FWCC and FWRM call for Pita Wise’s removal as nominee for Fiji's Ambassador to Japan

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre and Fiji Women’s Rights Movement are calling on the coalition government and Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka to withdraw the nomination of Pita Wise to be Fiji's Ambassador to Japan.

FWCC Coordinator Shamima Ali says they are really concerned about Wise being earmarked to take on the Ambassador's position in Japan after being accused of sexual harassment.

She says they are also concerned about the transparency from the Public Service Commission as to what happened when a complaint was received against Wise.

Ali says the only person speaking on the matter is the Prime Minister and they don’t accept the answers he is giving.

FWRM Executive Director Nalini Singh says according to our employment laws, every institution, including public service, has to have ways and means, or policies in regards to sexual harassment in the workplace.

She says PSC is bound to conduct its investigation as it was reported to them and whatever the outcomes is will need to be made public.

Singh says in the case of Wise, they see it as he is being rewarded rather than facing the consequences of his actions.

We have again sent questions to the Prime Minister and he is yet to comment on why former Permanent Secretary at the Prime Minister’s Office, Pita Wise is earmarked for the Fiji Ambassador to Japan post when he had allegations of harassment against him.

Rabuka had confirmed to journalists in Tailevu that Wise had applied for the Japan post and the government has earmarked him for the Ambassador role.

fijivillage News has sought clarification from Rabuka on why Wise is being earmarked despite the allegations against him.

Rabuka confirmed at the end of last month that Wise had resigned as Permanent Secretary after he forwarded a complaint against Wise.

Public Service Commission Chairman, Luke Rokovada had confirmed that the complaint against Wise was discussed by the Commission, Wise was called for a discussion, and following that, he offered to hand in his resignation.

When asked by fijivillage News on whether the harassment allegation has been forwarded to Police, Rokovada said it was not for them to forward it to Police, as that is for the complainant.

Police confirm they do not have any report.