Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has announced that Youth and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru has received approval to travel to New Zealand with the Fiji Sports Council’s Under-20 Rugby Sevens team. This travel approval was officially granted following a submission made on January 20, 2025, by the Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports, stemming from an invitation from the Fiji Sports Council.
Confirming the details of the request, Mr. Rabuka stated, “I confirm that a request was submitted on 20 January 2025 by the Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports seeking approval for Hon. Jese Saukuru to travel to New Zealand to accompany the Fiji Sports Council’s Under-20 Rugby Sevens team, from 28 January to 5 February 2025.” He emphasized that this request was duly approved.
However, the Prime Minister pointed out that the travel application did not mention any intent for Mr. Saukuru’s spouse to accompany him. “While Ministers may be accompanied by their spouse on official travel—either at the Minister’s own cost or where sponsored by a host country—such arrangements must be clearly stated in the original submission,” Rabuka clarified. He stressed that any such information should have been part of the request and will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
In light of the raised inquiries surrounding this travel and additional matters linked to the Fiji Sports Council, which falls under Saukuru’s purview, Mr. Rabuka indicated that he plans to convene a one-on-one meeting with the Minister to address these concerns.
The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to discuss the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), reaffirming its independence as outlined in the 2013 Constitution. He noted, “With regard to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, the 2013 Constitution is clear. Under Section 115(6), FICAC is an independent body, and neither I nor the Government has the authority to direct or control it.”
This reiteration of FICAC’s autonomy underscores the importance of maintaining transparency and integrity in governmental operations in Fiji, fostering a hopeful environment for accountability in public service.
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