Indigenous Fijians make up 81% of the population in prisons around the country and no province is immune.

While opening the 2007 AGM for the Soqosoqo Vakamarama i Taukei this morning, Interim Minister for Indigenous Affairs Ratu Epeli Ganilau highlighted latest prison stats for the members to consider during their meeting and how they can help.

Ratu Epeli revealed that as at December 3rd, 2007 there were 946 immates in prisons around the country off which 760 are indigenous Fijians.

He highlighted figures showing the number of people from each province currently behind bars, with Ba, Lau and Tailevu provinces topping the list.

Figures also show the eight in every 10 inmates are indigenous Fijians, that 788 or 83% of indigenous Fijians in prison are between the age of 16 to 39, regarded to be in the productive age group.

Ratu Epeli stressed that no parent raises their child to be in prison, however, it is regretable that some gert caught in the web of crime and it is our duty to help rehabiliate their lives and become good citizens.

The AGM of the Soqosoqo Vakamarama continues this afternoon in Nabua.