Cecil Browne, a former banker and candidate from the People’s Alliance in the 2022 General Election, has been appointed as the new chairman of the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC). He leads a newly restructured board that includes members Kelera Gadolo, Dr. Keshmeer Makun, and Adimaibole Waqainabete, while the previous chairman, Isikeli Tikoduadua, and former deputy chair Romil Patel transition to new roles as deputy chair and commissioner, respectively.

Browne arrives at the FCCC with extensive experience in the financial sector, having served in high-ranking positions such as Deputy General Manager at ANZ Fiji and General Manager of Corporate and Treasury at Bank South Pacific Fiji. Acknowledging the pressing issues of competition and consumer protection, he expressed his commitment to tackling the rising cost of living, which he called a top priority for the commission.

In his initial comments, Browne stated, “I fully appreciate the responsibilities that this position brings with it. With the collective expertise of this exceptional team, we are well-positioned to address emerging challenges,” highlighting the potential for positive advancement under his leadership.

FCCC Chief Executive, Joel Abraham, emphasized the importance of the new board’s diverse expertise, remarking that this leadership change is pivotal for the mission of creating a fair marketplace. “Together with the executive management team, the aim is to bolster FCCC’s role in promoting a marketplace that benefits all Fijians,” he noted.

This transition at the FCCC is viewed as a hopeful turning point that promises enhanced consumer protections and effective competition regulations in Fiji. The board’s combined experience is seen as a springboard for addressing the evolving needs of consumers and businesses alike, fostering a more equitable economic environment in the region.

In summary, the appointment of Cecil Browne and the new board members represents an invigorating opportunity for the FCCC to enhance its efforts in consumer advocacy and market fairness, ensuring that it remains responsive to the conditions and challenges facing Fijians today. The collective vision set forth by the board holds promise for impactful change that benefits the entire Fijian community.