The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has reached out to the Fiji Muslim League, urging them to enhance their support for Muslim inmates, especially those from overseas who often lack familial or community ties in Fiji. This appeal was made during the Fiji Muslim League’s Annual General Meeting and Council Meeting, which took place at the Nadi Muslim College. Present at the event were Acting Commissioner of Corrections, Sevuloni Naucukidi, and Director of Training and Rehabilitation, Superintendent Isireli Dausiga.
Commissioner Naucukidi emphasized the challenges faced by Muslim inmates who are far from home without local support, suggesting that the Fiji Muslim League could greatly aid in their rehabilitation and integration process. He noted that faith-based support has proven effective in helping inmates positively engage and reintegrate into society post-incarceration.
Superintendent Dausiga highlighted a demographic trend, pointing out a rise in Indo-Fijian and Muslim inmates over the past decade. He introduced FCS’s new Five-Year Strategic Development Plan, themed “You Can Only Give What You Have,” which aims to prioritize community partnerships and holistic rehabilitation.
The initiative aligns with FCS’s broader strategic goals, as noted in previous discussions and efforts. The Fiji Corrections Service has been actively pursuing enhancements in operational capabilities, often collaborating with international partners to integrate global practices into their system. These international collaborations aim to uplift the professionalism and abilities of the corrections workforce, ensuring they are well-prepared for modern challenges.
In tandem with promoting professionalism, the FCS has consistently emphasized faith’s role, as seen in prior initiatives like the Commissioner’s Church Parade, which underscores the importance of faith in personal and professional development. This focus on community support and faith-based interventions reflects a broader vision for transforming the correctional system into one defined by professionalism and effective rehabilitation methods.
The call to the Fiji Muslim League is part of a larger reform effort within the FCS, which has been moving towards more digital and rehabilitation-focused strategies, supported by increased government funding. This direction is in line with their Strategic Development Plan 2025–2029 and Annual Corporate Plan 2025–2026, aiming to implement holistic and inclusive corrections practices.
The increased cooperation with bodies like the Fiji Muslim League resonates with FCS’s long-term mission to create efficient rehabilitation frameworks that support inmates in rebuilding their lives post-incarceration. This collaborative approach is critical not only for reducing recidivism but also for assuring community safety and instilling public confidence in the correctional system.
Overall, the interaction between the Fiji Corrections Service and the Fiji Muslim League represents a positive step towards achieving a more rehabilitative and supportive correctional environment in Fiji. Enhanced community partnerships could potentially pave the way for groundbreaking reforms in how inmates are supported and rehabilitated, ultimately leading to safer communities and more successful reintegration outcomes.
Leave a comment