The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has announced that it will cease providing tents on loan for personal or community events free of charge. This decision, effective immediately, was communicated by FCS Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, who cited increasing operational demands as the reason for the change.
For years, the FCS has supported a variety of community events by lending out tents at no cost, accommodating gatherings of different sizes, including those needing tents for up to 300 people. Dr. Nakarawa noted that FCS officers have taken pride in their role of assisting the community by setting up and taking down the tents, contributing to the success of these events.
However, Dr. Nakarawa emphasized that due to the current pressures on their resources and personnel, it has become difficult for the FCS to maintain this service without affecting their primary responsibilities. He mentioned that the setup and dismantling of tents required a considerable investment of time and manpower, which will now be redirected to meet the essential operational needs of the service.