Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka recently acknowledged that he did not formally request the release of former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and former Commissioner of Police Sitiveni Qiliho to attend the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Reconciliation and Restoration program. During the formal event held at Queen Elizabeth Barracks in Nabua last Saturday, Rabuka mentioned he had hoped for their presence.
However, Jalesi Nakarawa, the Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner, confirmed that no official requests for their release had been received. According to the Corrections Service Act of 2006, the authority to grant short-term releases lies solely with the Commissioner.
Rabuka clarified his earlier remarks, stating, “That’s correct, there was no proper communication.” He expressed that upon noticing their absence at the event, he inquired about the possibility of their release but acknowledged that neither he nor the President has the power to authorize their release; that authority resides with the Prison Commissioner.
The Corrections Service Act provides the Commissioner with the discretion to grant short-term releases for various purposes, including participation in instructional programs or community reintegration efforts, with the overarching goal of facilitating the smooth re-entry of individuals into society.
In summary, this situation underscores the complexities surrounding the authority of prison releases and the necessity for clear communication between government officials and corrections authorities to ensure participation in rehabilitative programs.
This incident can be seen as an opportunity for improvement in coordination among governmental bodies, which might strengthen future reconciliation efforts and enhance communication protocols. By addressing these procedural challenges, there is potential for more effective initiatives in rehabilitating and reintegrating individuals into society.
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