Conflict of interest alleged in Nakarawa’s hiring decisions, tribunal told

Suspended Corrections Commissioner Jale Nakarawa’s wife, Vakaloloma Nakarawa, was appointed as a nursing practitioner on the same day her superior, Dr Rayvan Singh, was terminated.

Dr Singh assumed the role of medical doctor on January 2, 2025, and was terminated 18 days later.

This was revealed last night during the tribunal hearing of Nakarawa, who is accused of making unlawful appointments and authorizing salaries and funds while serving as Commissioner.

Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) legal manager Samisoni Naba told the tribunal that, under FCS regulations, the nursing practitioner reports directly to the doctor.

Judge Justice Daniel Goundar questioned whether Nakarawa was aware of this commencement date.

Mr Naba told the court that even after her appointment, Nakarawa instructed that Ms Nakarawa’s offer letter be amended.

It was heard that Ms Nakarawa’s original offer letter indicated her maiden name, Vakaloloma Mocevakaca, which she used to apply for the position.

Nakarawa ordered that the amended offer letter include his wife’s married name and a lodging allowance.

Mr Naba said this allowance is only given to married FCS staff who qualify, and Ms Nakarawa did not qualify because she resided in government quarters.

Through a letter to Nakarawa, Mr Naba stated that his request infringed FCS policy, as it could encourage other government quarters staff to apply for similar allowances.

The three-member tribunal questioned Mr Naba on his role as Director of Human Resources and member of the Staff Board responsible for recruiting the nursing practitioner.

Mr Naba said everything about this position—from its advertisement to the appointment—was problematic.

He said the position was advertised three times after Nakarawa kept instructing changes.

There were 18 applicants, and seven were shortlisted.

Out of these, three were selected to fill the roles of Divisional Medical Officer for the West, North, and the National Headquarters (NHQ).

Ms Nakarawa was appointed to the NHQ position.

Mr Naba was part of the board that interviewed the three successful candidates.

He told the tribunal that Assistant Commissioner Administration/Strategic Management Akuila Namakadre was the only board member who knew about Ms Nakarawa because she applied using her maiden name.

He believed the recruitment followed proper process, as conflict-of-interest concerns were never raised during the initial stages.

He said he did not raise any queries because he assumed Nakarawa would consult the Minister for Justice before approving the appointment.

Mr Naba said this was not done.

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