The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has announced the suspension of its Chief Executive Officer, Joeli Cawaki, pending an ongoing investigation into serious allegations. This decision to suspend Cawaki was confirmed in a recent statement, which noted that he has been at home for the past four weeks while the inquiry takes place.
The authority emphasized that it would refrain from making additional comments for legal reasons, but stated that passenger safety remains its utmost priority throughout this investigative process. In light of this development, Acting CEO Iliesa Batisaresare provided an update, highlighting the significance of avoiding speculation regarding the allegations, as this could lead to public and media confusion.
The scrutiny of MSAF follows concerns raised by Goundar Shipping Limited regarding potential misuse of public funds by board members and governance issues within the organization. Allegations of improper travel expenditures and other misuses of taxpayer money have severely undermined confidence in MSAF, prompting fears about accountability in managing Fiji’s maritime sector.
While these challenges loom, MSAF has reiterated its commitment to maintaining safety standards in maritime operations. The authority’s actions during this inquiry may serve to facilitate necessary reforms aimed at improving governance and enhancing transparency within the organization. Such changes might not only address the immediate concerns but also contribute to a more accountable maritime regulatory environment in Fiji.
The ongoing situation presents an opportunity for MSAF to rebuild public trust while assuring all stakeholders that safeguarding passenger safety and operational integrity are at the forefront of their mission. The developments signal a potential shift toward enhanced accountability in Fiji’s maritime authority.