One hundred and ninety-one Hindu inmates, under the care of the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), had a chance to sit and meet with their families to mark Diwali.

This is not the first time inmates were given approval by FCS to meet their families.

Auspicious national and religious celebrations and commemorations in the past have also seen

inmates given special visiting access to sit with families and loved ones.

Obviously, with observant security in place. FCS Acting Commissioner Salote Panapasa said it was critical to welcome all cultures and religious festivities within the corrections facilities.

“In our shift from ‘Containment to Corrections’, we have realized that part of rehabilitation is to keep inmates connected with family,” Ms Panapasa said.

“And also, to respect their religious beliefs and try to accommodate as best as we can their own cultural and religious calendar activities.”

Family time

Komal Lata Prasad, a housewife from Labasa, paid her husband, Vishesh Raj, a visit at the Suva Corrections Centre with sweets and a delicious home-cooked roti and curry meal.

“I want to thank the commissioner for allowing us to have this because when we celebrate Diwali next week, we will be okay knowing I have already visited and shared a meal with my husband,” Ms Prasad said.

“The officers here were also friendly, and this is a happy day for us.

“I was so happy when the officer in charge called me to enlighten me about today.” Suva Women’s Correctional Centre inmate Moreen Lata Prakash was overjoyed to meet her son, Sahiland her brother.

“It was a good day for us, especially for my son to come today and bring me some Diwali sweets and share a meal,” she said.

Positive affirmations were also reported in the other centres around the country, with families thanking Fwardenss for opening the gates for them.

Officers made special arrangements for those in the Tavua and Rakiraki Corrections Centres who were dispatched for cane cutting today since they were separated from their loved ones.

This was also true for individuals whose families were too far away to go to and from the correctional

facilities.

Special visits will be made to those at the Ba and Lautoka corrections centres on Saturday.

The greenlight has also been granted to Hindu convicts who will have their scheduled visits on Saturday, particularly for family members who have requested to visit on Saturday.

Feedback: jone.salusalu@fijisun.com.fj