The Fiji Corrections Service is facing significant scrutiny following allegations that the appointment of Akuila Namakadre to the position of Assistant Commissioner of Corrections – Administration did not comply with established recruitment protocols. This information emerged during testimony by Daniel Tawakilai, the human resources officer who was appointed president of the Board of Inquiry (BOI) on February 28, 2025, as part of an investigation into the alleged misconduct of suspended commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa.
Tawakilai revealed that his investigation uncovered irregularities in the recruitment process for seven personnel, who were reportedly hired without following the necessary medical tests, interviews, and fitness assessments mandated by HR policy. These recruits, all former employees of the Fiji Corrections Service, were rehired in a bid to fill critical vacancies, raising alarms over their immediate assignments to custodial roles without the appropriate clearances.
During the tribunal session, Tawakilai pointed out that Namakadre’s initial rise to the position of temporary Assistant Commissioner – Administration and Strategic Management occurred without requisite interviews or evaluations, throwing into question the integrity of the service’s recruitment system. His turbulent career, marked by a series of appointments and demotions, signifies deeper issues of trust and leadership crises within the ranks of the FCS.
The inquiry also revealed significant internal discord regarding the command structure, with Tawakilai noting escalating tensions between Dr. Nakarawa and senior officers. This situation intensified following reports of a controversial meeting between Deputy Commissioner Auta Moceisuva and Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, which only deepened the climate of instability and distrust within the organization.
Additionally, the sudden dismissal of Dr. Rayvan Singh, a former senior medical officer, on January 20, 2025, raised further concerns. Singh claimed he was terminated without warning, which coincided with growing allegations against Moceisuva. This case has drawn considerable attention, especially considering the appointment of Dr. Nakarawa’s wife, Vakaloloma, to a role for which she may lack qualifications, indicating potential conflicts of interest.
As the tribunal prepares to explore these serious allegations in depth, there is hope that the inquiry will facilitate essential reforms within the Fiji Corrections Service. This investigation is seen as a vital opportunity to improve accountability and restore public confidence in the integrity of the corrections system.
The ongoing process not only aims to rectify systemic issues but also to uphold the principles of due process and ethical governance in public service appointments. With the proceedings unfolding, there is optimism that they will drive meaningful improvements, bolstering the operational integrity of Fiji’s corrections framework.