Suspended Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service, Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, faces serious allegations regarding his involvement in the appointment of his wife, Vakaloloma Nakarawa, as a nurse practitioner. The controversy has resurfaced during tribunal proceedings, as former FCS Assistant Commissioner Salesia Racaca testified about possible nepotism and procedural breaches surrounding the hiring process.
Racaca claimed that Dr. Nakarawa failed to declare his personal interest in the appointment and participated in decision-making steps he should have abstained from, which could constitute a misuse of his authority. This included signing the appointment letter for his wife, raising significant concerns about conflicts of interest within the Fiji Corrections Service. Racaca’s testimony comes amidst her own dismissal from the role, which she alleges was without cause and linked to her criticisms regarding the recruitment practices.
The tribunal, chaired by Justice Daniel Goundar along with Justices Savenaca Banuve and Dane Tuiqereqere, is tasked with determining if Dr. Nakarawa’s actions amounted to misconduct that warrants his removal from office. This inquiry is critical not only for the future of Dr. Nakarawa but also serves as a significant moment for governance within the FCS, addressing longstanding issues of accountability and transparency in public institution practices.
The allegations against Dr. Nakarawa are compounded by prior testimonies from Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney General Siromi Turaga, who accused Dr. Nakarawa of dictatorial behavior and failing to engage appropriately with oversight bodies on policy changes. Concerns about psychological pressure within the service and the establishment of a nurse practitioner position that involved his wife were significant points of contention raised during the tribunal.
In light of these incidents, it’s imperative for the Fiji government to acknowledge the need for reform. The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) previously cleared Mrs. Nakarawa’s appointment of any wrongdoing, establishing that the recruitment adhered to legal frameworks; however, the public perception of nepotism remains a concern. Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has indicated these issues will be addressed in future discussions, potentially leading to substantial improvements in hiring policies and practices within the FCS.
As the tribunal continues, there remains a hopeful outlook that these proceedings might not only resolve the current allegations but also pave the way for vital reforms that enhance transparency and restore public trust in public service practices across Fiji.