Since the Fiji Prisons and Correctional Services (FPCS) had implemented its Commissioner’s instruction that all prison facilities become smoke free environments, there are been a mark increase of family members visiting inmates.

FPCS Commissioner Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua said that since this policy had come into effect in October 2007, many parents have indicated that they can now afford the bus fare to come visit their love ones.
“Since this policy has come into effect, many parents and family members have indicated to our officers that they now can come more often to visit their loved ones, because they now have the means to pay for their bus fares from money saved from not buying cigarettes.”

A packet of cigarettes in Fiji can cost $2-50 to $5-00 and the average bus fare is far less than this.

The cigarette ban was also to encourage inmates to live healthy lifestyles and promote better oral health and their families who visit them had been asked to assist with this.

“We are concerned with the dental health of the inmates under our charge,” said Brig Naivalurua.
The cessation of smoking in all prison facilities and offices is under the authority vested under Part III, Section 8 of the Prisons Act Cap 86 and Section 1 Standing Order 3 of the Prisons Standing Orders.

www.corrections.org.fj

Other August 2009 News