Life after prison
A second chance
“LIFE after prison”, (FT 11/06/20) is one the best pieces of local writing I have read.
It surrounds an emotional plea from a former inmate in 1959.
The former inmate revealed how difficult it was for people like him to get absorbed in society after serving their sentences.
More than half a century later, how has that situation changed in Fiji?
I would sincerely urge The Fiji Times to publish the article on its front page this weekend.
In my view, there isn’t a better time than the Easter period. It is when so much comes out related to universal values. What about the practical part?
Although the writer used his hands to pen the plea and grey matter played its usual role, I think the words came from his heart and also represented those silent voices on the sidelines which we never get to hear or simply ignore.
Many factors play an important role in determining successful re-entry outcomes.
I think labelling and deliberately pushing former inmates out of mainstream society channels is the biggest hindrance.
There are some individuals who have never seen the inside walls of correction facilities but they have gone out of their way in assisting people who have not had the best opportunities in life to get rehabilitated and become productive citizens.
Recently in Fiji, a very senior member of our disciplined forces outlined the difficulties encountered by former inmates.
He had highlighted some matters which unfortunately remain alien, even for the highly educated.
All human lives are not the same. I do not possess the vocabulary and definitely cannot coin phrases to decorate the Yellow Ribbon program in Fiji.
The Yellow Ribbon program strives to rehabilitate inmates so that they successfully rejoin communities after serving time. Everyone deserves at least a second chance in life.
Herein, I am in no manner advocating for criminal activities.
The 44th US president had once said, “It’s not too late”.
“There are people who have gone through rough times, they’ve made mistakes, but with a little bit of help, they can get on the right path.”
On a different scale, do you still remember Prisoner 46664? MOHAMMED IMRAZ JANIF Natabua, Lautoka