The Justice Minister, Siromi Turaga, provided crucial testimony regarding the controversial creation of a Nurse Practitioner role within the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) under Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa. During an inquiry into Dr. Nakarawa’s conduct, Turaga stated that he did not authorize the position, highlighting concerns about a lack of transparency in the appointment process, particularly as it involved Dr. Nakarawa’s wife.
In front of a tribunal consisting of Justices Daniel Goundar, Dane Tuiqereqere, and Savenaca Banuva, Mr. Turaga emphasized that the Nurse Practitioner position was not part of the approved structure of FCS and expressed a belief that Dr. Nakarawa should have disclosed his conflict of interest. Turaga asserted that such appointments should involve ministerial consultation and adherence to procedures outlined in Section 188 of the National Correctional Service Act.
Turaga noted that this situation has resulted in confusion and division among FCS staff, exacerbated by the leaking of confidential information, ultimately impacting morale. He argued that the current governance practices have contributed to instability within the service, adding that it is essential for transparency to prevail in all recruitment processes.
When questioned about his communication with Dr. Nakarawa before forwarding complaints to the Prime Minister, Turaga defended his actions, stating that he had attempted to meet with Dr. Nakarawa, who refused to cooperate. He also dismissed claims that he acted in bad faith, maintaining that his moral duty compelled him to address issues requiring higher-level scrutiny.
Further testimony from Turaga revealed grievances about governance within the FCS, particularly concerning policy changes that disadvantaged long-serving officers. Critically, Turaga pointed out that under the new salary structure, employees with significant experience were being downgraded based solely on academic qualifications, a decision he deemed unfair as it overlooked practical experience.
Additionally, under the framework of Section 130(5) of the National Correctional Service Act, the Commissioner is expected to operate independently yet is still subject to general policy directions from the Minister. Turaga affirmed the importance of maintaining oversight to ensure accountability within the leadership framework of the FCS.
The inquiry is ongoing, with more testimony expected tomorrow from additional witnesses, indicating a significant moment for governance within Fiji’s corrections system. This initiative presents an opportunity for reform that could enhance accountability and potentially restore public trust in governmental institutions. The developments reflect growing vigilance and a commitment to establishing clearer regulations regarding workplace integrity in Fiji’s public sectors, fostering a path towards increased transparency and improved governance.
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