Corrections legal officer reveals culture of fear at Nakarawa tribunal hearing

Justice Dane Tuiqereqere has questioned the purpose of having the Sports and Welfare Fund Board if it cannot perform its independent function of scrutinising requests before allowing funds to be withdrawn.

His remarks were made today during the fifth day of the tribunal hearing into the suspension of Corrections Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa, while Corrections senior legal officer Kesaia Balewai was giving evidence.

In her testimony, Ms Balewai told the court that as a member of the board, their role was limited to ensuring that when a request came from the Commissioner through the welfare officer, their only duty was to check that the necessary documents were attached before the Commissioner approved the withdrawals.

She said this had been a long-standing practice within the institution for all Commissioners.

“What’s the point of having a board if it can't be independent?” Justice Tuiqereqere asked.

Ms Balewai said there was always a fear that any scrutiny of withdrawal requests could result in reassignment, demotion, or even job loss.

When asked, she told the court that this was what happened to former Assistant Commissioner for Corporate Services, Salesia Racaca, who was a board member before she was dismissed.

Ms Balewai said Ms Racaca was known for objectively scrutinising requests from the Welfare Officer and would often hold them back if she disagreed with them.