Alitia Bainivalu, previously the Assistant Minister for Tourism, was officially sworn in today as the new Minister for Fisheries and Forests. Her appointment follows the resignation of the earlier Minister, Kalaveti Ravu, who was charged by FICAC and made an appearance in the Magistrates Court.
Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka formally announced her appointment, noting Bainivalu’s significant experience in the fisheries sector from her previous position as a senior Fisheries Officer. He also highlighted her impressive academic qualifications, which includes a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of the South Pacific and a Masters degree in Marine Science from the Tokyo University of Marine Science & Technology.
The former Minister Ravu, despite his resignation, will continue to serve as a backbencher, as reported in a related article.