Religious Intervention For Inmates

The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), in its commitment to give inmates a second chance, conducted a workshop with the All-Nations Christian Fellowship (ANCF) church on Fri­day for the establishment of a care committee.

Acting Commissioner of Correc­tions Salote Panapasa, while of­ficiating at the event at the Suva Civic Centre, said the aim was to improve the effectiveness of ex-offenders’ rehabilitation.

Ms Panapasa said 26 members of the church were in prison after be­ing convicted for involvement in criminal activities.

“Proactive measures are in place from FCS to help inmates learn new skills or set up farms and busi­nesses,” Ms Panapasa said.

“The rehabilitation of inmates is crucial that FCS ensures that no convicted inmates leave our care without receiving some form of treatment to ensure successful in­tegration.

“Nine provinces have signed the memorandum of understanding regarding the care network. One is in process and four are to be signed later.”

The FSC has signed an MOU with three other Christian or­ganisations namely the Methodist Church in Fiji and Rotuma, the Seventh-day Adventist and the As­semblies of God church.

ANCF president Pastor Epeli Ratabacaca said the church had always tried to involve itself with inmates.

“We are excited about the pro­gramme as we have always wanted to involve ourselves with minister­ing in prisons,” Pastor Ratabacaca said.

“We are in discussion with our leaders to try and understand the programme and address some key points of how we can help our young ones.”

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