TEARS of joy were shed as a former inmate re-united with his family earlier this week.
Sailasa Jeke, 50, was escorted to his family in Drauniivi Village, Rakiraki on Tuesday by Fiji Corrections Service officers.
Mr Jeke's close relatives could not hold back their tears as he arrived in the village with FCS officers from Ba. He served three months at the Ba Corrections Centre for a case of common nuisance.
FCS west spokesman Semesa Uluiviti said Mr Jeke could not believe his eyes when he arrived at the village.
He said Mr Jeke's wife and villagers were eagerly waiting for him and the village hall was a sea of yellow, which signified acceptance and support.
"I'm quite surprised by the warm welcome from my fellow villagers and loved ones despite my bad reputation and I thank them for the love that they have shown," said Mr Jeke in a FCS statement.
The father of two has vowed to start a new life in the village as he had learnt a lot during his term in prison.
"I have learnt to utilise the time and my plan now is to invest in the land," Mr Jeke said.
Mr Uluiviti said the Yellow Ribbon Program was boosted by the warm welcome shown to Mr Jeke.