Inmates performing at the recent Hibiscus Festival.

THE people of the North will live up to their name during the Festival of the Friendly North.

Norhtern Prisons supervisor Northern Sakiusa Veiwili said prisoners released into their communities were accepted by people in the division and they continued to advocate a second chance for them.

The Prisons Department has a booth at the Vodafone-sponsored festival at Subrail Park, Labasa.

"The people are very supportive towards the Yellow Ribbon program and this support comes from various religious groups, the business community and the members of the public," Mr Veiwili said.

"It's all about giving a second chance to the inmates, to give them a chance to correct their doings and help them get back on their feet and start a normal life.

"We, in the North, are giving the inmates that chance," Mr Veiwili said.

The Prisons Department will raise awareness on the Yellow Ribbon program and feature some former inmates.

"They will be telling their stories and experiences to school students and youths visiting the booth," he said.

"A first-hand experience from inmates will be able to help bring people, especially youths who are on the path of crime, on to the right path.

"This is the first time for us to have such a campaign with inmates from Vaturekuka Prisons present at the booth.

"We hope we are successful in creating a positive impact on peoples' lives."


Source: Fiji Times

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