Allegations of nepotism and misuse of authority have surfaced within the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) following the appointment of Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa’s wife as a nurse practitioner. This decision has drawn significant public criticism regarding the integrity and transparency of the recruitment process.
FCS emphasizes that the selection of candidates for the positions was based on merit and competency. They assert that no regulations prevent family members of senior officials from applying. In October 2024, job advertisements were published for multiple nursing roles, leading to a recruitment process overseen by FCS assistant commissioner Akuila Namakadre, who has been with the organization for over 40 years.
Namakadre explained that the application process involved a thorough vetting and interview system. After receiving applications from across Fiji as well as from the Cook Islands and Rotuma, a shortlist was created. The panel is composed of three external members, promoting an impartial selection environment. They conducted interviews and selected candidates based on their qualifications, experience, and performance.
Interestingly, Namakadre noted that Mrs. Nakarawa’s intention to apply was unknown to the panel until they reviewed the submissions. He affirmed that there was no perceived conflict of interest, and her application was treated equally to all others. In fact, she performed exceptionally well in assessments, resulting in her being selected for the position.
The governance of FCS is established by the 2013 Constitution and the Correction Service Act 2006, which grants the Commissioner significant employment powers, including recruitment procedures that must be transparent and competitive. Namakadre suggested that public skepticism may stem from misunderstandings surrounding these regulations.
Nakarawa has publicly insisted he was not involved in his wife’s hiring process and advised against her application; however, she pursued her candidacy based on her qualifications.
Furthermore, a complaint has been lodged with the Fiji Independence Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) regarding the recruitment process. While the Commission has begun its investigation, the overall situation has been muddled by speculation, including claims of political motivations behind the complaint.
In a bid to quell public concern, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka called for a full hearing of the circumstances before jumping to conclusions. Despite the controversy, Mrs. Nakarawa has begun her role as a nurse practitioner within FCS.
This incident highlights the ongoing need for transparency in public service recruitment processes, and the importance of upholding integrity in leadership positions. The involvement of an external panel signals attempts to ensure fairness in selections, yet it also underscores the challenges institutions face in maintaining public trust. Moving forward, cooperative engagement from all parties, including government officials and oversight bodies, will be vital in resolving these issues constructively.
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