It was an emotional moment for the families of inmates after the Fiji Corrections Service opened its doors for six hours to allow family members to enter the prison and share a special meal with their loved ones who are currently under their care.
It was a Family Day to remember, as sons and daughters shared tears with their mums and dads who were incarcerated, and ate and laughed to their heart’s content.
The Family Day was observed at all Corrections Service facilities across all divisions, and only inmates who have served their sentences diligently throughout the year without any disciplinary issues were eligible for the programme.
At the Suva Corrections Centre, 67-year-old Rambha Wati and her family travelled from Korovuto in Nadi to visit her youngest son, Moneel Yogesh Narayan, also bringing along his two daughters.
A tearful mother shared her joy at seeing her son again under more relaxed circumstances and being able to cook and bring his favourite meal for the family.
Wati says this is so important to all of them as a family, and they thanked the Fiji Corrections Service for hosting the families to share a meal before the year ends.
Losalini Tadu, who travelled from Dravuni in Tailevu, brought her 7-year-old daughter, and 7-month-old baby to visit her husband and the children’s father in what became a very emotional affair.
She says when she visited before, she could not bring their children, and today they are all very happy.
She also brought her husband’s favourite meal, stir-fried chicken.
The Fiji Corrections Service says family visitations are an integral part of the rehabilitation of an inmate, as they encourage positive change, promote healing, and help maintain the bridge for reintegration back into the community upon release.
