The Fiji Prisons held an historic occasion for the first time with the launching of the book “Shedding silences” by inmates yesterday.
The occasion also marked the opening of the Prisons Tagimoucia Art gallery where prisoners will exhibit their art.
Chief guest Reverend Paula Sotutu said “Shedding silences”, an anthology of writing by the prisoners, was a revelation of their thinking, the emotions, yearnings, confessions, reflections and aspirations.
Mr Sotutu said from studying the beautiful and impressive publication, an academic could gather priceless information about the individuals whose creations were in the book.
“What is so touching is the exposure of the real person and his feelings,” he said.
“The book certainly tells me a great deal about each writer and about the prison.
“The creative writing and art programmes conducted in the prisons are new ventures to go along with the other training courses that have been carried out which I have been very supportive of.
Stanley Qalovaki who was sentenced to prison for seven years on rape charges said many in jail spent their time writing.
“We write on walls, on our uniforms. It is like a big outlet for us,” he said. He said barriers have been broken and writing it had helped bridged the gap.
“It helps in healing wounds and we hope we can relate it to everyone so that they can feel our spirit and forgive us,” he said.
Qalovaki also won the first prize for best poetry at the presentation of awards for their efforts.