Luke Rokovada, chairperson of the Public Service Commission, has officially appointed Raijeli Taga as the new acting Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister. She takes over from Pita Wise, who resigned last week for personal reasons.
Rokovada confirmed the appointment following a meeting with Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at the Government Buildings in Suva. He noted that Dr. Taga is currently transitioning into her new role alongside the new PS Lands, Paula Cirikiyasawa, for a two-week period. After this transition, she will begin her duties at the Office of the Prime Minister.
During this interim period, Parmesh Chand, the PS for Civil Service, is temporarily filling the role.
Dr. Taga, a graduate of Dudley High School and the University of the South Pacific (USP), earned her Master of Philosophy in Medical Science from the University of Queensland, Australia in 2010, followed by her Doctor of Philosophy in Mining Engineering in 2016. She was recognized as the University of Queensland International Alumnus of the Year in 2023 for her exceptional contributions to development, sustainability, gender equality, environmental health, and work with Indigenous communities in the Pacific Islands.
Having served for 31 years in the Ministry of Lands and Mineral Resources, Dr. Taga became the Permanent Secretary there in June 2020. She hails from Beqa.
Filimoni Vosarogo, Minister for Lands and Mineral Resources, praised Dr. Taga, saying, “Ms. Taga is a beacon for young girls growing up in the village. Achieving a doctorate is an exceptional accomplishment, especially in a field traditionally dominated by men.”
Dr. Taga’s leadership was instrumental in reforming the Fiji Employment Relations Act, resulting in the removal of Section 88, which restricted women’s employment in underground mines. This legislation passed on International Women’s Day, marking a significant achievement for women. In recognition of her contributions, she was awarded the Women in Business ‘Executive Woman of the Year Award’ for the Public Sector in 2018.