Permanent Secretary for iTaukei Affairs Jone Navakamocea has been summoned to a meeting with the Public Service Commission (PSC) on April 7 — the day he is due to return from leave in Europe — to discuss his status, PSC chairman Luke Rokovada confirmed. Rokovada said Mr Navakamocea is currently on leave and has not resigned, and that he had requested the meeting to clarify the permanent secretary’s position immediately upon his resumption of duty.
The summons comes as iTaukei Affairs Minister Iferemi Vasu has threatened legal action over “scathing” allegations Mr Navakamocea reportedly made about him on social media. The minister’s warning and the PSC’s call for an urgent meeting signal the matter has attracted official scrutiny and will be considered at the highest level of the civil service once Mr Navakamocea returns.
Rokovada said the commission is also reinforcing expectations around leadership and accountability across the civil service. In a circular sent to all permanent secretaries last month, the PSC reminded senior officials of their constitutional responsibilities as heads of ministries and departments — a directive that followed an address in Parliament by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stressing leadership, integrity and ethical conduct in public office.
The circular set out specific expectations: permanent secretaries must demonstrate effective leadership, ensure transparency in administrative and financial matters, exercise sound fiscal management, and uphold high standards of professionalism and integrity while keeping services responsive and efficient. Rokovada told permanent secretaries the commission expects immediate attention and full compliance with these requirements.
As part of bolstering oversight, the PSC has moved to review the Permanent Secretary Performance Framework. Formal evaluations of permanent secretaries will take place by the end of September 2026, and thereafter assessments are to be conducted every six months. The periodic reviews will measure performance against government priorities and each official’s effectiveness in leading their ministry or department, the commission said.
The April 7 meeting is likely to determine how the commission proceeds in relation to Mr Navakamocea’s alleged comments and his administrative standing. Any outcomes or further action the PSC takes will be announced after the meeting, Rokovada indicated. Until then, Mr Navakamocea remains on leave overseas and has not tendered a resignation.
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