Former Assistant Commissioner of Corrections, Akuila Namakadre, has supported the appointment of Vakaloloma Nakarawa, the wife of suspended Commissioner of Corrections Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, to the role of nurse practitioner, asserting that her selection was made purely on merit. Namakadre’s testimony came during the ongoing tribunal investigating allegations of misconduct against Dr. Nakarawa, which could result in his dismissal from office.
Returning to the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) in 2024, Namakadre took part in implementing recommendations stemming from a job evaluation and a related restructure within the department. He reported that staff demotions and reassignments were enacted based on qualifications and expertise, although he faced scrutiny from the tribunal regarding the transparency of these processes, particularly in how staff were informed of their reassignments.
During the tribunal, it was revealed that Namakadre chaired the interview panel for the nurse practitioner position and was cognizant of Mrs. Nakarawa’s application as well as her relationship with Dr. Nakarawa. He stated that he had disclosed her identity to the panel during the interview process and believed there was no conflict of interest that warranted halting the proceedings. The tribunal is currently assessing the implications of Dr. Nakarawa’s influence over his wife’s appointment and whether it was appropriate for him to oversee such a process.
The inquiry is part of a broader investigation led by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), which found that Vakaloloma Nakarawa’s hiring complied with legal requirements. Despite FICAC’s conclusions clearing her of any misconduct, concerns remain among the public about potential nepotism and the necessity for transparent and fair public service recruitment practices.
This tribunal hearing serves as a pivotal moment for addressing governance and accountability within the public sector. It presents an opportunity to reinforce ethical standards within the FCS and to restore public confidence in its operations. As these issues are navigated, there is hope for reforms that could prevent future conflicts of interest and strengthen trust in governmental processes.