The tribunal yesterday heard from eight witnesses regarding allegations that suspended Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) Commissioner Dr Jalesi Nakarawa’s stepson, Jeremaia Yavala, bypassed the mandatory basic training process and was later employed as a Temporary Relieving Officer – Class C without possessing the required skill set.
Day one of Dr Nakarawa’s disciplinary hearing commenced before Justices Daniel Goundar, Dane Tuiqereqere and Savenaca Banuve in Suva, where witnesses testified that 55 individuals had attended the mandatory basic recruitment training, which comprised five phases.
Mr Yavala was among 26 participants who failed to complete the 2.4-kilometre run, a core requirement of the training program.
Corrections physical training instructor Alipate Qaqabalavu told the tribunal that under normal procedure, failed recruits could not continue. However, he said he was instructed by Commandant Isireli Nataqa to recall Mr Yavala, who was about to board a bus home and allow him to complete the training.
Mr Nataqa testified that he had acted on directions from the late Superintendent of Corrections Apakuki Quri, acknowledging that the instruction breached procedure but complied to avoid disciplinary action for insubordination.
He further claimed that during his 34 years of service, it was common for past commissioners to employ family members within the institution.
In his statement, Mr Yavala admitted signing a pre-prepared employment application provided by a senior FCS official. He was later appointed as a Temporary Relieving Officer – Class C, initially serving in the engineering department for a few weeks before being transferred to the CCTV department, where he worked until his termination on January 13 this year.
Mr Yavala conceded that he lacked trade qualifications in electrical, plumbing and carpentry work, and had not completed the required formal training. He maintained, however, that his termination by Dr Nakarawa was due to a disciplinary issue.
Staff Officer (Building) Iowane Kalokalo testified that he had not been consulted on the appointment of Mr Yavala and four other men — allegedly Dr Nakarawa’s nephews —- all of whom lacked the necessary skills. He said his team had raised concerns about Mr Yavala’s inability to perform assigned tasks and noted that he had not requested additional personnel for the team.
None of the witnesses, when questioned by defence lawyer Simione Valenitabua, was able to provide documentary evidence of favouritism, agreeing instead that their claims were based on personal assumptions and hearsay.
The hearing continues today.
