George Speight prioritized family upon his release from prison after serving 24 years. Convicted of treason for leading the 2000 coup, Speight was serving a life sentence until he received a presidential pardon last Thursday.
Since his release, he has avoided media attention as he awaited the arrival of his older brother, Sam Speight, who traveled from Hamilton, New Zealand. Sam arrived on Friday.
Niece Jacqueline (Jackie) Speight described the reunion, stating, “Reunited after 24 long years, the brothers come together in freedom, celebrating the love, memories, and unbreakable bond that time can’t erase.” She emphasized the importance of family, saying, “It is family first. A season of gratitude.”
Jackie expressed surprise over the events of Thursday, saying, “No one could have scripted what happened. It will forever be etched in my mind and heart. Praise God indeed.”
Mr. Speight’s younger siblings—Jim, Esther, and Salome—are living abroad, along with their 93-year-old father, Sam Speight Sr. Meanwhile, family members in Naivicula, Wainibuka, Tailevu, are eager to reunite with him.
A relative, wishing to remain anonymous, remarked, “He went in when he was 43, and he is returning home now at 67. We’re looking forward to meeting him.”