Suspended Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa is facing serious allegations of misconduct linked to his stepson, Jeremaia Yavala. Yavala, who had been struggling with hard labor, was moved to the CCTV unit following Dr. Nakarawa’s verbal instruction, a point confirmed by FCS Deputy Commissioner Auta Moceisuva during testimony in Suva’s ongoing tribunal hearings.
Yavala’s history with the FCS has been troubled, culminating in his dismissal due to poor performance, absenteeism, and an incident involving public intoxication, which the FCS indicated tarnished the organization’s reputation. This situation has led to speculation about nepotism and questionable recruitment practices, reminiscent of past controversies involving Dr. Nakarawa’s wife, Vakaloloma Mocevakaca Nakarawa, who previously faced similar favoritism allegations when appointed as a Nurse Practitioner.
Deputy Commissioner Moceisuva has also pointed out that Dr. Nakarawa created a nursing position without the necessary approval from the Ministry of Finance, reallocating resources to establish this role despite the presence of senior medical officers. This move has raised further concerns over the transparency and governance within the FCS.
Cabinet Secretary Susan Kiran has noted that while salary increases for corrections officers have been authorized, the restructuring initiatives imposed by Dr. Nakarawa received no such endorsement. The tribunal is scrutinizing Dr. Nakarawa’s administrative actions, including the management of welfare funds, all of which call into question the ethical standards upheld within the service.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has voiced the importance of ethical governance and transparency in public service, suggesting that the ongoing inquiries may pave the way for meaningful reforms within the FCS. The hearings represent a crucial chance to improve accountability and rebuild trust in the institution, ensuring that future hiring practices are based on merit rather than personal relationships.
These unfolding events signal a potential shift toward stricter adherence to ethical standards in public service, which could ultimately benefit governmental institutions and the communities they serve. As the tribunal progresses, there is a prevailing sense of optimism that resolutions will emerge to enhance governance and reinvigorate public trust in Fiji’s correctional system.