Villagers of Namotomoto, Nadi during a Yellow Ribbon awareness
campaign. 

Villagers of Namotomoto in Nadi have been urged to support to those who have gone off track following their release.

Speaking during a community Yellow Ribbon awareness on Monday evening, Natabua Corrections Divisional Sergeant Major Manasa Bolenaivalu said inmates are human beings despite the fact that they have committed a wrong.

“Treat them as human beings, they also need love and care from us. If we mistreat them there is a likelihood they will continue to reoffend,” Sergeant Major Bolenaivalu said.

Namotomoto village chairman Setareki Takubu urged villagers to change their mindset about inmates and think positively.

“Its now time to think positively about them. Do away with the old mindset because it will not help in their rehabilitation,” Mr Takubu said.

He said the only way to support inmates is to show them love.

“This is the new beginning for us to give all our caring heart to the inmates because they are still our sons and daughters,” he said.

Meanwhile, preparation for the launch of the Yellow Ribbon initiative in Nadi next month is well underway. 

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