The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has unveiled a significant proposal to transform the Rakiraki Temporary Corrections Centre into a permanent Rehabilitation Centre. This initiative is designed to expand rehabilitation opportunities for inmates through various farming programs, including the thriving sugar cane cutting scheme.
The Rakiraki Temporary Corrections Centre currently houses inmates and officers from Suva and Naboro during the seasonal sugar cane harvesting period. These deployments, besides posing logistical challenges, place significant strain on institutional operations. Turning the temporary base into a permanent Rehabilitation Centre would mitigate these issues and provide continuous rehabilitation opportunities for inmates.
The FCS senior management team, led by Commissioner Dr. Nakarawa, recently met with Permanent Secretary for Sugar, Yogesh Karan, to discuss the proposal. Karan endorsed the plan and expressed his willingness to collaborate on a joint Cabinet Paper for the project. This initiative is expected to positively impact the economy by bolstering the sugar industry.
The FCS Project Team will carry out a project scoping exercise at the Rakiraki site. Once completed, the scoping report will be submitted to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Public Utilities for technical review. This report will be included in a joint Cabinet Paper to seek government approval.
If approved, this project will offer numerous benefits to the FCS, the government, and the Ra Province community members. It will boost the local economy, generate employment opportunities, and strengthen social stability. Additionally, it will significantly enhance rehabilitation programs for inmates while supporting the sugar industry.