Justice Minister Siromi Turaga has testified at a tribunal investigating the conduct of suspended Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, indicating that his attempts to engage with Nakarawa were met with resistance. Turaga expressed that this lack of communication felt like a challenge to his authority and demonstrated disrespect, particularly highlighting an incident in which Dr. Nakarawa traveled to Indonesia without prior notice to him, instead informing the Constitutional Offices Commission.
In December 2024, Turaga sent a letter to the Prime Minister requesting updates on various issues concerning the Fiji Corrections Service, alongside mounting complaints against Dr. Nakarawa. Despite the suspension of Nakarawa, he returned to work the following day. Turaga noted that he refrained from initiating a formal inquiry at the time, as Nakarawa’s presence in the office created a culture of fear among other correctional officers, deterring them from speaking out.
During the tribunal, Turaga acknowledged that the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) had cleared Nakarawa’s wife, while other complaints had not been directed to FICAC. He painted a picture of a tumultuous period within the Fiji Corrections Service, marked by public leaks of confidential information and a general sense of chaos.
Turaga maintained that his actions towards the Prime Minister and the tribunal were made in good faith and within the bounds of his constitutional authority. This situation captures ongoing tensions within the Fiji Corrections Service, showcasing a breakdown in communication and governance that necessitates careful attention to ensure accountability and restore trust.
As this inquiry progresses, it stands as an opportunity for systemic reform within the corrections system, potentially enhancing operational standards and rebuilding public confidence in Fiji’s institutions. Positive change might emerge from this turbulence, reinforcing the importance of transparency and adherence to due process in government operations.
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