Dr. Rayvan Singh, a former senior medical officer with the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), is contesting his termination, which he claims was orchestrated and unjust. On January 20, 2025, the same day he was involved in an orientation session for new medical personnel—including nurse practitioner Vakaloloma Mocevakaca Nakarawa, the wife of Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa—his employment was abruptly terminated.
Dr. Singh reported that after conducting the orientation, he received a call from Human Resources Director Samisoni Naba, who handed him a termination letter. He urgently appealed to Commissioner Nakarawa to reconsider the decision, highlighting his dedication and his recent move from Lautoka to Suva, but to no avail. Singh was informed that the termination was to facilitate changes, despite having received no formal warnings about his performance.
The aftermath of his dismissal has led to substantial scrutiny, particularly regarding the circumstances surrounding Mrs. Nakarawa’s appointment to act as a medical officer despite lacking the necessary qualifications. Singh pointed out that he was never shown any performance evaluations that confirmed the claims made by Dr. Nakarawa, who had stated that Singh wasn’t fulfilling his duties.
The Fiji Medical Association (FMA) is addressing the ethics and implications of the situation, having already raised alarms over the manner of Singh’s dismissal. The FMA expressed concerns regarding the potential conflicts of interest in the appointment of Mrs. Nakarawa, especially given the timing that coincides with Singh’s termination. The association is advocating for a thorough investigation into the case to protect the rights and safety of healthcare professionals within the correctional system.
Justice Minister Siromi Turaga has indicated that he was not made aware of the appointments made by Dr. Nakarawa, prompting an official complaint to the Constitutional Officers Commission (CoC) to seek clarity on the matter.
This situation not only raises ethical questions concerning internal governance at FCS but also reflects the broader implications for workplace equality and human rights within Fiji’s correctional facilities. The hope lies in a constructive dialogue among all parties that could lead to reassessing workplace policies, thereby ensuring accountability and transparency in maintaining the integrity of the corrections system.
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