The Public Service Commission (PSC) has rescinded the nomination of Pita Wise for the role of Head of Mission in Japan. PSC chairperson Luke Rokovada announced this decision last night, stating it was made at the discretion of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Mr. Wise had resigned from his position as permanent secretary on September 25, citing personal reasons. Prime Minister Rabuka confirmed that his office received a sexual harassment allegation against Mr. Wise, which has been forwarded to the PSC.
Originally, Mr. Wise was expected to take over the role from Filimone Waqabaca, who is set to become the head of the Fiji Development Bank. Last Friday, the Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and the Fiji Women’s Rights Movement urged the Coalition Government and Prime Minister Rabuka to retract Mr. Wise’s nomination as Fiji’s Ambassador to Japan.
Mr. Wise served as the permanent secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister since January and had held similar positions in previous administrations.