The Commissioner of the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), Dr Jalesi Nakarawa, is under intense scrutiny following investigations into the hiring of his spouse as a nurse within the FCS.
Amid growing public interest, Dr Nakarawa defended the recruitment process, asserting that it was transparent and merit-based.
“FCS advertised for three nurse practitioners to centralise clinical services in order to reduce movement to hospitals,” he explained.
Despite advising his spouse against applying, he said that she pursued the position based on her qualifications and the meritocratic process.
The situation escalated when FICAC officers, acting on a search warrant, visited Dr Nakarawa’s office seeking documents related to the hiring. As the investigation unfolds, the commissioner’s position remains under intense scrutiny.
Dr Nakarawa confirmed the appointment, clarifying that the recruitment process was transparent and based entirely on merit.
“FCS advertised for three nurse practitioners to centralise clinical services in order to reduce movement to hospital,” he explained.
“The clinics are based in Suva and Naboro. Referrals are done by the medical unit, not officers as previously done. This is to reduce the unnecessary movement of inmates who require medical attention.”
The Commissioner stressed that he was not involved in the hiring process.
“A nursing practitioner is a profession; one needs to be qualified. My wife was shortlisted following interviews. The interview panel included reps from the nursing council, police force, and corrections,” he said.
Despite his reservations, Dr Nakarawa revealed that he had advised his wife against applying for the position. However, she chose to go ahead with her application, citing her qualifications and right to apply.
The situation has since escalated, drawing in the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC).
Shortly after Dr Nakarawa was instructed by the Minister for Justice to take leave amid the investigations, FICAC officers arrived at his office with a search warrant.
“FICAC officers produced a search warrant – and they specifically demanded the interview folder for the nursing practitioner post. We gave them what they required. Since they came to my office with the search warrant, they have not been back since,” Dr Nakarawa stated.
Dr Nakarawa’s spouse was previously a lecturer at the Fiji National University.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that the matter will be discussed at the Constitutional Offices Commission meeting this week following complaints of nepotism.
