Inmates help harvest sugarcane
“The harvesting season commenced two weeks ago, seeing the daily deployment of 161 prisoners and 45 officers,” the FCS said.
Tuesday 01 July 2025 | 14:00
Updated 08 August 2025 | 15:32 FJT
Fiji Corrections Service inmates help harvest sugarcane. Photo: Fiji Corrections Service
More than 160 Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) inmates are working daily in Fiji’s sugarcane fields to help fill the growing labour gap in the sector.
This is a contribution the FCS says directly boosts the economy and transforms inmates’ futures.
“The harvesting season commenced two weeks ago, seeing the daily deployment of 161 prisoners and 45 officers,” the FCS said.
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“The projected tonnage to be harvested by the inmates this season is 27,350. This programme serves a dual purpose - rehabilitating inmates to acquire a disciplined lifestyle and workforce skillsets, and addressing the labour crisis in the sugar industry.”
Families of inmates also benefit.
“The sugarcane harvesting programme now serves to ease the financial burden experienced by the spouses and children of inmates by meeting expenses on foods, education, bills and other family obligations.”
The FCS thanked communities, stakeholders and families for their continued support, adding that this year’s efforts align with their “reconciliatory, pragmatic approach” to reintegration and rehabilitation.
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