Finally Home After 22 Years

In a poignant State House event, a father and son embraced tightly yesterday, shedding tears for times lost.

Josua Nata, 23, born during his father Josefa Nata's imprisonment in 2003, felt the weight of their shared history.

Mr Nata's son, Josua said: "Not having him around in the past 22 years of my life was one thing, but today (yesterday) is definitely an early Christmas gift.

"I missed out on having a father all those years.

"While I was happy seeing my friends with their fathers, nothing compares with having a physical father-son bond."

Mr Nata, a former journalist, was one of two inmates convicted for their involvement in the civilian coup in 2000, led by George Speight.

The other was Timoci Silatolu. Mr Nata and Mr Silatolu were sentenced to life in jail In June 2003.

They were among 12 inmates who received a Presidential pardon yesterday, including a woman, officiated by the President, Ratu Wiliame Katonivere.

In a heartfelt statement, Mr Nata acknowledged the pain and regret of his long journey.

"There have been a lot of people I've hurt, a lot of families, I hurt the people of Fiji, and I must always remember that,” he said.

“I only hope now for the things I can do to heal those whom I hurt, and I hope the people of Fiji can forgive me for the things I did.”

From here, Mr Nata anticipates a trip to his island home in Lakeba, Lau, where he hopes to catch up with time filled with snorkelling and fishing.

As Mr Nata looks forward to life outside prison walls, he is excited about the reforms at the correctional facilities and how he can help the nation.

“To my colleagues in prison who have been pardoned today, there are more than 60 inmates who had served 15 years or more, and I hope the same thing will be done for them,” he said.

Son Josua Nata embraces his father, Josefa Nata, for the first time in 20 years at the State House on December 20, 2023. Photo: Ronald Kumar

Timoci Silatolu

Timoci Silatolu, after 24 years of imprisonment, spoke of his rehabilitation behind bars.

He sought forgiveness for his involvement in the events of 2000, attributing it to his political affiliations.

As he embraced his newfound freedom, Mr Silatolu expressed gratitude to the authorities and his elation at being a free man.

“Today, as I get pardoned, I thank the authorities and under the Constitution, today I’m a free man. Although I didn’t show it, I’m elated.”

He looked forward to reuniting with his family, eager to make up for lost time.

Ratu Inoke Takiveikata

Meanwhile, Naitasiri’s paramount chief, the Turaga na Qaranivalu, Ratu Inoke Takiveikata, was also pardoned for his involvement in the attempted mutiny by the then Counter Revolutionary Warfare unit (CRW) at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks (QEB) in Nabua on November 2, 2000.

The CRW, a unit within the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, has since been disbanded.

Ratu Inoke was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in 2011 for inciting mutiny in 2000.

He was sentenced by the High Court in Suva in May 2011, after he was found guilty of incitement.

He declined to comment.

Mahendra Chaudhry

Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry said the release of the coup prisoners was expected under the Government led by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

“In fact, Mr Rabuka had foreshadowed the release of George Speight and other coup convicts in a political rally at the Nasinu Primary School just days before the 2022 General Election (Fiji Sun 10/11 December 2022),” he stated.

As the former inmates had shown remorse for their treasonous acts, Mr Chaudhry is hopeful they will assist the Truth and Reconciliation Commission when it was set up to establish the truth of the events leading to the 2000 coup and the real faces behind it.

“It was also a campaign promise by the SODELPA.

Steps to release the political prisoners were taken up as early as January this year through the process of appointing a Mercy Commission,” he said.

Tupeni Baba

Academic, politician and former Cabinet Minister, Tupeni Baba, who was one of the 45 held captive for more than 50 days by 2000 civilian coup leader George Speight, has forgiven him.

“I’m so happy to hear that they have been pardoned,” Mr Baba said.

“They’ve stayed long enough, put in there by the people before, and it’s really on his Excellency, the President to do this.

“I hope all goes well, as they go back and participate in their vanua and their development.”

Feedback: Beranadeta@fijisun.com.fj