𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐃𝐚𝐲 — 𝟏𝟓𝟎 𝐘𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞, 𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐏𝐮𝐫𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞

1. As part of the ongoing 150th Anniversary Celebration of the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), today marked a historic milestone as officers from the Fiji Corrections Service and their comrades from the Fiji Police Force came together to celebrate Corrections Day with a commemorative march from SeaFarers to Korovou Compound.

2. The Chief Guest, Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General, Honourable Siromi Turaga, delivered an inspiring keynote address that reflected on the service’s legacy and its transformative journey over 150 years. He reminded officers that, “It is not only a moment of longevity but of deep reflection, gratitude, and renewed purpose.”

3. The Minister acknowledged the courage and resilience of all who have served, past and present, paying tribute to the pioneers who laid the foundation of the Fiji Corrections Service. He noted that the institution’s strength today is built on “the hard lessons and painful experiences of the past,” referencing defining moments such as the 1979 Suva Prison fire and the 2000 Naboro uprising that led to innovation and reform.

4. Honourable Turaga paid special tribute to retired officers such as Mr. Sairusi Gauna, who at just 19 years old bravely stood his ground during the 1979 Suva Prison riot, and Mr. Liano Vueti, whose experience inspired the creation of the Emergency Control Unit (ECU) — a vital component in maintaining order today. He further commended all retired servicemen present, acknowledging their lifelong dedication and sacrifices that continue to inspire the next generation of officers.

5. The Minister also reflected on the historical roots of the Service, noting that it began beside the old Nasova Police Station, symbolizing the link between loss and restoration — guiding those who have strayed back to the right path. He emphasized that the journey from “prisons” to “corrections” represents a deeper national commitment to transformation, dignity, and hope.

6. Looking to the future, Honourable Turaga emphasized that modern correctional work is no longer only about confinement but about healing, rehabilitation, and reintegration. He called for a holistic approach that includes education, vocational training, psychological and spiritual support, so that inmates can live meaningful lives upon release. “Justice,” he stated, “is not only about punishment — it is about restoration, redemption, and renewal.”

7. The Minister further highlighted the importance of community collaboration in ensuring successful reintegration, calling on government agencies, NGOs, faith-based groups, and the private sector to unite in offering genuine second chances to former inmates. He recognized the Yellow Ribbon Project as a powerful example of inclusion, urging all Fijians to “open their hearts and build safer communities through acceptance, not exclusion.”

8. The Corrections Day celebration concluded with a spirit of unity and pride, as both serving and retired officers marched side by side with the Fiji Police Force. The Fiji Corrections Service continues its week-long 150th Anniversary celebration, reaffirming its mission of rehabilitation and transformation under the leadership of Acting Commissioner Sevuloni Naucukidi.

Today’s event was a proud reminder of the Service’s enduring values — discipline, compassion, and commitment to nation-building.