FSC investigation report nears completion

The final report of the investigation on Fiji Sports Council (FSC) chief executive officer Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure, who is currently on leave is now near completion.

This was con­firmed yesterday to SUNsports by Fiji National Sports Com­mission (FNSC) CEO Peter Mazey.

"Pherrus (Financial Service), we are ad­vised are just finishing the reports," Mazey said.

"As advised previously once the report is received it must be re­viewed by the board (FSC) and also the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports."

The Minister of Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru is also suspended and the portfolio is currently held by the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka with Aliki Bia being the Assistant Minister.

Mazey said that the investigation isn't just about individuals but principally on governance and op­erational issues at FSC.

"We must await the report and check then," he added.

When asked why the delay since Vakalalabure was sent on leave in March, Mazey had also indicated then it would take three to four weeks to complete the investigation.
"Only delays were in access to all information required, missing doc­umentation and the availability of people who had to be interviewed," he answered.

In a special FSC board meeting on February 17, the board reviewed the presentations of allegations with supporting evidence current­ly being delivered through local media and social media platforms.

After discussions it was resolved that the board will not dwell on the FICAC ruling as the FICAC case has been closed, and it will appoint an independent investigator to examine the fresh allegations lev­elled against FSC.

Terms of References

Week 1: The investigation in the contra deals with Fiji Airways and others, the Fiji Sports Council Under-20's rugby 7s Hamilton Trip, the Sports Council U20s 7s team and Council sponsored sports tour­naments and the restructure of op­erations and staffing including pay rises.

Week 2: Investigation includes Vakalalabure's appointment as ex­ecutive chairman indefinitely, CEO appointment, driver overtime for private use, staff engagement, con­tracts and tender processes, and motor vehicles.

Week 3: Investigation includes alleged rampant mismanagement and unauthorised expenses, re­sponse to board resolution, staff concerns and reported breaches of policy and or law, agreement with Infinite Power Clean Energy Ltd, SportsWorx Agreement - Brett Jenkins and Pacific Procurement Management and Investment Ser­vices.