Justice Minister Siromi Turaga testified recently before a panel examining the conduct of suspended Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa concerning the appointment of a Nurse Practitioner within the service. In his testimony, Mr. Turaga stated that he did not authorize the establishment of the Nurse Practitioner position, which he argued lacked the necessary transparency and was not included in the approved organizational structure of the Fiji Corrections Services.
Mr. Turaga highlighted that Dr. Nakarawa should have disclosed a potential conflict of interest when his wife was appointed to this role. He emphasized that Section 188 of the National Correctional Service Act mandates transparency in recruitment decisions and involvement from the Minister for such appointments. The Justice Minister noted that the controversial appointment had resulted in instability and discord within the Fiji Corrections Service, exacerbated by poor communication and governance practices, which led to apprehension among staff members.
Additionally, Mr. Turaga expressed concerns regarding policy changes initiated by Dr. Nakarawa that appeared to downgrade long-serving officers, based solely on academic qualifications rather than their experience. He argued that many officers, with 15-20 years of service, faced unfair consequences as their dedicated service did not align with the new criteria being implemented.
Turaga’s testimony also touched on broader governance issues within the Fiji Corrections Service, outlining salary inconsistencies and uneven policy applications as factors contributing to declining morale and confusion. He reaffirmed that while section 130(5) of the Corrections Act allows the Commissioner of Corrections to manage administration independently, the role remains under the Minister’s oversight, ensuring checks and balances in governance.
During his testimony, Turaga rejected accusations that he acted in bad faith or failed to allow Dr. Nakarawa an opportunity to respond prior to forwarding the issue to the Prime Minister. He clarified that attempts were made to meet with Dr. Nakarawa, but the latter was uncooperative.
This inquiry is particularly crucial as it represents a moment of accountability and governance reform opportunities within the Fiji Corrections Service. It resonates with earlier discussions surrounding the integrity of the recruitment process and possible implications of nepotism resulting from Dr. Nakarawa’s prior decisions. The ongoing tribunal proceedings might pave the way for meaningful reforms to strengthen public trust in the corrections system and ensure that future appointments are made transparently and based on merit.
The tribunal hearings are set to continue, with multiple witnesses scheduled to provide their testimonies, signifying the importance of due diligence in resolving these significant allegations. Through these proceedings, there is hope for reinforcing the operational standards and ethical governance within the Fiji Corrections Service.