Inmates mingled freely with families and friends at the launch of the Yellow Ribbon programme at Sukuna Park yesterday.
However, they were identified by their orange shorts with their black `t shirt’ with the yellow ribbon.
They were free to walk about but under the watchful eyes of the prison officers.
At the launch of the programme Commissioner for Prisons Iowane Naivalurua said “inmates are only people who lost their way and the community should assist in turning them back.
He called on the community, especially former inmates’ families, religious groups and other institutions to form a more constructive attitude towards former inmates in order for them to become better citizens.
“They have gone off course from God’s purpose in their lives. My purpose, my department’s purpose is to take them back on course to serve God’s purpose in their lives.
“It’s not about money, its not about politics, it’s about your good heart, a clean heart and a loving heart,” said Col Naivalurua.
He said most inmates reformed while in prison but they returned to their old habits once released because their families, society and religious groups did not give them a second chance.
Yesterday, stalls were erected around Sukuna Park to showcase handcraft created by inmates. Families of inmates and prison wardens flocked to the park to show their support for the initiative as inmates from the various rehabilitation centres entertained with lively meke’s and singing.