Fiji’s first female Conservator of Forests, Sanjana Lal, is both humbled and ready to take on the role of Acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry.
With nearly three decades of service in the civil sector, she succeeds Rovereto Nayacalevu, the former acting PS who resigned last month.
Ms. Lal possesses a Bachelor of Forestry Science from the Australian National University, along with 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 found me deserving of this post,” she said.
Despite having other plans, Ms. Lal responded to the ministry’s call of duty, especially given the upcoming workload as the new financial year approaches in less than three weeks.
“I am grateful for this opportunity. When the government calls, we must step up and serve our 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 affirmed her merit for the appointment. “Ms. Lal has the qualifications, knowledge, and experience to assume the role, and I am confident she will perform the duties required as the Acting PS for Fisheries and Forestry,” he said.