Fiji’s Sugar Minister, Charan Jeath Singh, has announced plans to appoint a new permanent secretary for the Ministry of Sugar amid an internal conflict with the current acting permanent secretary, Reshmi Kumar. This decision follows a public fallout highlighted by a video that showed a disagreement between Singh and Kumar, which has drawn significant attention on social media.
During a recent event at the Lautoka Mill that marked the opening of the 2025 crushing season, Singh expressed his frustration over the absence of media coverage, which he attributed to Kumar’s miscommunication regarding the event’s importance. “When I questioned her, she gave the same response,” Singh stated, indicating that he had lost confidence in her ability to support effective communication.
Singh emphasized the need for a permanent secretary who prioritizes transparency and public engagement. Following the contentious exchange, he has proposed Dr. Vinesh Kumar, currently the CEO of the Sugar Research Institute and a former permanent secretary for the Ministry of Waterways and Agriculture, for the new role.
In response, Kumar claimed she was unaware of the decision to appoint a new permanent secretary and refrained from commenting on the viral video that depicted their disagreement.
This situation reflects ongoing challenges in Fiji’s sugar industry, which has faced notable declines in production. Singh has previously called for increased accountability and better communication within the Fiji Sugar Corporation (FSC) as part of efforts to revitalize the struggling sector. As the ministry seeks new leadership, there lies a hopeful outlook that improved governance can lead to a brighter future for Fiji’s sugar industry, fostering stronger connections with both farmers and the local community.
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