𝐁𝐄𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐃 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐖𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐒: 𝐀𝐑𝐓, 𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐖𝐀𝐋 𝐂𝐄𝐋𝐄𝐁𝐑𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐃 𝐀𝐓 𝐘𝐄𝐋𝐋𝐎𝐖 𝐑𝐈𝐁𝐁𝐎𝐍 𝐄𝐗𝐇𝐈𝐁𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

The invitation-only exhibition was officially opened by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu, who highlighted the importance of rehabilitation, accountability and creating meaningful pathways for people returning to society.

Reflecting on the purpose of the exhibition, His Excellency said the event was not simply an exhibition of paintings and creative works, but an opportunity to “_look beyond the concrete, steel and the razor wire, and to see the human being who still carries gifts, responsibility and possibility_.”

He further emphasised the role of art in rehabilitation, noting that “art reaches places that only conversation sometimes cannot”, while describing patience, concentration, self-control and the courage to begin again as disciplines that extend beyond art and into life.

A key message of the President’s address was the challenge of the “second prison” of stigma, which can follow a person after their sentence through rejection, unemployment, public suspicion and limited opportunities. He reminded those present that breaking this cycle is a shared responsibility.

The exhibition featured the works of six inmate artists — Aisake Qiolele, Anil Chand, Filimoni Vetaukula (Vetau), Isoa Codrokadroka, Vishal Krishna, and Josaia Vusuya — showcasing their artistic development, cultural expression and personal journeys through rehabilitation.

The evening also brought together distinguished guests including the Minister for Police, Hon. Ioane Naivalurua, and the Minister for Women, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Sashi Kiran, alongside government officials, diplomatic representatives, members of the arts community, partners and supporters.

The generosity of guests was reflected in $6,760 in total sales, comprising $6,190 in gallery artwork sales and $470 in woodwork sales. Proceeds from the artworks are intended to support the artists as they work towards a fresh start, consistent with the exhibition’s rehabilitation focus.

In her Vote of Thanks, Mistress of Ceremony Mrs. Michelle Tevita-Singh acknowledged the President for his continued encouragement of the rehabilitation programme and thanked the artists, partners, sponsors and supporters whose contributions made the exhibition possible. She also noted that the exhibition provides an opportunity for the artists’ work to generate income and support their journey forward.

The President concluded his address with a powerful call for society to look beyond the artwork and engage with the stories behind it, urging that the Yellow Ribbon become a promise that “a completed sentence will not become a life sentence of exclusion.”

While tonight’s launch was strictly invitation-only, members of the public will have an opportunity to view the remaining artworks at the Fiji Arts Council from tomorrow.

The Fiji Corrections Service remains committed to rehabilitation, reintegration and creating pathways for second chances — because restoring a life benefits not only the individual, but families and communities as well.