The Public Service Commission has issued a formal reprimand to Atelaite Rokosuka, the permanent secretary for Fisheries and Forestry, following a disciplinary tribunal’s findings of serious misconduct related to a government agreement. This reprimand comes after Ms. Rokosuka was suspended without pay since October 2024 for her involvement in a $122 million power purchase agreement with Infinite Power Clean Energy (Fiji) Pte Ltd, a company focused on promoting wind turbines.
According to the tribunal, Ms. Rokosuka neglected to fulfill her responsibilities by disregarding legal counsel from the Solicitor-General’s Office prior to entering into this agreement on behalf of the Fiji Government. The tribunal noted that she failed to consult necessary ministries and departments and did not adhere to the required due process, despite being advised to do so. This oversight led to a breach of government procurement regulations and a failure to comply with established procurement laws.
In a ruling last week regarding disciplinary actions against her, the tribunal opted not to terminate Ms. Rokosuka’s employment, citing her lack of previous disciplinary issues and emphasizing the importance of proportionality in its decision-making. However, the ruling pointed out that her actions fell significantly short of the integrity, accountability, and professionalism standards expected of her position.
The Public Service Commission stated that Ms. Rokosuka’s misconduct has diminished public trust in the public service and tarnished the reputation of her office. As part of her disciplinary measures, the reprimand will become a permanent part of her employment record, and she will forfeit over a year’s salary from the period the issue was escalated to the tribunal until the decision date.
PSC chairman Luke Rokovada remarked that it is essential for all senior public officials to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards, reflecting a commitment to good governance and accountability in public service. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical nature of diligence and compliance in governmental operations, emphasizing the need for transparency and the adherence to protocols that safeguard public trust.
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