Suspended Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa is currently embroiled in serious allegations concerning the appointment of his wife, Vakaloloma Nakarawa, as a nurse practitioner. These claims have surfaced during tribunal proceedings, where former FCS Assistant Commissioner Salesia Racaca testified about potential nepotism and violations of hiring protocols.
Racaca asserted that Dr. Nakarawa failed to disclose his personal interest in his wife’s appointment, participating in decision-making processes from which he should have recused himself. She alleged that his actions, including signing the appointment letter for his wife, indicate a misuse of authority that raises substantial concerns regarding conflicts of interest in the Fiji Corrections Service. Racaca’s testimony follows her own dismissal from her position, which she contends was unjust and linked to her criticisms of the recruitment procedures.
The tribunal, presided over by Justice Daniel Goundar along with Justices Savenaca Banuve and Dane Tuiqereqere, is examining whether Dr. Nakarawa’s behavior constitutes misconduct that justifies his removal from office. This inquiry is crucial not only for Dr. Nakarawa’s future but also for advancing governance within the FCS, highlighting persistent issues of accountability and transparency in public service.
The allegations against Dr. Nakarawa also echo prior statements from Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga, who criticized his governing style as overly authoritative and raised concerns about his interactions with oversight bodies regarding policy modifications. Issues regarding psychological pressure within the service and the specifics surrounding his wife’s appointment were significant matters highlighted during the tribunal.
Given these developments, it becomes evident that the Fiji government must recognize the urgent need for reform. Although the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) previously ruled that Mrs. Nakarawa’s appointment followed legal protocols, public sentiment still grapples with perceptions of nepotism. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has expressed a commitment to addressing these challenges in upcoming discussions, hinting at reforms that could significantly improve recruitment policies and practices within the FCS.
As the tribunal proceedings unfold, there is a constructive hope that they not only resolve the current allegations but also contribute to essential reforms that foster greater transparency and rebuild public trust in Fiji’s public service.