Tuisawau hits back at claims of defying PM’s orders

Transport Minister Ro Filipe Tuisawau, has dismissed claims that he allegedly defied a directive from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to remove members of the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) board.

The Fiji Sun reported on October 25 that the controversy stems from the extended suspension of MSAF chief executive officer Joeli Cawaki, allegedly linked to the delayed clearance of Goundar Shipping Limited (GSL)’s fast ferry, MV Captain Inoke, for operations on the Natovi–Nabouwalu route.

Prime Minister Rabuka confirmed to the Fiji Sun last Thursday that he had endorsed a recommendation to remove the MSAF board members, following a briefing from then acting permanent secretary for Civil Service and Public Enterprises, Amenatave Yauvoli.

However, in a government-issued statement, Ro Filipe described the Fiji Sun headline as “outdated and misleading.”

He explained that the matter referenced in the article titled MSAF Drama: Transport Minister Defies PM Order had already been “amicably resolved” under the previous permanent secretary for Public Enterprises.

The Minister alleged that the Fiji Sun cited internal and confidential communications, including correspondence addressed directly to him.

“If true, then Fiji Sun may be the receiver of stolen documents and may be liable for criminal investigation and defamation,” he claimed.

He further claimed that the article was “designed to destabilise and undermine the Government and the People’s Alliance Party,” adding, “That will not happen!”

MSAF leadership

Addressing the status of MSAF’s leadership, Ro Filipe confirmed that Mr Cawaki remained suspended while investigations continue.

He reiterated the Government’s confidence in MSAF’s ability to uphold its mandate under the MSAF Act and maintain high standards of maritime safety and accountability.

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.

Ro Filipe commended the MSAF board for standing firm amid pressure and confirmed that the CEO’s suspension remains in effect pending the outcome of the board-led investigation.

"The CEO is suspended pending investigation by the board," he wrote on his personal Facebook post.

Ro Filipe urged maritime operators to respect the legal process and avoid public commentary that could have legal consequences.

“All maritime operators are reminded to follow established procedures within MSAF and refrain from unwarranted public commentary,” he warned.

Goundar response

GSL issued a public statement asserting that MSAF’s technical officers and managers had completed a full inspection and confirmed the vessel met all legal and safety requirements.

On the issue of foreign flags, the company stated that this was standard international practice and fully allowed under Fijian law.

"GSL, like many other local operators, follows correct process: vessels are brought under a foreign flag, then go through local registration with MSAF as per Maritime Transport Decree (MTD)."

GSL added that the now-suspended MSAF chief executive officer had already forwarded the necessary documents to the Minister for signature, describing it as a routine legal process.

The company stated that the Minister had failed to endorse the documents for over two months and accused the MSAF board chair and certain members of interfering with lawful procedures.

“Board members are policy-makers, not technical officers. Any interference in approved maritime operations is abuse of office and corruption,” the statement read.

GSL called on the Minister to act on the Prime Minister’s recommendation and remove board members allegedly obstructing the process.

The company also warned that if the interference continues, it would refer the matter to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and pursue legal action to protect its rights and the integrity of Fiji’s maritime industry.

Defending his decision to withhold approval for the clearance of the MV Captain Inoke, Ro Filipe stated that he was constitutionally entitled to conduct independent due diligence before endorsing any maritime operations.

“I am not some automated robot to follow Goundar’s suggestion to sign just because he says so,” he wrote on his personal Facebook page.

“When I sign, I am liable. The safety of hundreds of passengers is at stake.”

He stressed that the era of bypassing regulatory processes through direct links between operators and the Minister was over.

“What was happening before, when MSAF was overridden by direct links between the operator and the Minister, will not happen with me,” he said.

Ro Filipe criticised GSL’ managing director George Goundar’s approach, stating that social media tactics would not influence the legal process. He also questioned the appropriateness of Mr Goundar’s solicitor representing the suspended CEO, suggesting a conflict of interest.

“Let’s all act professionally and use the legal process rather than resorting to social media mudslinging, which one may regret later,” he said.