Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has acknowledged that he did not formally request the release of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and ex-Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho to participate in the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Reconciliation and Restoration program. Speaking at the ceremony held last Saturday at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua, Rabuka indicated that he had hoped for their attendance.
However, Jalesi Nakarawa, the Commissioner of Fiji Corrections Service, confirmed there had been no such formal request communicated regarding the release of Bainimarama and Qiliho. Under the Corrections Service Act 2006, the authority to grant short-term releases is solely held by the Commissioner.
Rabuka later clarified that his request for their presence was not properly communicated. “When I arrived at Queen Elizabeth Barracks and noticed they were absent, I inquired about their potential release. I asked the President, but neither of us possess the authority to grant such a release—only the Prison Commissioner has that power, which is contingent upon applications from the prisoners or their families,” he explained.
According to the Corrections Services Act, the Commissioner has the discretion to release inmates for the purposes of attending courses or under the supervision of traditional leaders, promoting their reintegration into society.
This incident highlights the procedural complexities involved in the correctional system and the importance of formal channels for requests regarding inmate release. While the oversight may invite scrutiny, it also serves as a reminder of the established protocols designed to maintain order and integrity within the corrections system, ensuring that any decisions made regarding inmates are appropriately managed.
In this context, the emphasis on reconciliation and community reintegration is a hopeful sign that Fiji is moving towards healing and promoting constructive engagement among its leaders, even amidst complex bureaucratic structures.
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