Assistant Minister Sakiusa Tubuna has called on over 80 state-owned enterprises in Fiji to prioritize the use of local talent for leadership positions, warning against an overreliance on foreign expertise. Speaking at a seminar hosted by the Higher Salaries Commission in Suva, Tubuna emphasized the importance of empowering local professionals through recruitment and training to foster national development.
“There are many capable individuals here, yet we sometimes claim we lack capacity,” he stated. Tubuna stressed that focusing on local talent not only enhances national capabilities but also contributes to sustainable growth within the public sector. He acknowledged that while overseas professionals bring valuable experience, it is crucial to adequately empower homegrown talent to take the reins in leadership roles.
In his address, Tubuna also underscored the need for a balanced approach to remuneration, which should attract and retain necessary skills while ensuring the sustainability of salaries offered by public entities. Accountability in recruitment and a performance-driven culture were also highlighted as critical components in improving public sector systems.
This initiative aligns with a broader governmental intent to reform salary structures and enhance the productivity of state-owned enterprises, as noted in previous discussions by officials including Finance Minister Biman Prasad. The aim is to create a workforce that acknowledges local capabilities while securing tangible results in public service delivery.
Through this strategy, Fiji is moving towards a more empowered and effective public service, ultimately seeking to ensure that the workforce is not only competent but also reflective of the community it serves. Positive sentiments surrounding these efforts indicate a hopeful outlook for the country’s public sector, expressing a commitment to fostering local talent and improving governance for the benefit of all citizens.
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