The Fiji Times has reported a significant development within the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC), highlighting a rapid leadership change orchestrated by the Minister for Commerce and Business Development, Esrom Immanuel. On December 24, Immanuel appointed Joel Abraham, the former CEO of the FCCC, as the new chairman of the commission. However, just 24 hours later, the appointment was rescinded.
Multiple sources have confirmed that Cecil Browne was removed from his position as FCCC chair on the same day, a role he had held since his appointment by former minister Manoa Kamikamica when the FCCC was part of the Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications.
Under the new organizational structure, the FCCC, now under the Ministry of Commerce and Business Development, saw Immanuel’s brief appointment of Abraham turn into a point of contention. Effective December 25, Abraham’s term was initially set to last for three years, expiring on December 24, 2028. However, Immanuel remarked that “the status quo remained,” indicating that Browne would continue to lead the commission.
In a statement to the Fiji Times, Immanuel explained that Abraham decided to step down to focus on other critical areas within the economy, thus allowing the commerce team to handle the commission’s processes and governance. This decision comes against the backdrop of public discourse following the FCCC’s announcement of increased tariffs imposed by Energy Fiji Ltd (EFL), a topic that has ignited discussions among stakeholders.
Additionally, internal communications revealed CEO Senikavika Jiuta expressing her concerns regarding Browne’s removal, pointing out that the electricity tariff review followed the proper procedures. She communicated her confusion over the minister’s public statements, which appeared to contradict his prior approval of the processes in place.
As of the latest updates, both Browne and Abraham have yet to respond to inquiries regarding these rapid developments, leaving significant questions about the FCCC’s future leadership and direction unanswered. This unexpected turn of events sheds light on ongoing governance issues within Fiji’s economic regulatory environment, and the potential ramifications could reverberate across the nation’s business landscape.
Leave a comment