Sevuloni Naucukidi, the newly appointed Acting Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), has initiated major changes to the medical staff just three days into his role. This move follows the suspension of the previous Commissioner, Jalesi Nakarawa, who is under investigation for allegations of misconduct, including claims that he appointed his wife, Vakaloloma Nakarawa, as a nurse practitioner within the service.
In response to these allegations and to restore integrity within the institution, Acting Commissioner Naucukidi has decreed that all medical staff revert to their original roles as professional medical civilians and cease wearing uniforms while on duty. Effective immediately, all nurse practitioners and registered nurses will be deployed to work in the infirmaries of their respective institutions and divisions, reporting directly to their supervisors for daily operations.
Additionally, he has ordered the return of the Medics Unit’s vehicle to the Tactical Response Unit’s command, with a new protocol requiring all future vehicle requests to go through him.
This transition comes amidst ongoing investigations into Nakarawa’s conduct, with scrutiny surrounding the appointment processes and concerns of nepotism surfacing during his tenure. The previous administration’s decision to appoint Ms. Nakarawa, despite her qualifications being noted, has drawn significant public backlash. In light of these events, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has previously called for a comprehensive review of recruitment practices at FCS to ensure transparency and fairness in future hiring processes.
The series of changes promised by Acting Commissioner Naucukidi reflects a crucial step toward addressing the governance issues within the FCS. This opportunity to reassess and strengthen the hiring process may foster improvements in operational standards and public trust in the entire corrections system.
As reforms unfold, the hope remains for enhanced service integrity and accountability, which could lead to more effective management within FCS and a healthier environment for inmates.
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