Suspended FCS Commissioner on full pay amid probe
The suspension follows multiple allegations against Mr Nakarawa.
Wednesday 02 April 2025 | 10:18
Fiji Corrections Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa. Photo: Fiji Corrections
Suspended Fiji Corrections Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa continues to receive full pay while investigations continue against allegations of abuse of office.
This was confirmed yesterday by the Minister for Justice, Siromi Turaga.
The suspension follows multiple allegations against Mr Nakarawa, which, according to Mr Turaga, have warranted further examination.
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“The Commission, in accordance with Section 137(4) of the Constitution, has advised the President to suspend the Commissioner pending investigation and the referral of the matter to a tribunal,” Mr Turaga explained.
Mr Turaga confirmed that Vakaloloma Nakarawa, the suspended Commissioner’s wife, remained employed as a nurse within the FCS, and any further investigation into her role would be left to the “incoming Commissioner.”
Mr Turaga said Mr Nakarawa, who was suspended by the Constitutional Offices Commission (COC), remained entitled to his full salary during the course of the investigation.
The COC has appointed Sevuloni Naucukidi, the Assistant Commissioner, as the Acting Commissioner of Corrections. This appointment is intended to ensure the smooth operation of the FCS while the investigation continues, Mr Turaga said.
The issues surrounding Dr Nakarawa’s leadership came to light earlier this year.
In February, reports emerged suggesting that Nakarawa had appointed his wife as a FCS senior medical officer.
This move sparked concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest, particularly as the FCS’s previous senior medical officer, Dr Singh, was terminated without cause on the same day.
The Fiji Medical Association voiced strong concerns over the matter, highlighting the ethical implications of such appointments.
Despite the ongoing scrutiny, Mr Turaga emphasised that the process of appointing a tribunal was not an easy or inexpensive one.
“We have learned from the past two years, and the process of appointing tribunals requires careful consideration. This information is within the COC’s purview, and they are responsible for overseeing such matters.”
Commissioner appointment
Under the 2013 Constitution, the Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service is appointed by the President on the advice of the Constitutional Offices Commission, following consultations with the Minister responsible for the FCS, as outlined in Section 129.
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