They told their stories. They bared their soul and shed tears.
They freely discussed their fears and anxieties. They were remorseful about the offence that led them to prison
And they asked for forgiveness from the people they have wronged. Along with their officer in charge, the women spoke candidly
They are the ‘Mothers Behind Bars’.
In an historic initiative, television cameras were taken inside the Women’s Prison to talk to female inmates who were willing to discuss their personal situation.‘In an unprecedented move cameras have been allowed....,” opened host Stanley Simpon in the Simpson at Seven programme on MaiTV describing the privileged of being the first TV programme to host a panel discussion from inside prison.
Ilibera Verebasaga, at 34, is serving a life sentence for infanticide. She has served nine years and, thought she does not know when she would be released, she hopes it would be in two years. She said she was sorry for what she did and hoped that society will forgive her and accept her back. She has another child – a daughter, being looked after by her mother at her village in Tailevu.
Kusum Lata, 49, is serving a two-year sentence. She wept when she recalled how her grandchild thought that prison was her permanent home. Lata though is only serving what is regarded as a short stint but it is a stint that would have transformed her life profound. For she will never be the same again as she has become a devout Christian.
‘I have become a much better person,” she says.
They were joined in the panel by the officer in charge PPO Ana Wilikibau who not only present to share the official perspective but also to give her moral support to her charge.
Mr Simpson commended the girls from their courage in agreeing to face the camera and tell the nation their story.
The panel was the first in series on MaiTV featuring offenders and ex-offenders as part of the Yellow Ribbon Project. Following the Mothers Behind Bars was the Fathers Behind Bars panel in which three offenders also discussed their problems.
The third episode was of a father who had spend the best part of his life in prison but is now reunited with his family and dedicating his life to the service of the Lord.
For viewing of the programme go to video library.