The tribunal hearing the case of Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, the suspended Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, has been adjourned to address procedural issues, including finalizing witness lists ahead of a full hearing set for tomorrow. Dr. Nakarawa’s legal team expressed their intention to seek permission to cross-examine the Minister for Justice, arguing that political factors may have influenced the decision to forward the case to the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC).
The defense is preparing to file a formal application detailing why the Minister should testify regarding potential political interference in the suspension process. The tribunal, led by Justice Daniel Goundar alongside Justices Savenaca Banuve and Dane Tuiqereqere, stated that they have not yet reached any conclusions about misbehavior, and proceedings remain focused on gathering facts.
The tribunal’s clarifications revealed a preliminary list of 12 witnesses meant to showcase evidence supporting the allegations against Nakarawa. Furthermore, the defense has sought permission to call additional witnesses linked to the circumstances surrounding his suspension, indicating an intention to submit further affidavits in the coming days.
Dr. Nakarawa was appointed Commissioner in May 2023 and faced suspension in March this year due to complaints involving issues of nepotism, conflicts of interest, and governance challenges within the Fiji Corrections Service. The tribunal, scheduled to reconvene tomorrow afternoon, holds the potential to enact reforms that could enhance accountability and transparency within public institutions in Fiji.
This case, highlighting significant governance concerns, underscores important discussions on integrity within the corrections system. There is hope that the tribunal’s outcomes will pave the way for meaningful reform, ultimately fostering a more robust and trustworthy corrections framework in Fiji. As the process continues, observers remain optimistic about the direction in which these inquiries may lead, aiming for improved practices that benefit both the institution and the community at large.