A Relentless Pursuit for Excellence

Charged with the responsibility for the safe, secure and humane treatment of persons in custody, the Fiji Correction Services (FCS) is now changing its approach.

The FCS now leads the way in ensuring that inmates in their corrections facilities around the country contribute to Governments efforts in moving the nation forward through the Peoples Charter for Change, Peace and Progress.

With Governments continued commitment including the provision of opportunities to correct offending behavior, develop work and life skills and to perform community service, inmates can be sure that they have a bigger and brighter future ahead of them.

Government is convinced that the FCS is an important aspect of the justice system in that its existence institutionalizes the end process of our criminal justice system.

One believes that justice is not carried out until a person convicted of any crime has fully served his/her sentence.

Similarly, Government is of the view that a good prison system will not only serve its purpose as a penal or custodian institution, but more so, be a deterrent to the commitment and recommitment of offences.

In his quest to wipe out crime by eradicating factors that lead to criminal behavior, Commissioner Correction Services Mr. Ioane Naivalurua believes that a successful mission depends on eliminating surprises.

“Knowing where the threat is, is the key to success,” says Commissioner Naivalurua.

A SHIFT IN FOCUS

With the new Prisons and Corrections Act 2006, Government is committed on the need to shift focus from the traditional philosophy of containment to corrections.

The Act also provides a new focus for the future development of the FCS.

In a proposal to Cabinet last year, the FCS continues to embrace key areas of development including infrastructure, commercialization, the re-organization of corporate services, operational capabilities and rehabilitation framework.

According to the FCS, the five year plan outlines areas that are fundamental and critical for the future growth and expansion of the Corrections Service.

In realigning the Corrections Service from incarceration to corrections with a shift in focus and use of human resources under the Prisons and Corrections Act, there has been a review of rehabilitation programmes to customize its components in order to meet the individual needs of the offenders.

Firstly in terms of rehabilitation, a case management framework is being piloted in correction facilities. Concurrently a new model for case management is also on-going.

The ultimate intention is to objectively carry out an assessment of inmates based on social and psychological principles. This will enable the FCS to better understand the inmates and mete appropriate rehabilitation programme.

Deputy Commissioner Corrections Service Mr. Auta Moceisuva acknowledges that staff skills and knowledge need polishing.

As such, trainings have been introduced in leadership, fitness, professionalism and contemporary prisoner management techniques to help the FCS staff cope with the transition towards corrections.

Moreover, in its bid to allay the fear of abuse and violation of basic human rights issues concerning the health and lives of inmates, the FCS has upgraded buildings to comply with international standards. A walk around corrections facilities in Naboro will confirm this.

COMMERCIAL REHABILITATION

As part of its plans to improve Prisons Enterprise Development, the FCS has embarked on commercialization projects which have seen its poultry and farming initiatives thrive over the past several months.

A prime example is the 140,000 dalo plants that will be ready for harvest at the end of this month.

Government had already allocated $400,000 to start commercial activities in corrections facilities. Furthermore, a committee comprising the FCS & Agriculture Department is already working towards implementing various agricultural programmes foremost in Naboro where infrastructure and land are available.

New developments in the form of broiler sheds, rearing layer birds, beef, and root crops and vegetable farming have been enhanced through this programme.

With such programmes in place, the ultimate objective will be, to fully commercialize, with a view to ultimately establishing a separate arm of the government with Prisons support to look specifically into the commercial activities in prison.

According to FCS Public Relations Officer Frederick Elbourne, commercialization projects undertaken by the Service is not solely about commercialization.

“It is first and foremost about rehabilitation,” said Mr. Elbourne.

Mr. Elbourne is adamant that if inmates have an idea of how commercialization works, this in return inculcates the necessary attributes to become successful commercial farmers.

“Gone are the days of subsistence farming. It is our hope that one day our former inmates are at the forefront of food security in Fiji,” he said.

Furthermore, Mr. Elbourne says commercial activities are ongoing in all corrections institutions around the country.

Said Mr. Elbourne; “In the North, our commercial activity is all agro based. We are looking at setting up a hydroponics farm in Labasa and increase our agriculture yield at our Taveuni Institution.”

Once established, the FCORE will serve as a Government created enterprise under the Public Regulation Act with capital input from Government.

He added “the whole idea behind any commercial entity is the retention of funds and we are no different.”

“After all we have to establish the Fiji Corporation of Rehabilitation Enterprise (FCORE) by 2012 and Cabinet has already approved this.”

Among its in-depth objectives, FCORE Limited aspires to become a commercial venture providing revenue to government whilst at the same time make provisions for genuine rehabilitation programs.

According to Mr. Elbourne, a number of existing traditional industries that have been identified to have the potential to generate revenue for the organisation are the joinery, tailor, shop, bakery, piggery, poultry, beef and food crops. Some of these industries have been upgraded in 2009 to maximize their output to reach commercial level.

ENROUTE TO MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

With such initiatives, the FCS is on its way to providing and effective and efficient prisons and corrections systems through the adoption of innovative programs of offender management and rehabilitation programs.

The FCS continues to share a common interest with other law enforcement agencies including the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Police Force.

Said Mr. Moceisuva; “We have common operations and also expertise. We have already started integration of our operations and sharing of resources. Staff training, joint operations and standing committees are areas that we have concerted efforts.

“The beauty about us is we have a disciplined workforce that strives to achieve new and differing challenges. This is our pillar of strength that perhaps others can follow especially in the civil service.”

The Peoples Charter for Change, Peace and Progress embraces a number of policies that the FCS has already implemented, especially in changing and saving lives of the socially disadvantaged group who in this case are the inmates and drive them away from anti social behavior to ensure a safer community for all.

In its “Relentless Pursuit for Excellence,” the FCS will continue to pursue excellence in all facets of their duties and responsibilities and finally achieve its vision, to be an “Internationally acclaimed Fiji Corrections Service.”