Visit helps contestants overcome prison stigma

Avisit to the Labasa Correctional Centre on Thursday helped contestants overcome the stigma usually associated with people who have gone through this rehabilitation programme. The Vodafone Festival of the Friendly North Queen contestants and the winners of the Kings category were privileged to visit the correctional facility. Miss Apco Paint Eta Nasova who was visiting the complex for the first time said she was greeted by a different reality compared to what she had expected prior to the visit. “It was all very calm when we entered and were toured throughout the whole centre at the same time introduced to what went on at the facility,” Ms Nasova said. “I thought it was going to be a very scary experience, because from my understanding this was where criminals were detained. “I saw that they are being trained so when they leave, they are able to make a living from what they have learned.”

First Runner-Up for the Kings category, Jale Cakobau said he found the trip an enlightening one.

“This is also the first time for me to tour the facility and I must say that it is well kept with programmes set in place for the benefit of members of the public who wound up there,” Mr Cakobau said. “This has also helped me to understand the importance of the Yellow Ribbon programme which has been put in place to assist former inmates. “On the same note, I would like to urge young people to do their best not to end up in a facility as such, because it is a waste of time. Please make wise decisions always.” The team also had a chance to visit the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Barracks in Vaturekuka. Edited by Rusiate Mataika