George Speight is prioritizing family after being released from prison, where he spent 24 years. Convicted of treason for his role in the 2000 coup, Speight was serving a life sentence until he was granted a presidential pardon last Thursday.
Since his release, he has avoided the media as he awaited the arrival of his older brother, Sam Speight, who traveled from Hamilton, New Zealand, arriving on Friday.
Describing their emotional reunion, niece Jacqueline (Jackie) Speight expressed, “Reunited after 24 long years, the brothers come together in freedom, celebrating love, memories, and an unbreakable bond that time can’t erase.” She added, “It is family first. A season of gratitude. It came as a surprise. No one could have scripted the events that happened on Thursday. It will forever be etched in my mind and heart. Praise God indeed.”
Mr. Speight’s other siblings, Jim, Esther, and Salome, live abroad, as does their father, Sam Speight Sr., who is 93 years old. Meanwhile, relatives in Naivicula, Wainibuka, Tailevu, are eager to meet him. One relative, who wished to remain nameless, shared, “He went in when he was 43; he is returning home now at 67. We’re looking forward to meeting him.”