The ongoing tribunal for suspended Corrections Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa witnessed a significant development as four witnesses provided testimonies. These witnesses shared alarming allegations, including how Dr. Nakarawa’s wife administered drug tests on officers and the questionable acceptance of his stepson into training despite not meeting standard entry requirements.
During the hearings, one poignant allegation came to light: a Fiji Corrections officer was terminated after allegedly testing positive for methamphetamine, although lab results indicated a positive result for MDMA—an entirely different substance. MDMA, known for its milder effects as an empathogenic stimulant, differs chemically from methamphetamine, which is much more addictive and harmful.
Witness Adrian Bukavulo recounted that on February 4, he and other officers were informed during a morning briefing that they would be drug tested by Dr. Nakarawa’s wife. Following the test, Bukavulo received a termination letter claiming a positive result for methamphetamine. However, upon consulting with lab technician Shalvin Prakash, he learned that the result actually signified a positive for MDMA, which can occur from certain prescribed medications. Despite providing documentation proving his legitimate prescription for painkillers, Dr. Nakarawa refused to reconsider the termination.
Prakash’s testimony reinforced that urine tests could detect drug usage for up to three months, and he advised Bukavulo to consult a medical professional for better clarity on his results. Additional testimonies revealed systemic issues within the Fiji Corrections Service recruitment, including the questionable process followed for Dr. Nakarawa’s stepson, who failed a critical aptitude test yet was allowed to proceed in training due to familial connections.
Apolosa Vere, the FCS Director of Planning and Development, testified about the investigation into uses of the FCS Welfare and Sports Fund, which found misuse linked to personal expenses for both Mrs. Nakarawa and senior officials. The inquiry revealed overall governance issues within the Fiji Corrections Service, highlighting a lack of adherence to established protocols.
The tribunal, which is set to take place until November 14, aims to ascertain the validity of the misconduct claims made against Dr. Nakarawa, promoting transparency and accountability within the corrections framework. Observers express hope that the outcome will spur reforms within the Fiji Corrections Service, enhancing public trust in the governance of critical public institutions. As proceedings continue, there remains a push for operational excellence and adherence to ethical standards to ensure integrity in public service recruitment and management.