Sevuloni Naucukidi, the acting commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), has reported that he encountered substantial opposition when he began his efforts to realign the organization to meet established standards. In an interview, he firmly dismissed allegations of corruption, asserting that all operational activities are conducted in accordance with service procedures. He noted that public pressure and misinformation contributed to the resistance faced.
Mr. Naucukidi stated, “It was hard because there was a lot of resistance, mostly externally from public pressure due to a lot of misinformation. But I can assure you that there are no corrupt practices as they’ve all been eliminated.” He emphasized that significant progress has been made within a short span of three months, including the completion of two annual reports that had been pending since 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.
One of his significant achievements includes securing a budget increase of $4.7 million for the upcoming 2025-2026 financial year, bringing the total budget to $62.5 million. He explained that the budgeting process had shifted focus from merely accommodating the rising prison population to addressing the actual needs of the facilities and compliance with relevant laws and policies.
Additionally, Naucukidi has taken steps to restructure the organization by creating a planning and development unit and enhancing the audit and compliance unit, aiming to instill forward-looking values within the FCS. His leadership at this pivotal moment reflects a commitment to alleviating past issues and fostering a more efficient and transparent corrections environment.
This transformation is marked by a drive to enhance public trust and improve operational standards within the FCS. The ongoing efforts signify a hopeful path towards a rehabilitative approach that also prioritizes the welfare of both staff and inmates, which could eventually lead to a more effective corrections system in Fiji.
Leave a comment