MSAF drama: Transport Minister defies PM order
Tuisawau faces possible FICAC probe over alleged interference at MSAF
Saturday 25 October 2025 | 02:00
Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau will now be facing mounting pressure.
It is alleged that he defied a directive from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to remove the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) board members.
The alleged defiance has delayed the PM’s endorsed decision and could expose the minister and the board to possible legal action and investigation by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
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The MSAF board members are: Savenaca Cavalevu (chairperson), Savenaca Kadavi, Lui Naisara, and Laisiasa Gonewai.
Reliable sources confirmed that Goundar Shipping Limited’s legal team intends to lodge a complaint with FICAC next week, alleging interference by Mr Tuisawau and the MSAF board.
The controversy comes amid the extended suspension of MSAF chief executive officer Joeli Cawaki, reportedly over the clearance of Goundar Shipping’s fast ferry, MV Captain Inoke, to operate on the Natovi–Nabouwalu route.
Mr Rabuka confirmed to this newspaper last Thursday that he had endorsed the recommendation to remove the MSAF board members after being briefed by then acting permanent secretary for Civil Service and Public Enterprises, Amenatave Yauvoli.
Sources said the process stalled when Ro Filipe allegedly intervened, allowing the board to remain in place despite the Prime Minister’s instruction.
Repeated phone calls, emails and a visit to Ro Filipe’s office seeking comment on the alleged insubordination went unanswered. He previously said Mr Cawaki’s suspension was a “legal process handled by the MSAF board”, and that any announcement would come from the board once complete.
Mr Cawaki was first suspended on September 26, 2025 for 21 days. On October, 20 2025, he received an email extending his suspension indefinitely. The suspension letter was signed by MSAF board chairperson Savenaca Cavalevu.
Sources claim Mr Cawaki approved the MV Captain Inoke after it met all safety and compliance requirements, but that the board and the minister withheld final clearance, raising concerns about political interference in MSAF’s technical and operational work.
Board member Savenaca Kadavi said the Fiji Sun’s queries were “not a fair go for us”, confirming he had not received any letter about the Prime Minister’s directive for board removal.
He declined to comment on the investigation into Mr Cawaki but indicated investigators would be appointed soon.
MSAF human resources manager and board secretary Matilda Atalifo did not respond to repeated calls.
MSAF public relations officer Emi Koroitanoa said the authority could not comment as “the investigation is still ongoing”.
Acting MSAF chief executive officer Captain Iliesa Batisaresare redirected all questions to the board.
Sources also revealed that tensions between the board and Mr Cawaki dates back to his 2024 work trip to London, where he fell ill and allegedly received no assistance from the board while paying his own accommodation and meals.
The conflict worsened over staffing and governance issues, including the board’s refusal to allow two approved senior management positions to start work and the absence of a formal board charter to define powers and responsibilities.
Insiders claim the board’s involvement in operational matters, such as vessel clearance and attendance at overseas meetings meant for technical staff, amounts to serious overreach.
