A request was officially submitted on January 20, 2025, by the Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports, seeking permission for Hon. Jese Saukuru to travel to New Zealand. The purpose of the travel is to accompany the Fiji Sports Council’s Under-20 Rugby Sevens team from January 28 to February 5, 2025. This request was made following an invitation from the Fiji Sports Council and has received prior approval.
However, the application did not mention that Hon. Saukuru would be accompanied by his spouse. While it is permissible for Ministers to travel with their spouses on official trips, whether at their own expense or sponsored by the host country, such arrangements need to be explicitly stated in the initial application. This information is taken into account and assessed individually.
In response to concerns raised regarding this trip and regarding other issues related to the Fiji Sports Council, which operates under Minister Saukuru’s jurisdiction, the Minister has been called in for a one-on-one meeting to address the matter.
Concerning the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), it is reaffirmed that the 2013 Constitution ensures the independence of this body. According to Section 115(6), neither the Minister nor the Government possesses the authority to direct or control its operations.
This situation highlights the importance of transparency in official communications and the need to adhere to established protocols, ensuring that public trust is maintained in government actions and decisions.
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