The Yellow Ribbon Walk is more than a symbolic gesture — it is a movement that challenges us to embrace change, not only in the lives of those who have stumbled, but also in how we perceive them as a society.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance, Professor Biman Prasad made these remarks during celebrations at Syria Park in Nausori, where the Yellow Ribbon Walk, held under the theme “Action, Change, Forgive, Accept”, brought together citizens, government leaders, and correctional staff in support of rehabilitating and reintegrating former offenders.
He says the Yellow Ribbon Walk is a powerful reminder that forgiveness and acceptance are essential to building a more cohesive and compassionate Fiji.
Professor Prasad emphasised that the rehabilitation and reintegration of offenders is not solely the responsibility of the Fiji Corrections Service, but a shared national duty.
Professor Prasad adds that the government has allocated $62.5 million in the 2025/2026 National Budget to overhaul correctional facilities, speed up court processes, and address overcrowding in remand centres.
He highlights that the Korovou Remand Centre currently holds 287 detainees, far exceeding its approved capacity of 200, and fixing this is a top priority.
Professor Prasad says the increased budget includes funding for infrastructure upgrades, equipment, IT systems, and rehabilitative programmes such as the Yellow Ribbon Programme and ex-offender livelihood support.
He says skills development in areas such as agriculture, joinery, garment-making, and financial literacy is being prioritised to help inmates prepare for life after prison and support their reintegration through small business opportunities.
He adds that the government is also strengthening training for correctional officers and upgrading technology systems to meet international standards for the treatment of prisoners.
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