Independent investigator to probe 20 issues in Fiji Sports Council case

There are three priority points of about 20 issues which will be probed by the independent investigator that will handle the Fiji Sports Council (FSC) case.

Fiji National Sports Commission chief executive and FSC deputy board chairman Peter Mazey said yesterday the timeline would depend on the approved terms of reference.

It would be about about three to four weeks to complete its investigation from the time they’re given the greenlight.

Mazey said the board could not convene yesterday as they are awaiting the Australian company’s quotes and the finalization of the terms of reference. The other is a local company.

The terms of reference will cover everything that the media has brought up including some social media posts regarding the alleged abuse of funding by chief executive officer Ratu Gilbert Vakalalabure.

“They’ll investigate the priority ones and then after that they’ll give a report on their first week and then on continue with the second week and third week. Maybe at the end of three weeks, we can have it completed. We’re hoping we can,” Mazey told SUNsports.

“Depending on the terms of reference being approved, they’ll investigate so many points and there’s a lot within each.”

Mazey clarified that the independent probe was solely the board’s decision following the surfacing of new allegations and not ordered by the Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka. He said PM Rabuka only ordered the independent investigation of the Minister for Youth and Sports Jese Saukuru.

While the board has not dis-qualified the local company, Mazey said having an international investigator would rule out conflict of interest cases.

The Australian company which is yet to offer their quotes has an office, in the country.

Mazey added the cost of the investigation would be under $50k.

He added the media had a crucial role in prompting this independent probe.

“The CEO and the management team are the operating arm of sports council. Yes. And the board only meets and gets told through reports from the CEO and the managers. If the board doesn’t know, it doesn’t. If it’s not told, we don’t know. And that’s what the issues have been, I think, we’ll find out during the investigation.

“It’s very important that we acknowledge Government, and we are there to do what government wants, and we can’t operate without a good relationship with ministry.”

Mazey said while the board has not decided if Vakalalabure would be suspended pending investigation, he did not rule out that it wouldn’t be discussed.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj