Contestants of this year’s Vodafone Hibiscus Festival from the King, Queen and Lady categories visited the Women’s Corrections Centre in Suva this morning.

The 30-plus member group shared light moments with the women inmates and corrections officers including two young babies at the nursery.

Most of the contestants were deeply moved when meeting up with the toddlers and their mothers. The Kings, Queens and Ladies shared tears as they took turns in carrying the babies.

In acknowledging the hospitality by the Corrections Service , Lady Theresa Jenny Heritage said they were honoured to visit the Centre.

She said it was certainly an eye-opening experience for them to get to meet the female inmates particularly the mothers and their young babies.

Heritage applauded the Yellow Ribbon initiative saying the visit enabled them to look at inmates in a positive way with the firm belief that they can actually contribute positively to society.

Commissioner of Corrections Lieutenant Colonel Ifereimi Vasu said the FCS was delighted to host the contestants and again emphasized the importance of giving inmates a second chance at life.

Lt. Col Vasu said the initiative was to enable people to accept inmates back into society as they had simply “gone off track”.

Tonight will see a talent show for the Queens contestants.

www.corrections.org.fj