Justice Minister Siromi Turaga recently provided testimony before a panel investigating the actions of suspended Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa regarding the contentious appointment of a Nurse Practitioner. In his testimony, Mr. Turaga emphasized that he had not authorized the creation of the Nurse Practitioner position, describing the process as lacking transparency and absent from the approved organizational structure of the Fiji Corrections Service.
Turaga pointed out a potential conflict of interest, as Dr. Nakarawa’s wife was appointed to the role without proper disclosure. He referenced Section 188 of the National Correctional Service Act, which mandates transparency in recruitment practices that require ministerial involvement for such appointments. The Justice Minister noted that this controversial decision led to instability and discord within the Fiji Corrections Service, highlighting inadequate communication and governance that has generated concern among personnel.
Moreover, Turaga raised alarms over policy changes enacted by Dr. Nakarawa, which appeared to undermine the positions of long-serving officers based solely on their academic credentials, disregarding their years of service and experience. Officers with 15 to 20 years under their belts found themselves disadvantaged by criteria that did not reflect their commitment and expertise.
Turaga’s remarks also delved into broader governance issues in the Fiji Corrections Service, citing inconsistencies in salaries and uneven policy application as detrimental to staff morale and contributing to workplace confusion. He stressed that while Section 130(5) of the Corrections Act grants the Commissioner administrative autonomy, such independence operates within the minister’s oversight framework, ensuring necessary checks and balances.
During his testimony, Turaga dismissed claims of acting in bad faith or failing to provide Dr. Nakarawa an opportunity to respond before escalating the issue to the Prime Minister. He clarified his efforts to engage with Dr. Nakarawa, which were met with resistance.
This inquiry serves as a pivotal moment for accountability and governance reform within the Fiji Corrections Service. It echoes previous discussions on recruitment integrity and concerns over nepotism linked to Dr. Nakarawa’s past decisions. The tribunal proceedings could pave the way for transformative reforms aimed at restoring public trust in the corrections system, ensuring future appointments are made transparently and on merit.
The tribunal hearings will progress with additional witnesses scheduled to testify, underscoring the significance of thorough investigation in addressing these serious allegations. There is optimism that through these proceedings, the operational standards and ethical governance of the Fiji Corrections Service can be fortified.