3 former inmates pardoned, released by the President
Iwelcome you back into society with the trust that you will treasure this moment and this act of forgiveness.
This message was delivered by the President, Ratu Wiliame Maivalili Katonivere to three former inmates during the grant of Presidential Pardon ceremony at the State House in Suva yesterday. The grant of Presidential Pardon is made possible by the guidance and advice of the Mercy Commission, which exists by virtue of section 119 of the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji.
On the petition of any convicted person, the commission may recommend that the President exercise a power of mercy by either granting a free or conditional pardon; postponing the carrying out of a punishment, whether for a specific or indeterminate period; or by remitting all or part of a punishment.
The three former inmates who were pardoned are Albertino Shankar, Iliesa Duvuloco, and Veremo Peceli Masidole. In his speech, the President said at his inauguration as President in 2021, he promised to uphold and safeguard the Constitution of the Republic of Fiji, to do what was right and just as God granted, being guided by the Constitution.
“One such duty was the granting of Presidential Pardon,” Ratu Wiliame said.
“As President, my primary concern is also the motto for my office which must always be the pillar of national unity by carrying out my duty, keeping in mind the greatest good of all the people of Fiji.
“As a citizen, a traditional chief and a father and grandfather, my first concern is to be true to my own convictions and my own conscience.
“It would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the wives, children and family members of those being pardoned. Your faith and prayers are now being finally rewarded. You get to return today with your husbands, fathers and family members after years of separation,” Ratu Wiliame said. He also said to the pardonees, on behalf of all Fijians, that he hoped that the public Grant of Presidential Pardon shall be the catalyst for reconciliation, national progress and healing.
He said the Grant of Pardon ceremony was to show acceptance from society and all citizens of Fiji, as our pardonees had served their time.
He said programmes carried out by the Fiji Corrections Service to upskill an incarcerated person so they could come out with skills that they would utilise to assist them and their families’ livelihoods through the Yellow-Ribbon Programme, were applauded.
“The pardonees and their families have suffered enough, and in reality shall continue to suffer given that they will have to make up for time lost together,” Ratu Wiliame said.
“In the true spirit of mercy to be compassionate towards those who are within our powers to punish, I with all Fijians, convey our message of forgiveness and acceptance to the pardonees and congratulate your successful appeal for pardon.”