PS Fisheries and Forestry Atelaite Rokosuka suspended

The Public Service Commission has suspended Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry, Atelaite Rokosuka effective from yesterday.

The suspension follows an investigation into the allegations of the deal signed with Infinite Power Clean Energy (Fiji) Pte Limited regarding the wind turbine project.

This project was put on hold after the intervention of Deputy Prime Minister, Manoa Kamikamica as proper cabinet approvals were not followed.

The Public Service Commission had earlier confirmed that they were examining the alleged involvement of the Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forestry in regards to the $115 million wind turbine project signed between the American based company Infinite Power Clean Energy Limited, the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry and the Fiji Sports Council.

Rokovada had said they completed their investigation and signed the report was given to the Office of the Prime Minister.

He says it is for them to decide what further action they will take.

Rokovada said they had verified the involvement of the Permanent Secretary in the investigation adding that their investigation indicated a lack of due diligence, non-compliance with investigation guidelines and disregard for other investment procedures by one of them.

He adds the investigation was commissioned by PSC following the reports about the deal that was entered into by the two agencies, the Fiji Sports Council through the Executive Chair and the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry through the Permanent Secretary.

Rokovada said the Fiji Sports Council had entered the agreement without any knowledge of the Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports and without any knowledge of the Board of the Council.

This afternoon, Rokovada said the PSC is committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct and integrity and takes allegations of misconduct seriously.

He says during this time, Atelaite Rokosuka will be relieved of her duties pending the outcome of the investigation.

Rokovada says the Commission will conduct a thorough and impartial review to ensure a fair resolution of the matter.

We had earlier sought comments from the Executive Chair of the Fiji Sports Council. He is yet to respond.