Kunatuba has finally arrived!

Congratulations are in order for the release of former permanent secretary Peniasi Kunatabua, jailed for his part in the multi-million dollar Agriculture Ministry scam in 2000, and now a free man. Mr Kunatuba was jailed for four years on November, 2006 after he was convicted of two counts.
I have never been a fan of the yellow ribbon campaign concept, ‘when not used correctly’. But I do have to concede – that this is probably the most appropriate use of the yellow ribbon campaign to date – with the release of Mr. Kunatuba.
This gentle of a man completed his time and extra-mural term and has been utilised well for the knowledge and experience that he holds.
His parting words as noted in the Fiji Times is truly an example of a humble man. When farewelled by Prisons Commissioner Ioane Naivalurua and staff at a lunch yesterday, he likened his time in prison as a lesson and an experience he called “God’s moulding process”.
I am humbled by the way Mr. Kunatuba reflected on his days as a permanent secretary, where he thought he was high above the clouds working as permanent secretary with the Government until he landed in jail.
In his own words, he said, “”I thought I was it – permanent secretary and working in the PM’s and Attorney General’s office, I was travelling around the world,” he said.”But God had a plan for me and the token for me to be made whole, was going through this moulding process.”
You have paid your dues to society, Mr Kunatuba. You deserve your time now with your wonderful family.
I have had the pleasure of meeting Mr Kunatuba and found him to be a true man of character.
The current lot of leaders can take a leaf from this man’s life!
Prison isn’t so bad if you use it for the betterment of self and others and not just ‘kill time’ waiting to do something criminal again, like some people do!