Last week, six inmates serving life sentences were granted Presidential Pardons in a pivotal moment that allows them to start anew after spending 15 to 20 years in prison. Their release was met with joy and support from officers of the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), as well as emotional reunions with their families.
The individuals receiving pardons include Arneel Chandar Goundar, Nadim Pauliasi Delaibatiki, Tiko Uate, Tafizul Rahman, Francis Narayan, and Timoci Ravurabota, who come from diverse regions in Fiji such as Navo, Arts Village, Dratabu, Drasa, Westfield, and Nailega.
Acting Commissioner of Corrections, Mr. Sevuloni Naucukidi, delivered a poignant farewell speech to the released men, congratulating them on their achievement while underscoring the significant responsibility accompanying their new freedom. He expressed his appreciation for their dedication to rehabilitation programs during their time in prison, highlighting their various roles, including serving as work leaders in the tailor shop, gang leaders on the farms, and artists in the correctional facility’s gallery.
Mr. Naucukidi offered a word of caution, stating, “Let me warn you that the world out there is different from the one you left years ago. Go be with your families and stay away from the things that brought you here to us.” His remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges these men may face as they reintegrate into society.
The decision to grant these pardons was informed by recommendations from their commanding officers, who deemed them exemplary inmates. The Mercy Commission played a crucial role in evaluating their conduct while incarcerated, along with the lengths of their sentences and the circumstances surrounding their original offenses.
This momentous development highlights the commitment within the corrections system to prioritize rehabilitation and showcases a hopeful shift towards allowing those who have demonstrated personal growth a chance at reintegration. The release of these men symbolizes hope for their families and the broader community, reinforcing the belief that positive change is possible and that second chances truly exist.