Transport Minister clears air on MSAF Board, CEO suspension
Ro Filipe Tuisawau says investigation into Joeli Cawaki’s suspension is ongoing, denies interference or board reshuffle claims.
Tuesday 28 October 2025 | 19:30
Minister for Public Works, Transport, and Meteorological Services, Ro Filipe Tuisawau.
Photo: Rariqi Turner
Minister for Public Works, Meteorological Services and Transport, Ro Filipe Tuisawau yesterday revealed that the Maritime Safety Authority of Fiji (MSAF) board of directors is handling the investigations into the suspension of its chief executive officer, Joweli Cawaki.
Ro Filipe yesterday dismissed claims that that there were issues related to the removal of three board members.
He said as line Minister, he had the authority to look into the endorsed letter from Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka regarding their removal.
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Although he didn’t go into detail as to how it was resolved, Ro Filipe said it was not part of the current investigation into Mr Cawaki.
“Mr Cawaki’s suspension is currently under investigation by the board, and once it’s finalised, then it will be released to the public,” Ro Filipe said.
“New appointments to the board were not made because it never proceeded to that.
“There was no interference on my part and the board, and as it is now, they are carrying on.”
Ro Filipe while responding to legal actions taken against him by Goundar Shipping managing director George Goundar; he said he had no issues.
Mr Goundar alleges that Ro Filipe and the MSAF board of directors had interfered in the day-to-day operations.
"My role is clear in the Act, recommendations come to me and if I find grounds not to pass the vessel, I won’t pass it,” he said.
“Goundar is allowed to pursue legal actions as per his right but there is no need for Facebook contest.”
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