Bua to host first Yellow Ribbon Walk to support ex-inmates

Bua Province will host its first Yellow Ribbon Walk this Saturday as the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) pushes to strengthen community support for former inmates.

The event comes as Bua remains the last province yet to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Corrections Service on reintegration efforts.

The march will begin at 5am from Namulomulo Village and end at the Naulumatua Government compound, bringing together officers, community members and leaders in a show of unity.

FCS Acting Commissioner Auta Moceisuva said Bua was chosen for that reason.

“This year, Bua is the 13th province left to sign an MOU with us. That is why we are here,” Mr Moceisuva said.

He said officers had been on the ground for the past week engaging with communities and raising awareness on reintegration.

“We believe that for inmates to be successfully reintegrated, we need to connect with the community,” he said.

Mr Moceisuva said reintegration depended on the support system available when inmates return home.

“The community, the province, and leaders all have a role to play,” he said.

A symposium will be held before the walk to allow open discussions between the Corrections Service and the people of Bua, with the MOU expected to be signed after the engagement.

Mr Moceisuva acknowledged the support of the provincial council and urged the public to take part.

Residents welcomed the initiative.

Sera Vakatalea, 43, of Nabouwalu said she was proud Bua was hosting the walk for the first time.

“This is something new for us. It will help people understand why we must support those returning home,” she said.

Ms Vakatalea described the Yellow Ribbon March as an initiative to welcome inmates back into the community.

Bernadette Delana, 60, said it would be her first time attending an FCS-organised march.

“This walk will teach us to accept and care for others. When we show support, it helps people change and live better lives,” she said.

Mr Moceisuva urged people in Bua to turn up in numbers, saying the Yellow Ribbon Walk was about giving former inmates a second chance and building safer communities through support and understanding.