I really do not know what to expect going back home, because the world is very different now from what I left 20 years ago. These were the words of Pauliasi Delaibatiki, one of six inmates granted a Presidential Pardon this week after serving 20 years of a life sentence. Delaibatiki says not a single day passes without him reflecting on the crime he committed and the people he hurt.
He admits he was a very different person back then young, rebellious, and unaware of the consequences of his actions.
After two decades behind bars, he says he has completely transformed and is ready to give back to his family the years he lost. The 58-year-old says he feels nervous about returning to society, uncertain of what awaits him.
However, he is deeply grateful to the Fiji Corrections Service and the officers who supported his rehabilitation and he paid special tribute to Jane Ricketts, who recognised his talent and passion for art, which he now intends to use to earn a living.
Delaibatiki became one of the resident artists at the Tagimoucia Art Gallery from 2012 to 2023 before being transferred to the Medium Corrections Centre, where he painted designs on wooden artifacts such as birthday keys and mirror stands.
Today, his name is well known in Fiji’s art community and he plans to continue painting and hopes to establish a small workspace at the Pacific Harbour Arts and Cultural Centre in Deuba, where he now resides.
The six inmates pardoned by the State this week are Arneel Chandar Goundar of Navo, Nadi, Pauliasi Delaibatiki of Arts Village, Deuba, Tiko Uate of Dratabu, Nadi, Tafizul Rahman of Drasa, Lautoka, Francis Narayan of Westfield, Nadi, and Timoci Ravurabota of Nailega, Namalata, Tailevu.
FCS confirms that all six were personally escorted home by corrections officers and reunited with their families.
During his final address, Acting Commissioner of Corrections, Sevuloni Naucukidi, congratulated them on their release, urging them to value their freedom and the responsibility that comes with it.
He also commended the men for serving their sentences diligently and contributing to FCS programmes as work leaders in tailoring, farming, and art.
The Presidential Pardon is granted based on the advice of the Mercy Commission, which considers factors such as the number of years served and the circumstances surrounding each offence.
