The Testimony Of A Pardonee
“I want to spend as much time with my family to replace all the years of being away.”
Tuesday 26 December 2023 | 13:55
Timoci Silatolu is flanked by his family members. From left: Meme Silatou (daughter in-law), Vitu Silatolu (son), Josefa Silatolu (grandson) and Miriama Tamani (daughter) during their Christmas lunch in Suva on December 2023. Photo: Leon Lord
After 24 years of imprisonment, Timoci Silatolu, said he was happy to be home for Christmas.
Mr Silatolu was convicted for his involvement in the 2000 coup.
He was among those who received a Presidential Pardon by President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere last Wednesday.
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Mr Silatolu described the feeling of being able to spend Christmas with loved ones as an answered prayer.
He said being in prison for 24 years was challenging.
Most times he would hide from the rest of the inmates and prayed for life and will to persevere amid the hardships he faced behind the prison walls.
Timoci Silatolu with his children Miriama Tamani and Aporosa Silatolu at the State House on December 20, 2023.
“Being able to share a table with my family now I recall the days of being lonely and longing for this day to come.”
Another challenge was coming home without a wife to go to.
“We buried her (Salome Silatolu) on September 14,” he said.
“She was the pillar of my strength.
Today, I applaud her strength for being able to raise our children in my absence.”
Mr Silatolu thanked Government for giving him and the others a second chance.
“I’m forever thankful to them,” he said.
“This is the day I was praying for.
“I want to spend as much time with my family to replace all the years of being away.”
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