Recent tribunal hearings have brought to light serious allegations regarding irregular recruitment practices and contract modifications within the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS). These hearings, which focus on the conduct of suspended Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, are being overseen by Justices Daniel Goundar, Dane Tuiqereqere, and Savenaca Banuve. Key testimonies from witnesses, including FCS’s legal manager Samisoni Naba, have revealed potentially troubling practices within the organization.
During his testimony, Naba disclosed that the recruitment process for nurse practitioners was underway when he assumed his position. He pointed out that a memorandum signed by Dr. Nakarawa introduced new eligibility criteria just one day before scheduled interviews. This change modified the original job advertisement from October and November 2024, dropping the requirement for candidates to be registered nurse practitioners—an alteration that later raised eyebrows from a representative of the Ministry of Health.
In total, seven candidates were interviewed, and recommendations were made for hiring the top three scorers. Naba suggested two nurse practitioners be appointed to the southern and northern divisions. However, complications arose when discussions included Dr. Nakarawa’s wife being considered for a position at FCS’s national headquarters. Naba contested the addition of a “watching allowance” for her role, claiming it was a policy violation.
The inquiry also examined the circumstances surrounding the demotion of Helen Koi, a senior accounts officer. Koi faced pressure from Dr. Nakarawa to sign a revised contract, ultimately complying under threat of dismissal. Contract variations for other officers, along with the dismissal of Assistant Commissioner Corporate Services Salesia Racaca, were also cited as areas of concern.
Highlighting the financial aspects, Kiman Mala, a representative from the Ministry of Finance, confirmed that the national budget for 2024-2025 allocates $9.8 million for salary adjustments and the addition of 81 new positions within the FCS as part of a long-term restructuring initiative. This funding raises questions about the transparency of role management and the timely implementation of these positions.
The inquiry has drawn connections to previous testimonies, reinforcing claims of systemic issues within FCS related to Dr. Nakarawa’s leadership style, characterized by intimidation among staff. Concerns regarding governance have been voiced by Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga and other witnesses, emphasizing the need for accountability and fairness in public service appointments.
Overall, these hearings serve as a pivotal opportunity for the Fiji Corrections Service to embark on much-needed reforms. There is a palpable sense of hope that the outcomes of this inquiry may usher in transformative changes in governance practices, ultimately bolstering public trust and transparency within Fiji’s corrections system. As the tribunal continues, the collective aspiration remains to enhance the integrity of the FCS and restore public confidence in its operations.