The Macuata Care Committee has called on the chiefs and members of the Macuata province to offer support and remember local natives currently serving time in correctional facilities. The committee, operating under the Macuata Provincial Council, is planning visits to the Suva and Vaturekuka Corrections facilities to reinforce this initiative.
Moritikai Waqawaqa, the Committee Chair, highlighted that the effort to care for inmates from Macuata gained momentum after the 2023 Yellow Ribbon celebration in Labasa. The committee is now pressing the Provincial Council to prioritize the reintegration of these inmates upon their release. Waqawaqa noted that the number of Macuata inmates at Vaturekuka has decreased from 22 to 14 as of October 21. This reflects the ongoing efforts in the second phase of the program, focusing both on support for inmates and preventive measures to reduce prison entries in the future.
The committee is engaging with the Officer-in-Charge at Vaturekuka to improve release procedures, suggesting that the Provincial Office should be notified six months prior to any inmate’s release. This advance notice aims to facilitate better coordination for the reintegration process back into communities, which is vital for the well-being of both the former inmates and their families.
Ratu Orisi Vukicanavanua, the Council Chair, emphasized the need for collective collaboration within the province to effectively address these challenges. Following these developments, the Macuata Care Committee also plans visits to Levuka, Taveuni, Natabua, and Ba correctional facilities to gather additional information on inmates from the Macuata region.
This initiative aligns with the broader efforts in Fiji to enhance rehabilitation and social reintegration for all former inmates. Similar to ongoing projects within the Fiji Corrections Service, these steps confirm a hopeful outlook for the system’s focus on rehabilitating inmates while fostering community support, ultimately leading to a more inclusive society.