The Suva Remand Centre in Korovou is currently experiencing significant overcrowding issues, with the number of unsentenced detainees surpassing the approved limit by 87, as stated by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Professor Biman Prasad. He spoke at the Yellow Ribbon Walk program in Nausori, emphasizing the government’s commitment to systemic prison reform, including rehabilitation, infrastructure enhancement, and addressing the issue of overcrowding in remand facilities.
Currently, the remand centre’s population stands at an average of 287, while it is designed to hold only 200 individuals. Prasad noted that prolonging remand for detainees due to backlogged court cases represents a denial of justice. “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he asserted, calling for the necessary resources to expedite judicial processes and alleviate the current pressures on the system.
Plans for improvements include upgrading infrastructure and modernizing prison facilities, with a focus on rehabilitation-oriented designs and creating incentives to help reskill offenders. The government has made strides with the opening of the Fiji Corrections Service Northern Division headquarters in Labasa, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and support rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism.
This situation resonates with ongoing discussions about the critical overcrowding crisis facing Fiji’s correctional facilities, highlighted by previous reports indicating that the Suva Remand Centre often houses around 400 inmates, well over its capacity. The Fiji Corrections Service has advocated for judicial reforms and the reconsideration of remand orders as potential solutions to alleviate overcrowding.
The ongoing dialogues signal a concerted effort to reform the correctional landscape in Fiji. With community involvement and collaboration among government agencies, there may be a hopeful future for achieving a balanced system that prioritizes rehabilitation and reintegration for those within the justice system.
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