Fiji’s first female Conservator of Forests, Sanjana Lal, is set to take on the role of acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Fisheries and Forestry.
With nearly 30 years in the civil service, she succeeds Rovereto Nayacalevu, the former acting PS, 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.
After receiving her appointment letter from the Public Service Commission (PSC) yesterday, Ms. Lal described it as a humbling experience.
“I am humbled that the PSC deemed me deserving of this post,” she said.
Despite having other plans, Ms. Lal chose to prioritize the ministry’s needs, especially with the approaching new financial year in less than three weeks.
“I am 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 noted that Ms. Lal deserved the appointment due to her qualifications.
“Ms. Lal has the qualifications, knowledge, and experience to assume the role, and I am confident she will be able to perform the duties required of her as the Acting PS for Fisheries and Forestry,” he said.