The Fiji Corrections Service has come under intense scrutiny following revelations that the appointment of Akuila Namakadre as Assistant Commissioner of Corrections – Administration did not adhere to established recruitment procedures. Daniel Tawakilai, the human resources officer for the Fiji Corrections Services, provided testimony before a tribunal investigating the alleged misconduct of suspended commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa. Tawakilai, appointed as president of the Board of Inquiry (BOI) on February 28, 2025, disclosed that his investigation found irregularities in the enlistment of several personnel within the service.
According to Tawakilai’s findings, seven recruits were brought on board without following proper protocols, bypassing essential medical tests, interviews, and fitness assessments, which are usually required by HR policy. These individuals were former FCS employees who were rehired to fill urgent vacancies, leading to concerns over their immediate placement in custodial roles despite lacking appropriate clearance.
During his testimony, Tawakilai noted that Namakadre’s initial appointment as temporary Assistant Commissioner – Administration and Strategic Management was made without requisite interviews or reviews, raising significant questions about the integrity of the recruitment system. Namakadre’s career has seen a tumultuous series of appointments and demotions that Tawakilai attributed to a breakdown in trust and leadership within the senior ranks of the FCS.
The investigation also unveiled an internal conflict regarding the leadership structure. Tawakilai described growing tensions between Dr. Nakarawa and his senior officers, which escalated following reports of a private meeting between Deputy Commissioner Auta Moceisuva and Justice Minister Siromi Turaga, further contributing to instability and distrust within the organization.
Complications arose from the sudden termination of Dr. Rayvan Singh, a former senior medical officer, who stated that he was dismissed without prior warnings on January 20, 2025. His termination coincided with allegations against Moceisuva, stirring up more questions about fairness and procedural adherence in the overall governance of the FCS. Singh’s case has attracted considerable attention, particularly concerning the appointment of Dr. Nakarawa’s wife, Vakaloloma, to a role for which she allegedly lacked qualifications, presenting potential conflicts of interest.
The tribunal is poised to examine these serious allegations thoroughly, with hopes that the inquiry will lead to necessary reforms in the Fiji Corrections Service, fostering accountability and restoring trust among its officials and the public.
This ongoing inquiry signals a critical opportunity for transformation within the FCS, aiming to address systemic issues while ensuring that principles of due process and ethical governance are maintained in public service appointments. As the proceedings advance, there is optimism that they will catalyze positive changes, enhancing the operational standards and integrity of Fiji’s corrections system.