Cost Of Keeping A Prisoner About $52 Per Day: Francis Kean
Mr Kean stated that the cost of keeping a prisoner in prison per day is approximately $52.
Saturday 29 February 2020 | 12:23
The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) had sent some inmates to school through its’ Poverty Alleviation Fund.
Commissioner Francis Kean, said on Thursday that they have funded several inmates from the Nasinu Corrections Centre aged between 19 to 25 years old.
While making presentations to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights, Mr Kean said the selected inmates went through the 14 weeks prison recruitment training after which they were sent to Monfort Technical Institute for studies.
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Mr Kean said two of their inmates who graduated from Monfort Boys Town were now working, one is still studying and another one is currently undergoing the 14 weeks training.
He said it was an emotional moment when they sit with parents of the inmates and relay to them the success of their children and the rehabilitation they have gone through.
FCS also provides caregiving services to 10 inmates who are completely bedridden, Mr Kean said.
The Committee heard that as of Thursday, February 27, there were 1934 convicted prisoners, 608 remand prisoners and three detainees from the Department of Immigration.
Mr Kean stated that the cost of keeping a prisoner in prison per day is approximately $52.
This accounts for the three meals that are provided to prisoners every day, showers, uniforms, shaving blades, soap for health and hygiene, laundry and other services.
Last year, the Commission on the Prerogative of Mercy (Mercy Commission) approved 11 requests for pardon from inmates.
Mr Kean said he had another set of applications that he hopes to forward to the Commission.
Mr Kean further updated the Standing Committee that they were expecting the draft of the Corrections Service Act by this week which is currently being reviewed by the Solicitor General’s Office.
Mr Kean said FCS had a staffing strength of 963 officers, however they currently have 929 officers on the ground and 34 vacant posts to be filled.
Edited by Selita Bolanavanua
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