DEAR EDITOR – As correctional officers concern, we believe it is our right under the constitution to express our concern regarding the visit that was approved by the Commissioner of Correctional to Lotus Fiji that two acting deputy commissioners have taken.
Our concern is that, is the trip value for money? Is it necessary for the two commissioners to travel for the purpose of travelling to check the tailoring of the uniform? Or is it better for one to remain and be useful at home.
Commissioner you have appointed a uniform committee as such why not pick one of the committee member and logistic and store staff instead of two most senior officers.
We question which fund have you allocated for the trip. To our understanding, in budget workshop last year there was no fund allocated for such trip.
We are reminding you commissioner to work your talk; you also talk about spending tax payers’ money wisely and in this case you are acting differently.
On the other hand should the trip be funded by Lotus Fiji, then we will be more suspicious.
We remember two years back Lotus funded a trip to Australia for Patrick Sale, Deputy Commissioner Operation, to travel under their expense.
Booked in five star hotel, high allowance paid, comes home very satisfied but the uniform was not value for money. You ask every correctional officer and they will tell a story about the uniforms. Isn’t this a corruption that needs to be investigated?
There are very minor cases such as late for duty, absent for duties that are investigated and officers disciplined, why this matter can’t be investigated, there may be some secret behind such deal which commissioner is hiding.
Where is the adoption of best practices that commissioner Haisoma makes mentioned of every now and then?
Instead, he is entertaining and facilitating bad practices or worse practices.
In the past when CSSI dealt with uniform, the dealers from grown agency (London) Collin Carr (New Zealand) normally come over to the country with samples, when the management agrees with the particular material, pattern, colour and it’s over.
When tailoring is done consignment sent with no additional cost. Isn’t that a good practice that we should maintain?
Mr Commissioner your deputies are enjoying all the privileges that you have given them but we are questioning their capabilities.
Reporting very late to work, missing part of the day, gone in the afternoon never return. There is no quality leadership portrayed by your deputies.
Let us remind you, commissioner that there are other capable officers beside them why not give them a try.
James Mane and Matt Jones
For Correctional Officers
