Joel Abraham has stepped down from his role as Chief Executive of the Fiji Competition & Consumer Commission (FCCC) after dedicating 13 years to the statutory body, including seven years as CEO. His decision to resign was not easy, as he expressed a deep emotional connection to FCCC, describing it as a family and a home.
In his farewell message, Abraham expressed confidence in the future of the organization and the staff he leaves behind, stating that the best investments were made in the people, which will continue to benefit Fijian consumers. He highlighted his commitment to serving the Fijian public and protecting consumer rights throughout his tenure, noting that regulatory excellence will remain a priority for him, even as he moves into a regional role where he aims to promote the same standards of integrity and fairness.
During his time at FCCC, Abraham has led significant transformations, focusing on consumer protection from unfair practices and enhancing the organization’s recognition as a trusted authority both locally and internationally. Notably, he played a pivotal role in founding the Pacific Islands Network of Competition, Consumer Protection, and Economic Regulators (PINCCER), which aims to bolster cooperation and set higher regulatory standards in the Pacific region. Additionally, he spearheaded employee-centric programs, fostering a positive work culture and operational resilience within the organization.
Praise for his leadership came from Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica and FCCC Chair Isikeli Tikoduadua, both acknowledging his lasting impact on consumer rights and regulatory standards in Fiji. Kamikamica noted that consumers are better off thanks to Abraham’s dedication, while Tikoduadua emphasized Abraham’s transformative contributions that will benefit consumers for years to come.
As Abraham transitions into a new chapter, he plans to collaborate with FCCC in different capacities, indicating a hopeful continuity of his efforts to uphold consumer protection and promote regulatory excellence in the Asia-Pacific region. This transition opens up new avenues for collaboration and growth that could further enhance the consumer protection landscape.
Overall, while his departure marks the end of an era for FCCC, Abraham’s legacy of commitment and innovation will continue to shape the organization and the regulatory environment in Fiji and beyond.
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