A group of 96 officers from the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) is participating in a significant two-day workshop in Suva. The workshop, “Governance Failures as Criminal Conduct: Understanding Legal Accountability under Fijian Law,” aims to better equip these officers to tackle governance breaches.
The sessions focus on identifying governance failures, distinguishing between civil and criminal consequences under Fijian laws such as the Companies Act 2015, Public Enterprises Act 2019, and Crimes Act 2009. Additionally, the workshops prepare officers to frame criminal charges related to conspiracy, abuse of office, and other dishonesty offenses.
Through the workshop, participants will enhance their understanding of international case studies that deal with director-level governance failures being treated as criminal offenses. The agenda also includes strategies to counter common legal defenses and refine evidence-based investigative techniques, with particular attention to board minutes, procedural compliance, and fiduciary misconduct.
FICAC’s Acting Commissioner, Lavi Rokoika, remarked on the increasing frequency of governance breaches, attributing it to the growing complexities of public administration and the heightened public demand for integrity. She encouraged the attendees to take full advantage of the training, utilizing the insights gained to improve casework efficiency.
This initiative exemplifies FICAC’s ongoing commitment to reinforcing integrity and accountability within Fiji’s governance framework. By cultivating a transparent environment through such educational initiatives, Fiji is actively advancing towards a corruption-free society. This proactive approach lays a solid foundation for a future where ethical governance is the norm, promoting a hopeful outlook for the country and its citizens.
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