Inmates from the Labasa Corrections Centre cut cane in the North.

A second gang of cane cutters from the Labasa Corrections Centre has been deployed to Mateniwai, Macuata, as farmers are desperate to have the standing cane harvested before the close of the crushing season in December.

“We view our contribution as very essential because of the importance of the sugar industry to the national economy,” said Supervisor Northern Division, Assistant Superintendent of Corrections, Sakiusa Veiwili.

“Sugar is also very important to the economy of the North as farmers want to ensure that their cane get to the mill before it closes.”

ASC Veiwili said ten inmates will make the second gang and is in addition to the 13 inmates who make up the first gang that is harvesting in Nagigi about 10 kilometers from Labasa.

“We will send a third team if it is required of us as we are happy to be contributing positively to the well being of the nation,” he said.

Mr Veiwili said FCS has been working closely with the office of the Commissioner Northern where the request for the additional team came from.

The cane cutting project is part of the rehabilitation initiatives under the Yellow Ribbon Project. Part of the revenue earned from the harvesting is paid to the inmates which they will receive on release from corrections institutions. 

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