the tonnes harvested,” Mr Kulinidilo said.

“Of the total payment received for the work carried out by inmates, expenses required to facilitate harvesting by inmates is deducted first.

“The balance is divided into a 60:40 ratio where the inmates receive 60 per cent as payment for their labour and 40 percent is returned to Government.”

While the number varies on a daily basis and depended on the availability of inmates, Mr Kulinidilo said this was part of a community engagement to assist our sugar industry and the economy.

“With farmers facing challenges in securing labourers, the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) is happy to assist by releasing inmates and officers for the purpose of harvesting sugarcane,” he said.

Mr Kulinidilo said despite their incarceration, the inmates were capable of making a difference in society.

“The FCS hopes members of the public will appreciate and be inspired by the efforts of inmates engaged in sugarcane harvesting,” he said.

Mr Kulinidilo also reminded civilians to refrain from communicating with inmates while working on these farms.

EDITED BY: FILIPE NAIGULEVU

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