The tribunal examining the conduct of suspended Corrections Commissioner Dr Jalesi Nakarawa has heard claims that his working relationship with Justice Minister Siromi Turaga had broken down, affecting the wider service.
Dr Nakarawa’s acting personal staff officer, James Koroitubuna, observed that the commissioner did not make efforts to improve his relationship with Mr Turaga.
Mr Koroitubuna said resistance to addressing concerns raised by the minister affected morale within the service and hindered its relationship with the ministry.
He said Dr Nakarawa did not respond to complaints or issues raised through the media or to the minister, and there was no attempt to resolve issues affecting FCS operations.
He told the tribunal presided over by justices Daniel Goundar, Savenaca Banuva, and Dane Tuiqereqere, that the decision-making process under his leadership was mostly top-down, without proper consultation or adherence to due process.
Mr Koroitubuna said Dr Nakarawa exceeded his authority by failing to obtain the minister’s concurrence on decisions and policies requiring such approval.
As staff officer, he observed that fairness and due process were not maintained, particularly regarding decisions affecting certain officers, including those who underwent drug testing.
He said the appointment of Dr Nakarawa’s wife as nurse practitioner and subsequently chief medical officer was contrary to the values and ethics expected of a constitutional office holder.
When asked whether he was acquainted with Dr Nakarawa before joining FCS, he answered in the affirmative as he had been his student. He said he submitted his expression of interest after making a presentation to him.
He noted that due process was not maintained in certain terminations, particularly concerning officers who underwent drug testing.
The tribunal heard Mr Koroitubuna was appointed legal analyst in 2024 while he had yet to be admitted to the bar, nor did he have a practising certificate.
His duties included drafting internal documents and carrying out tasks assigned by the commissioner.
The tribunal heard that when he joined, he was earning $21,500, and three months later, he was promoted and his salary increased to $35,000.
He explained to the tribunal that his workload and ongoing postgraduate studies were reasons for not pursuing admission earlier.
He has, however, informed the tribunal he is now in the process of preparing his application for admission following recent events.
Dr Nakarawa is set to give evidence on November 22.
