The Command Group of the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), under the leadership of Acting Commissioner Sevuloni Naucukidi, recently engaged in discussions with Ministry of Sugar Director Praneel Naidu to identify new opportunities for inmate participation in cane-cutting operations within the sugar industry. This collaboration aims to address the current labor shortages faced in agriculture by involving inmates in substantive farm work.
The meeting primarily focused on enhancing operational efficiencies, ensuring a fair selection of farms for participation, and increasing overall inmate engagement throughout the farming cycle. Naucukidi expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s ongoing support, emphasizing FCS’s readiness to modify its operational model to allow a greater number of inmates to join the Musu Dovu cane-cutting initiative.
Director Naidu endorsed the proposal, acknowledging that while the government has explored the option of employing overseas workers to plug the labor gap, utilizing inmate labor has proven to be far more effective. He remarked that farmers have not expressed any complaints regarding inmate workers; rather, there is a consistent demand for their involvement in agricultural activities.
Naucukidi highlighted the initiative’s dual benefits, stating that it not only provides a valuable labor force for farmers but also contributes positively to inmate behavior. By encouraging participation in this program, inmates are motivated to maintain good conduct, as their behavior directly impacts their eligibility for work assignments. Additionally, the program imparts essential skills such as hard work, discipline, and teamwork—qualities that will aid inmates upon their reintegration into society.
The visit concluded with the Acting Commissioner and his team touring various facilities in Ba, Tavua, and Rakiraki, meeting with inmates and FCS personnel to reinforce the positive impacts of such initiatives. This collaboration between the corrections service and the Ministry of Sugar reflects a proactive approach that empowers inmates while meeting critical industry needs, ultimately aiming for a win-win situation for both sectors.
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