Suva Prison inmates met their families at a combined church service inside the prison walls yesterday. A marquee was erected inside the main yard area where the inmates and their families sat for the hour-long service. 

More than 100 people including women, children and prison officers attended the Church service. 

Prisons Commissioner Brigadier Ioane Naivalurua said that it was the final church service for the year and it was to commemorate the end of, 2008 and welcome, 2009. 
The Commissioner of FPCS emphasizes that bringing inmates together and their families was another form of rehabilitation. 

The Commissioner of Prison said that this year was the first time in the Fiji's Prisons history that Christmas artworks and Christmas tree were put up in front of the prison. Christmas lights were also decked out along the barbed wire fence. 

Addressing inmates during the church service, Mr Naivalurua said it was a time for change. He urged the inmates to turn away from crime and believe in the Lord. This season is for families to get together and spend time together. 
Mr Naivalurua said the New Year was approaching and would bring opportunities for new beginnings. 

He assured the building process, which is to give a second chance to inmates (Yellow Ribbon Project), would continue in the year, 2009.