George Speight has prioritized family following his release from prison after serving 24 years. Convicted of treason for his role in the 2000 coup, Speight had been serving a life sentence until he received a presidential pardon last Thursday.
Since his release, he has been avoiding the media as he awaited the arrival of his older brother, Sam Speight, who traveled from Hamilton, New Zealand. Sam arrived on Friday.
Describing the emotional reunion, niece Jacqueline Speight expressed, “Reunited after 24 long years, the brothers come together in freedom, celebrating the love, memories, and unbreakable bond that time can’t erase.” She added, “It is family first. A season of gratitude.”
Jacqueline noted that the events of Thursday were unexpected, saying, “It came as a surprise. No one could have scripted what happened that day. It will forever be etched in my mind and heart. Praise God indeed.”
Mr. Speight’s younger siblings, Jim, Esther, and Salome, live abroad, along with their father, Sam Speight Sr., who is 93. Meanwhile, family members in Naivicula, Wainibuka, Tailevu, are eager to meet him as well.
A relative, who chose to remain anonymous, shared, “He went in when he was 43, and he is returning home now at 67. We’re looking forward to meeting him.”