The Public Service Commission (PSC) has rescinded the nomination of Pita Wise for the role of Head of Mission in Japan.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 the decision last night, attributing it to the authority 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 had received a sexual harassment allegation against Mr. Wise, which was subsequently forwarded to the Public Service Commission.
Mr. Wise was expected to succeed Filimone Waqabaca, who is set to become head of the Fiji Development Bank. On 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 for the ambassadorship to Japan.
Mr. Wise previously held the position of permanent secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister since January and had served in similar roles under previous administrations.