One life changed is a step closer to a safer and better society, is the message of Mr Desmond Chin, Chief Executive Officer of the Singapore Corporation of Rehabilitative Enterprise when he launched the inaugural Yellow Ribbon Project at Albert Park in Suva.
While some people in society may say that ex-offenders do not deserve a second chance, Mr Chin says that they “certainly all need one”.
“Every offer of a second chance gives ex-offenders the opportunity for change,” he says.
“Friends we have seen how the power of forgiveness, acceptance and second chance have led to the restoration and wholeness of individuals. Each of us have the capacity to offer forgiveness and second chances so that reformed offenders cab be freed from their past and move on to be the people they were meant to be.
“I have the highest regard for you in Fiji as you embark on this important Yellow Ribbon journey. While you may face sceptics and opposition from time to time, including some ex-offenders who may fail you, you must remember that one life changed is one step closer to a safer and better society.
“With passion, perseverance, teamwork and vision, you will make that crucial difference in the lives of inmates and reformed offenders under our charge.”
Mr Chin says the Yellow Ribbon Project was introduced in Singapore in 2004 to make sure that community support is as strong as the in-care efforts.
“While various rehabilitation programmes were introduced in our prisons, we realised that inadequate work was done to help our inmates return to the community,” he says.
“Most of our inmates will need to return to their families, look for job and develop a social network in the community. If the community stigmatises them and fails to accept them, it will not take long for them to return back to their old ways.
“When that happens they will become a threat to the community again. We realised that no matter how much work is put into rehabilitation in prison, these efforts will be wasted if the inmates do not receive the necessary support at the most crucial time, i.e when they rejoin the community upon their release.”