Lau urged to help former inmates rebuild their lives

The people of Lau have been urged to help reintegrate former inmates into their villages and communities to reduce reoffending after they are released from prison.

Speaking during the Lau Provincial Council meeting at the Yatu Lau Conference Centre yesterday, Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) Assistant Superintendent of Corrections Isireli Dausiga said Lau had the third-highest number of inmates by province, with 134 prisoners from 13 districts.

“We are moving in a direction where, when a person leaves prison, we do not want them to return,” he said.

Mr Dausiga said villages could play a key role by accepting former inmates back into their homes and giving them opportunities to use the skills they had gained through rehabilitation programmes in prison.

Tui Nayau, Sau ni Vanua o Lau and Tui Lau, Ratu Tevita Uluilakeba Mara, called on delegates to establish a committee to work with the Fiji Corrections Service to support the reintegration of former inmates into their villages.

“It is our responsibility to guide our children,” Ratu Tevita said.

“These are our family members — our brothers, sisters and fathers. It is our duty to accept them back into our villages. They have gained skills in prison and can use those skills to contribute to our communities.

“I suggest we establish a committee to look into this.”

Ratu Tevita said the focus should not be on assigning blame but work together to support rehabilitation and reintegration.