The Acting Commissioner of Corrections, Sevuloni Naucukidi, has claimed that the suspended Commissioner, Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, failed to adhere to established protocols while implementing changes at the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS). This assertion was made during a tribunal hearing where Dr. Nakarawa faces serious allegations including conflicts of interest, financial mismanagement, and misconduct related to the authority of his office.
The tribunal, which is chaired by Justice Daniel Goundar along with Justices Savenaca Banuve and Dane Tuiqereqere, is charged with determining the validity of the claims and whether they constitute misbehavior deserving of Dr. Nakarawa’s removal.
Naucukidi’s testimony highlighted that Dr. Nakarawa’s establishment of the Nurse Practitioner position and the subsequent hiring of his wife, Vakaloloma Nakarawa, to fill this role were improper actions. He stated that the changes made by Dr. Nakarawa, such as renaming the Deputy Commissioner position as Assistant Commissioner, were done without the necessary consultations with the Ministry of Justice.
Further details emerged that a job evaluation committee formed by Dr. Nakarawa excluded Naucukidi from its implementation. Dr. Nakarawa’s legal representative, Simione Valenitabua, intensely cross-examined Naucukidi regarding the powers he currently holds, including the capacity to terminate employees without cause.
The tribunal also heard that Dr. Nakarawa had removed Dr. Rayvan Singh from the position of Senior Medical Officer without providing justification or allowing him due process. Allegations suggest that this action was influenced by personal interest to benefit his wife. However, Naucukidi acknowledged that while Dr. Singh was not performing his duties consistently, he would have preferred to allow him to explain his absences.
Amidst the turmoil, it was revealed that on the same day Mrs. Nakarawa was cleared of corruption allegations by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), Naucukidi terminated her contract without following proper procedure or granting the opportunity for a fair hearing. When questioned by Justice Tuiqereqere, Naucukidi admitted to not providing Mrs. Nakarawa with natural justice in the termination process.
Permanent Secretary for Justice, Selina Kuruleca, testified that Dr. Nakarawa lacked the authority to unilaterally alter a cabinet-approved job evaluation exercise, underscoring the conflict of interest and potential bias involved, which was not disclosed to the ministry. She emphasized the importance of transparency in hiring processes, especially regarding close relatives as applicants.
The tribunal proceedings are ongoing and have drawn significant attention as they unveil the issues surrounding governance, ethics, and accountability within the FCS. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has previously indicated that these matters would be scrutinized in upcoming discussions on ethical standards in public service.
This inquiry marks a pivotal opportunity for reform within Fiji’s corrections system, presenting the potential to enhance the transparency of recruitment processes and strengthen public trust in governmental institutions. The outcomes of the tribunal not only reflect the personal dilemmas at play but also the systemic issues that have raised concerns about integrity and governance within the FCS. The hope remains that these proceedings will lead to meaningful changes that reinforce accountability and foster a culture of good governance in Fiji.