Fiji’s first female Conservator of Forests, Sanjana Lal, is humbled and ready to take on the role of acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry.
With nearly 30 years of civil service experience, she replaces the former acting PS, Rovereto Nayacalevu, who resigned 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.
She received her letter of appointment from the Public Service Commission (PSC) yesterday and described it as a humbling experience.
“I am humbled that the PSC deemed me deserving of this post,” she said.
Although Ms. Lal had other plans, she answered the ministry’s call of duty, prioritizing its needs, especially with the impending workload ahead of the new financial year in less than three weeks.
“I am also grateful for the opportunity. When the Government calls, we must step up and serve the 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 said she deserved the appointment because she was qualified.
“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 said.