Second chance for Rawaqa

A former career criminal who has stayed clean and attempted an honest days living for the last 3-years has been given a new lease of life by the Fiji Corrections Service –Yellow Ribbon Project.

Taito Rawaqa, 46 from Kumi, Verata in Tailevu was discharged in 2015 after serving a 14 year sentence for aggravated robbery. He was exposed to crime at an early stage in his life.

In February this year, the self-taught musician was assisted by the FCS via the Yellow Ribbon Project in the recording of his new music album comprising of his own compositions.

“I have paid my dues and tried my best to stay on track, it hasn’t been easy but this has been my dream for a while and I had put in a lot of hard work to produce it,’’ Rawaqa said.

“I have been out of Prison now for 3-years and am thankful to the Fiji Corrections Service of helping me fulfill my dream of cutting my own music album.

Director Rehabilitation CCO Waisale Soqonakalou said Mr Rawaqa had fulfilled all the requirements and gone through the rehabilitation phases of training whilst serving at the Naboro Complex.

“He has been out since 2015 and absorbed back into society, has shown a willingness to change and we are happy to support him to further develop his livelihood,’’ Mr Soqonakalou said.

The album is being recorded and produced at the Stage Tech Studios in Raiwaqa.

“So far we have cleared his recording for 10 original compositions and 80 percent of the work is completed.

“It is due for release by April month and payments also have been made to cut 100 CDs which will be on sale to further boost his post release development programe,’’ he added.