The first Yellow Ribbon Parade was held on a bright sunny Suva Saturday morning in 2008. As we walked from Albert Park, along Victoria Parade to Ratu Sakuna Park, it was a novel assembly of corrections officers, inmates, ex-inmates, government leaders, and the wider community.

There was huge excited anticipation as the past Commissioner, Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua, led the Fiji Corrections Service in a new approach of giving a second chance for prisoners. Prisons and prisoners were no longer being hidden away but encouraged to participate in their rehabilitation, and return healed to their family and community.

Peter & Jemimah at the first Yellow Ribbon Parade with inmates from Nasinu Prison. (11 October 2008)

As an annual event in Fiji’s calendar the Yellow Ribbon Parade has grown to be part of the identity of who we aspire to be as Fijian people: a community that believes in investing in the least to provide a second chance.

A few weeks ago, it was another Saturday morning where over 4000 people came together to celebrate the 2022 Yellow Ribbon Parade in Suva. This was no longer a short stroll between the two main parks in Suva but a stretching and invigorating 6km walk. Wearing our yellow t-shirts we embarked on the route with our return being celebrated by breakfast, exhibitions, and tremendous music being provided by the Yellow Ribbon Band made up of officers and inmates.

Peter, Jemimah & Jill at the 2022 Yellow Ribbon Walk starting line

What does it take to change the stigma and attitudes towards prisoners? A courageous and consistent investment by a community wanting to live out justice and mercy!