Baleiwai tells Tribunal Koi was terminated without cause

Senior Legal Officer at the Fiji Corrections Service, Kesaia Baleiwai told the Tribunal that Helen Koi, a former Senior Staff Officer was terminated without cause by suspended Commissioner Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa.

Baleiwai explained that Koi first received a salary variation notice, reducing her pay from the maximum to the minimum base salary for her position as Senior Accounts Officer.

Baleiwai stated that a variation of employment contract was provided to Koi on 23rd July 2024 for salary reversion to $40,313 from $42,251.

She says on 30th September 2024 a posting order for Accounts Officer was issued to Koi with a reversion in salary to $37,545.

She says soon after, she was demoted to Accounts Officer through another variation notice, which did not specify any reasons for the changes, only citing the Commissioner’s constitutional authority and a circular regarding the JEE Rehabilitation Salary Scheme.

She further stated that no annual performance reviews were conducted to justify the salary or position changes, and Koi was never warned or counseled for poor performance.

Baleiwai emphasized that proper procedures, such as warning letters or supervisory meetings should have been followed before considering termination.

Meanwhile,the fourth prosecution witness Ilisoni Ratumaikoro told the Tribunal that he was demoted from Chief Logistics Officer to Logistics Officer without explanation.

Ratumaikoro who is the last witness taking the stand, joined the FCS in 2017 and currently serves as Assistant Superintendent and Staff Officer of Audit and Compliance.

He says he learned about his demotion in August 2023 while on annual leave.

He also stated that no report of misconduct or breach of duty was made against him, as would normally be required for such action.

Ratumaikoro adds that the unexplained demotion caused him emotional distress and fear of losing his job.