The Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) has announced the suspension of its Chief Executive Officer, Joeli Cawaki, while an investigation into serious allegations is underway. This decision was confirmed in a recent statement from the authority, which revealed that Cawaki has been on leave for the last four weeks as the inquiry proceeds.
In light of the situation, MSAF highlighted that it will not provide further comments for legal reasons, yet it reassured the public that passenger safety remains its highest priority during the investigation. Acting CEO Iliesa Batisaresare has also emphasized the importance of avoiding speculation concerning the allegations, as it could lead to confusion among the public and the media.
The scrutiny MSAF is facing has been driven by concerns from Goundar Shipping Limited regarding the potential misuse of public funds by board members, as well as overarching governance issues within the organization. Allegations include improper travel expenses and other misuses of taxpayer money, which have raised serious doubts about MSAF’s accountability in overseeing Fiji’s maritime sector.
Despite these challenges, MSAF has reiterated its commitment to upholding safety standards in maritime operations. The authority’s response during this inquiry could potentially pave the way for necessary reforms to improve governance and enhance transparency within the organization. Such initiatives may not only address the current issues but also foster a more accountable regulatory environment for Fiji’s maritime operations.
This ongoing situation presents a significant opportunity for MSAF to regain public trust, assuring all stakeholders that maintaining passenger safety and operational integrity is central to their mission. These developments indicate a possible shift toward increased accountability within Fiji’s maritime authority, signaling a positive outlook for the future of maritime safety in the country.