We will never prevent offending by locking people up because ultimately they will be released back into the Society.

Chief Magistrate, Naomi Matanitobua, while addressing the Heads of Pacific Islands Correction Facilities said although sentencing is an important role of the Judiciary, offenders should be treated like human beings and taught to be responsible.

Matanitobua said although the courts lock up offenders, the most serious offence only carries a sentence of upto to 20 years, which means that they will serve their time and come back into the society.

The same sentiment was shared by the vanua representative, Ratu Filimone Ralogaivau who said that the aim of the Court is to identify the problem but our role is to treat the cause.

Ralogaivau revealed that by the end of 2005 there were a total of 1279 inmates, and 80% of the prisoners were indigenous Fijians. He said an alternative to sentencing would be for village leaders to take part in custodial duties and give these offenders duties within the village.