The Public Service Disciplinary Tribunal has denied the request of suspended permanent secretary for Fisheries and Forestry, Atelaite Rokosuka, to restore her salary of $199,000. Ms. Rokosuka has been facing charges of misconduct, which arose from her failure to adhere to legal advice from the Solicitor-General’s Office. Specifically, she is accused of not properly consulting relevant ministries and following due process before entering into a governmental agreement with Infinite Power Clean Energy (Fiji) Pte Ltd.
After her alleged misconduct, her salary payments were halted as of October 15, 2024. On November 7, she reached out to the tribunal asking for her salary to be reinstated, citing financial obligations and providing details of her loan commitments. However, the tribunal found the nature of her loans unclear, questioning whether they were for a home, vehicle, or other purposes. Additionally, the tribunal noted a lack of information regarding her personal circumstances, such as alternative sources of income or support from family members, apart from her responsibility to care for her two children.
The tribunal highlighted the seriousness of the allegations against Ms. Rokosuka, emphasizing the high accountability standards expected from someone in her position, in accordance with section 127 of the Constitution.
This case highlights the importance of accountability and adherence to legal guidelines within public service roles. It reflects the legal system’s commitment to ensuring that public officials act responsibly, particularly when their decisions can impact government agreements and public trust. While the circumstances surrounding Ms. Rokosuka are undoubtedly difficult, this ruling serves as a reminder of the ethical responsibilities that come with leadership positions.
In the context of public service, one can hope for positive outcomes, as this situation might encourage more rigorous adherence to legal protocol and improve governance standards in the future.
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