A senior legal officer from the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), Kesaia Balewai, provided impactful testimony regarding the conduct of suspended Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa during a tribunal investigating his alleged misconduct. Balewai noted that compliance with the Commissioner’s directives was often enforced under the threat of demotion or transfer, revealing a concerning culture of adherence among the board members.
During her testimony, Balewai shed light on the dismissal of senior accounts officer Helen Koi, who became a casualty of Dr. Nakarawa’s operations due to her vocal concerns about the management of the FCS Welfare and Sports Fund. Koi’s demotion followed a series of directives from the Commissioner that lacked transparency or justification. In her experience, Balewai highlighted the absence of performance reviews that would normally support such employment changes, as described in Section 130(7A)(b)(d) of the Constitution.
Koi’s issues with the Commissioner included the lack of clear communication regarding her salary reduction and demotion; notices issued referred to circulars without providing specific reasons. Balewai emphasized that Koi, holding a diploma in accounting and having served as a senior accounts officer since 2016, should have received better treatment under normal protocols and contractual rights.
The tribunal also examined the dubious appointments and terminations conducted by Dr. Nakarawa, particularly related to Aquila Namakadre’s rise to Assistant Commissioner and the termination of Salesia Racaca without due process. Furthermore, Balewai criticized the employment of James Koroituba as a legal analyst, underscoring the irregularities in staffing decisions that lacked proper qualifications.
Additionally, Balewai discussed her involvement with the Welfare and Sports Fund, pointing out how decisions regarding significant expenditures were made without proper board deliberations, as members were coerced into compliance under Dr. Nakarawa’s instructions.
The tribunal heard further grievances from Corrections officer Ilisoni Ratunaikoro, who claimed to have been demoted without notification or understanding of the reasons for his change in position. He expressed feelings of degradation and emotional distress as a result of the handling of his situation.
These testimonies come amid broader discussions concerning the integrity and governance within the FCS. The ongoing investigations reflect the complexities and challenges faced by public institutions in Fiji, particularly regarding leadership accountability and ethical standards in recruitment and demotion practices.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has previously emphasized the need for transparency and ethical conduct in public service, indicating that systemic reforms may be necessary to restore public trust. As the tribunal continues its work, there remains a hopeful outlook that the proceedings will lead to greater accountability and an improvement in governance within the Fiji Corrections Service.