The Permanent Secretary in the Prime Minister’s office, Lt-Col Pio Tikodudaua, today pleaded for more recognition to be given to retirement homes for the elderly.
In launching the 2010 Yellow Ribbon Programme, PS Tikoduadua acknowledged the Fiji Prisons and Correctional Service for launching the 2010 Yellow Ribbon initiative where occupants need love and support.
“As Yellow Ribbon is about giving our brothers and daughters, who failed the law, a second chance, so does the occupants of the Samabula Old Peoples home - needs our love and support,” PS Tikoduadua said.
He urged health officials at the ceremony to rename the Home to reflect the senior citizens’ contribution to society.
Similar sentiments were shared by the Deputy Commissioner Prisons, Mr Auta Moceisuva. He said the decision to do something different this year was attributed to the institution, which falls under the Yellow Ribbon category.
“We are doing this to liven up the lives of the [elderly] citizens of Fiji,” Mr Moceisuva said.
Before the official launch, Commissioner Prisons Brigadier-General Iowane Naivalurua together with Permanent Secretary Tikoduadua toured the complex distributing parcels to the occupants of the Home.