RECIVIDISM RATE FLUCTUATES

The recidivism rate over the past 12 years has fluctuated from a high of 7.9 per cent in 2009 to 1.50 percent in 2017 to 2018 financial year.

In 2018-2019, it was 2.5 per cent, while in 2019-2020, it was 1.70 per cent.

This was revealed by the Tui Macuata and President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere during the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) yellow ribbon symposium for Macuata Province at the Friendly North Inn, Labasa last Friday.

He said recidivism rate reduced again to 1.06 percent in 2020-2021 and increased to 1.74 percent in the last financial year, ending July 31, 2023.

Ratu Wiliame said the symposium continued to be a dynamic platform to raise concerns, dialogue, and agree on the way forward particularly on the issue of recidivism and reintegration into society.

Since its inception in 2017, the FCS has partnered with ten provincial councils and three faith-based organisations.

This partnership necessitated the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between the parties, outlining the role of each agency in the acceptance of exoffenders.

“It is encouraging to note that the province of Serua, Namosi, Rewa, Tailevu, Lau, Lomaiviti, Kadavu, Nadroga/Navosa, Ra, and Ba have signed the MOU,” he said. “I have been reliably informed that the remaining four provinces have yet to sign.” These are Naitasiri, Cakaudrove, Bua and Macuata.

The faith-based organisations which signed the MOU are Methodist Church, Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Assemblies of God Church.

“It is equally pleasing to note, that a funding allocation for the Poverty Alleviation Project (PAP) also aims to reduce recidivism.”

The PAP fund is used for the establishment of small business enterprises for discharged inmates. He made a plea to the traditional leaders to work together and support the yellow ribbon project.