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Illustration of From the Editor in Chief’s desk | November 14, 2024

Bainimarama’s Early Release: A Matter of Law or Special Treatment?

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Three key stories feature prominently in The Fiji Times for Thursday, November 14.

Addressing the Council members, Ratu Viliame highlighted the complexities involved in changing laws that affect the itaukei community, emphasizing that while amendments are in the pipeline, communities should leverage existing laws to foster their development.

In a related note, President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu urged all members to collaborate towards a common objective.

Another pressing issue reported is that some students may be unable to attend their exams due to vendors declining to provide transportation, citing unpaid services as their reason. This situation raises concerns about educational accessibility for these students.

Additionally, economists project that remittances to Fiji will stabilize at slightly over a billion dollars during the 2025 and 2026 calendar years, attributing this trend to a reversal in the flow of overseas migration under worker schemes. A detailed report will be available on page 13.

In a separate discussion, the early release of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama from prison has sparked public discourse. The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) issued a statement defending the procedure, asserting that decisions are now made without political bias. This shift suggests a commitment to standardized practices, reflecting an intention to treat all inmates equally under the law.

The FCS clarified that Bainimarama’s case followed the legal framework typically applied to all prisoners, allowing for a standard one-third remission of their sentence. While Bainimarama’s early release aligns with this policy, questions remain regarding the specific factors that influenced the approval of his request.

The FCS has a responsibility to maintain transparency. Public confidence hinges on understanding the rationale behind decisions affecting high-profile prisoners like Bainimarama, ensuring that no semblance of preferential treatment exists.

In summary, the article discusses legislative complexities within the itaukei community, the crisis in student transportation impacting education, and the implications of Bainimarama’s early release, underscoring the importance of transparency and impartiality in corrections practices.

A hopeful take on these issues is that they present an opportunity for community development, continuous dialogue, and potential reforms in the legal system that promote equality and transparency, ultimately benefitting all citizens.


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