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 an event at the Queen Elizabeth Barracks last Saturday, Rabuka expressed a desire for their presence, but subsequent comments from Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa indicated that no formal request had been communicated to arrange for their release.
According to the Corrections Service Act of 2006, the authority to grant short-term leave for incarcerated individuals lies solely with the Commissioner of Corrections, and Rabuka clarified that neither he nor the President has the power to facilitate such a release. He remarked, “I asked the President but it’s neither the President nor I have the authority to release them, only the Prison Commissioner for Corrections Services.”
The legislation allows the Commissioner to permit temporary releases for prisoners to engage in specific instructional or community-related events, a process meant to aid their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
While this situation may present challenges, it highlights the importance of following proper protocols in governance and corrections. It is an opportunity for improved communication and procedural clarity going forward, promoting a more organized approach to reconciliation efforts within the country.
In summary, the absence of a formal request for the release of Bainimarama and Qiliho during a key reconciliation event illustrates the need for clearer communication and adherence to legal protocols, underscoring a valuable lesson in governance and community reintegration efforts.
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