Fiji’s first female Conservator of Forests, Sanjana Lal, is honored and ready to take on the role of acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry.
With nearly three decades of experience in the civil service, she succeeds Rovereto Nayacalevu, who resigned from the position last month.
Ms. Lal holds a Bachelor of Forestry Science from the Australian National University and Postgraduate Diplomas in Business Leadership, Public Administration, and Conservation Biology from the University of the South Pacific.
Upon receiving her appointment letter from the Public Service Commission (PSC) yesterday, Ms. Lal expressed her gratitude for the recognition.
“I am humbled that the PSC deemed me deserving of this post,” she stated.
Despite having other plans, Ms. Lal chose to prioritize the ministry’s needs, especially with the significant workload expected 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,” she said.
“I am merely holding the fort until the ministry or PSC finds a permanent candidate for the position,” she added.
PSC chair Luke Rokovada affirmed her suitability for the role.
“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 remarked.