Fiji’s first female Conservator of Forests, Sanjana Lal, is ready to take on the role of acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry.
With nearly three decades of experience in civil service, she replaces Rovereto Nayacalevu, who resigned last month.
Ms. Lal holds a Bachelor of Forestry Science from the Australian National University and has Postgraduate Diplomas in Business Leadership, Public Administration, and Conservation Biology from the University of the South Pacific.
She received her appointment letter from the Public Service Commission (PSC) yesterday and expressed her gratitude for the opportunity.
“I am humbled that the PSC deemed me deserving of this post,” she said.
Despite having other plans, Ms. Lal answered the call of duty for the ministry, prioritizing its needs, particularly with the impending workload as the new financial year approaches in less than three weeks.
“I am also grateful for the opportunity. When the Government calls, we must step up and serve the nation.”
“I am merely holding the fort until the ministry or PSC finds an official candidate for the position,” she added.
PSC chair Luke Rokovada stated that she deserved the appointment due to her qualifications and experience.
“Ms. Lal has the qualifications, knowledge, and experience to assume the role, and I am confident that she will be able to perform the duties required of her as the Acting PS for Fisheries and Forestry,” he said.