The Public Service Disciplinary Tribunal has declined to reinstate the $199,000 salary of Atelaite Rokosuka, the suspended permanent secretary for Fisheries and Forestry. Ms. Rokosuka faces two charges of misconduct, stemming from her failure to follow legal guidance from the Solicitor-General’s Office, as well as her lack of consultation with relevant ministries and departments before entering into an agreement with Infinite Power Clean Energy (Fiji) Pte Ltd on behalf of the government.
Following the alleged misconduct, her case was referred to the tribunal, which led to her salary being halted on October 15, 2024. On November 7, Ms. Rokosuka petitioned the tribunal for the reinstatement of her salary, citing her financial obligations and the need to support her two children. She presented a statement detailing her financial commitments, particularly loans, although the specifics of these loans were not clearly identified.
The tribunal members, Anare Tuilevuka, Deepika Prakash, and Jeremaia Savou, expressed concerns regarding the nature of Ms. Rokosuka’s loans, questioning whether they were for a home, vehicle, or other types. They indicated a lack of information about her personal circumstances, including whether she has alternative sources of income or support from family.
The seriousness of the allegations against Ms. Rokosuka was noted by the tribunal, emphasizing that as the permanent secretary, she holds significant accountability as stipulated in the Constitution.
This ruling demonstrates the judiciary’s commitment to upholding accountability and due process within the public service sector. It highlights the challenging balance between the personal circumstances of public servants and the obligations inherent to their roles. The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and responsibility in government positions, which ultimately helps to maintain public trust.
In looking forward, it is hoped that Ms. Rokosuka uses this opportunity to reflect on the decisions made during her tenure and seek paths for resolution that align with integrity and accountability to benefit both her career and the interests of the public she serves.
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