George Speight prioritized family upon his release from prison after serving 24 years. Initially convicted of treason for his role in the 2000 coup, Mr. Speight had been serving a life sentence until he received a presidential pardon last Thursday.
Since his release, he has been avoiding the media to await the arrival of his older brother, Sam Speight, from Hamilton, New Zealand. Sam arrived on Friday.
Jacqueline (Jackie) Speight, Mr. Speight’s niece, shared her thoughts on their reunion: “Reunited after 24 long years, the brothers come together in freedom, celebrating love, memories, and the unbreakable bond that time can’t erase.” She added, “It is family first. A season of gratitude.”
Jackie expressed how surprising the events of Thursday were, stating, “It will forever be etched in my mind and heart. Praise God indeed.”
Mr. Speight’s other younger siblings, Jim, Esther, and Salome, are also living abroad, along with their 93-year-old father, Sam Speight Sr. His family members in Naivicula, Wainibuka, Tailevu, are eager to meet him as well.
A relative, who wished to remain anonymous, commented, “He went in when he was 43, and he is returning home now at 67. We’re looking forward to meeting him.”