PS Navakamocea job on the line

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has declined to comment on the dispute within the Ministry of iTaukei Affairs, with the ministry's permanent secretary, Jone Navakamocea, likely to lose his job, a reliable source revealed.

When approached outside his office yes­terday, Mr Rabuka said the matter fell un­der the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission (PSC).

“I do not want to comment on that,” Mr Rabuka said.

“That’s between the Public Service Commission and the permanent secretary. That’s the relationship, and I want to respect that and leave it at that level.”

He did not respond directly to questions on whether an investigation would be conducted on allegations against the Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Ifereimi Vasu, posted on Facebook by Mr Vakamocea.

“They report to me about their ministries and the ministries reporting to me about their problems,” Mr Rabuka said.

Minister for Information Lynda Tabuya said trust between ministers and permanent secretaries was essential for effective government operations and service delivery.

Ms Tabuya said permanent secretaries served as the final point of contact for ministry staff before matters the minister.

“As a minister, I know my permanent secretary is the last stop for all staff in the ministry before it then comes to me,” she said.

She said trust was necessary to ensure ministries functioned efficiently and delivered services effectively to the public.

“When this trust breaks down, it can impact, not only the ministry involved, but also the wider workings of Governments,” Ms Tabuya said.

Referring to the alleged issue with Mr Vasu and his permanent secretary, Ms Tabuya said the matter was being handled at the appropriate level.

“What has happened, has happened. I understand that the PSC is handling that.”

Mr Navakamocea was scheduled to resume work yesterday and meet the PSC.

The controversy stemmed from a public outburst by Mr Navakamocea, who took to Facebook last Friday, while on his annual leave, to criticise Mr Vasu, accusing him of damaging his reputation and questioning his leadership.

In the post, Mr Navakamocea labelled the minister a “coward”, and pointed to his minister’s alleged involvement with convicted drug and sex trafficker, Jason Zhong.

The dispute has drawn attention to internal tensions within the ministry, with concerns raised over professionalism and governance following the unusual public exchange.

Attempts to get comments from Mr Navakamocea were unsuccessful.