26-yr-old Thrives on Second Chance
hen given a second chance to prove yourself, go for it like your life depends on it.
Lemeki Masiboro, 26, who was incarcerated for aggravated robbery decided to turn his life around when he won his Court Appeal.
This is after serving four years and some months of the 16 years he had been sentenced to.
Three months ago, Mr Masiboro was released from prison and plans to return to his village in Labasa became impossible because of the border lockdown.
Friendship
With no families in Suva, Mr Masiboro knows too well what it means to get a second chance, and this has come in the form of David Ratnam.
Their story is the perfect example of what friendship really means.
He now sells lobsters with Mr Ratnam at Fletcher Road in Vatuwaqa.
“I am happy that I am given a second chance because it will determine my future,” an emotional Mr Masiboro said.
“I was incarcerated because I chose the wrong friends and I know the consequences of that.
“I am grateful to Mr Ratnam and his family for allowing me into their home.”
He said this does not happen frequently, and all he could say was he met a family who does not care if he was an iTaukei or have been in prison.
“They saw that I can change and they believed in me.”
He said they have been selling lobsters with Mr Ratnam and he has been receiving his despite living and eating with Mr Ratnam’s family.
“All we need is a second chance and I am glad I was given exactly that.”
Mr Ratnam said despite COVID-19 and having to feed eight family members he was not reluctant to feed one more.
“I have been selling lobsters before COVID and the business has been bad, but I am glad to have met Lemeki who I treat like a son,” Mr Ratnam said.
“I use to sell lobsters to hotels and restaurants but now I sell at the roadside.
“I am glad that Lemeki is with me to sell lobsters and I pay him.”
He said he was he was the only breadwinner in his family and selling lobsters was his only source of income.
“I believe in second chances, and I am glad that Lemeki has been doing fine and helping me,” he added