Re-offending rate dropped before COVID but rose again after – Sigavou

Fiji Corrections Service Principal Corrections Officer Jone Sigavou says the percentage of inmates re-offending and reintegrating into the community had decreased before the COVID-19 pandemic, compared to 15 to 20 years ago — but the rate has risen again in the post-COVID period.

Speaking to fijivillage News ahead of the Yellow Ribbon Walk, which will be held tomorrow from Ratu Cakobau Park to Syria Park in Nausori, Sigavou says the event is part of efforts to promote the reintegration of inmates back into their families and communities after serving their sentences.

He says many of the inmates currently returning to the system were released during the COVID period.

Sigavou adds that over 15 years ago, statistics showed that out of every three inmates released, one would likely return to prison.

Sigavou says some families are now accepting inmates back and helping them move forward with their lives.

He stresses that reintegration impacts national security.

Sigavou adds when inmates are not accepted back into family life, employment, or village communities, they often return to their old patterns of criminal behaviour.

He adds that this is why they ended up in prison in the first place.

Sigavou says that all inmates come from a family, a church, and a village setting, but after breaking the law and being brought before the courts, it becomes the job of Corrections Officers to upskill them and try to transform their lives.

He says that is what the Yellow Ribbon Project is all about, and it is about education, awareness, and showing people that if we do not accept these inmates back into society, then where will they go?

Sigavou acknowledges that the program has faced criticism, but says it is not a full-proof solution.

He says they are dealing with people who, by nature, do not conform to rules and standards.

He further says wardens try their best every day, and it is a battle of hearts and minds, and a daily challenge for the men and women on the ground.

The Yellow Ribbon March will begin at 6.15am tomorrow, starting from Ratu Cakobau Park and ending at Syria Park.

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