Political bias alleged in Corrections restructuring, tribunal hears

Fiji Corrections Service senior legal officer Kesaia Balewai has testified that the restructuring of positions under the Job Evaluation Exercise (JEE) appeared politically driven and inconsistently applied across the institution.

Ms Balewai made the statement today during the tribunal hearing into the suspension of Corrections Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa, in response to questions from Tribunal Judge Justice Daniel Goundar.

He had asked whether the changes in staffing were aligned with the JEE policy.

She told the tribunal that the restructuring did not seem to follow policy guidelines, as it targeted specific individuals. One such case involved former senior accounts officer Helen Koi, whose salary was first reduced before she was demoted.

According to Ms Balewai, Ms Koi received a circular in July last year stating her salary had dropped from the maximum of $42,251 to a minimum of $40,313. A second circular issued on September 30, 2024, confirmed her demotion to accounts Officer, with a further salary reduction to $37,000.

Ms Balewai also raised concerns about staffing changes within the Legal Unit. She testified that a week after the previous legal officer was transferred, James Koroitubuna was appointed as Legal Analyst—a position she claimed was created specifically for him.

“There was no advertisement made for this post and our Legal Manager who interviewed him only knew about the interview on the day of the interview,” Ms Balewai said. 

 “There was only a need for a Legal officer, after they removed the existing one, making room for Mr Koroitubuna. 

Ms Balewai further stated that Mr Koroitubuna was not admitted to the bar and did not hold a legal practice license, yet was giving legal opinions.

 “Until now, he still has not been admitted to bar, but he was still giving legal opinion.” 

When asked by Mr Nakarawa’s lawyer, Simione Valenitabua, whether there was a need for a Legal Analyst in the unit, Ms Balewai said she could not answer.