Director Rehabilitation SP Salote Panapasa after sealing the contract with
Quality Print's Dewan Maharaj.

An agreement signed today between the Fiji Corrections Service and Quality Print will see an extension of the work attachment of two serving inmates - Alipate Qaraniqio and Apisai Vacoko.

This is part of the efforts of the Fiji Corrections Service to rehabilitate inmates as mandated to us by the Government.

Under the fourth and final phase of the FCS rehabilitation framework, inmates go out on work attachments to enable them to get practical hands-on experience in a real life work environment, thus preparing them for life after their terms.

Under the agreement, their contracts have been extended from six to 12 months, their salaries will be increased from $60 - $70 per week and their Fiji National Provident Fund deductions will be made.

As well, their progress is assessed on a monthly basis by the employer.

Quality Print general manager Dewan Maharaj said Qaraniqio and Vacoko are very hardworking and trustworthy.

“They are just like any other human beings who have done wrong, realized their mistake and are trying to make it right,” he said.

“When they first started, they kept to themselves and did not mix well with the staff,” he said.

“But they have gradually adapted well to the working environment and have a good working relationship with everyone,” he said.

Mr Maharaj said because of their good conduct and behavior, he was willing to offer them permanent jobs upon their release.

Director Rehabilitation Superintendent Salote Panapasa said when corporate bodies as such accept inmates for job placements, it helps change their attitude and behavior.

She said with the help of programme providers to the FCS, inmates are able to acquire a tremendous amount of skills and knowledge.

“When inmates are accepted for employment, it gives them a sense of confidence and they are able to do earn for their families upon release.

“In turn, this keeps them out of trouble this contributing to the decrease in Fiji’s crime rate,” SP Panapasa said.

“It’s a win-win situation for all those who take part in this arrangement. At the end of the day, we all contribute to the mandate of the Government, that is by achieving together a safe, secure and prosperous Fiji for all,” she added.

The FCS believes that training inmates with the right kind of skills and their proper rehabilitation is necessary to reducing their re-offending behavior and creates more chances for them to be accepted back into society upon their release. 

www.corrections.org.fj