The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is taking significant steps to revamp its operations in a bid to enhance efficiency and address outstanding cases of corruption. A senior legal consultant has been engaged to review long-pending cases and focus on prioritizing prosecutions. This initiative is part of a broader strategy that also includes the formation of a Special Taskforce dedicated to clearing a backlog of unresolved investigations and fast-tracking new files.
Moreover, FICAC is realigning its Corruption Prevention Department by reallocating staff to bolster investigations and prosecutions. An awareness unit remains active, continuing education and outreach efforts aimed at the public. Additionally, FICAC has merged its Audit & Compliance Unit with the Monitoring & Evaluation Team to create an Oversight and Accountability Unit that will monitor performance and ensure compliance with established standards.
In response to the need for modernization, FICAC is revising its Standing Orders and plans to introduce new features inspired by practices in other jurisdictions to boost transparency and accountability. Acting Commissioner Lavi Rokoika emphasized that these reforms reflect a commitment to achieving results in a disciplined manner while delivering value for public funds.
These measures come shortly after Rokoika’s appointment and aim to align FICAC’s operations with its overarching mandate to combat corruption effectively. This restructuring effort shows an optimistic outlook for improving the agency’s effectiveness in addressing corruption, fostering public trust, and promoting integrity within Fiji’s institutions. As these changes unfold, there is hope for renewed confidence in FICAC’s role as a champion against corruption in the nation.
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