It was sea of yellow.

Close to 4,000 people registered online but more over 4,000 turned up to what became the biggest ever attendance at the Yellow Ribbon Walk on Saturday, 23 April at Suva’s Albert Park.

The Prime Minister, Speaker of the House, Govt Ministers and Permanent Secretaries, Head of the Discipline Forces, CEO’s, business stakeholders, NGOS, the private sector joined 16 inmates and their families with the FCS family and friends for the walk.

The Chief Guest was Health Minister Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete who said the drop in the recidivism rate from 7.8% to about 1% shows that the project is working very well and the numbers who turned up to walk was evidence of a public that was more accepting now.

On his official Facebook page, Prime Minister Bainimarama says their approach to rehabilitation has seen our recidivism rate drop dramatically in recent years.

Bainimarama says he is proud of the path they are laying to help all Fijians lead fulfilling lives.

Health Minister Doctor Ifereimi Waqainabete who was the chief guest at the event says the drop in the recidivism rate from 7.8% to about 1% shows that the project is working very well.

Dr Waqainabete says it has indirect effects on health because mental health is an issue they want to look into going forward.

Commissioner of Corrections Commander Francis Kean took time to thank all business stakeholders who sponsored the event and also congratulated all who took part in the Walk to Restoration.

“We thank all those that walked today, today you have become part of the awareness raising efforts the FCS undertakes to set the appropriate and ideal conditions in the communities and homes for the successful reintegration of those who are released from our care,” he said.

“Stigma is a real and is our biggest challenge, and only you hold the keys to this second prison which is the outside world.”