SUSPENDED Fiji Corrections Service Commissioner Dr Jalesi Nakarawa’s stepson, Jeremaia Yavala, was transferred from the engineering department to the CCTV unit after reportedly struggling with hard labour and requesting lighter duties.
FCS Deputy Commissioner Auta Moceisuva told the tribunal in Suva yesterday that he had emailed an officer on October 28, 2024, instructing her to transfer Mr Yavala following a verbal directive from Dr Nakarawa, who said his stepson had complained to his mother about his work.
The inquiry into Dr Nakarawa’s alleged misconduct is being heard by Justices Daniel Goundar, Dane Tuiqereqere and Savenaca Banuve.
Mr Yavala was later terminated for poor performance, absenteeism and an incident in which he was allegedly found intoxicated at a bus stand, which the FCS said brought disrepute to the service.
Mr Moceisuva also testified about the creation of a nurse practitioner (NP) position, saying it was not on the Ministry of Finance’s approved list. He said Dr Nakarawa had created the post on his own initiative, reallocating other positions to accommodate the new post despite two senior medical officers already above that level.
He told the tribunal that after he was summoned to explain why the nursing post had not been advertised, he received a demotion letter the following Monday, signed by Dr Nakarawa.
Mr Moceisuva also said Dr Nakarawa personally handed him his wife’s job application, dismissing conflict-of-interest concerns and insisting she was qualified.
He testified that the FCS Welfare and Sports Fund, chaired by him but approved by the Commissioner, made payments for furniture for Dr Nakarawa’s residence, the FCS Wives Association volleyball tournament, and boat fares for Dr Nakarawa’s wife – without any board meetings.
Secretary to Cabinet Susan Kiran told the tribunal that Cabinet had only approved salary increases for FCS officers effective from August 2024, not a restructuring of the institution.
The hearing continues.
