Public Service Commission Chairman Luke Rokovada has announced that Paula Cirikiyasawa, who has recently been appointed as the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, was also a candidate for the Permanent Secretary position in the Ministry of Trade due to his extensive international experience. However, Cirikiyasawa opted for the role in the Ministry of Lands.
Rokovada mentioned that the contracts of other appointed officials have been renewed, allowing them to continue leading their respective ministries in the next phase of growth and development. This decision followed a thorough recruitment process.
According to Rokovada, the six reappointed Permanent Secretaries are well-suited to lead the ministries because of their deep understanding of their roles, a proven record of success, and a strong vision for the future. The reappointed Permanent Secretaries include:
1. Mr. Pita Tagicakirewa as Permanent Secretary for I-Taukei Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts until November 2025.
2. Ms. Seema Sharma as Permanent Secretary for Local Government until December 2025.
3. Mr. Yogesh Karan as Permanent Secretary for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry until December 2025.
4. Mr. Shaheen Ali as Permanent Secretary for Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications until December 2025.
5. Ms. Susan Kiran as Secretary to Cabinet until June 2026.
Dr. Raijeli Taga, the outgoing Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Lands, will remain in her position until her reassignment to a new ministry in October 2024. Additionally, she will take on the role of Permanent Secretary for Information starting September 2, 2024.
Rokovada emphasized that all the Permanent Secretaries are Fijian nationals, underscoring the expanding talent pool in Fiji and the Civil Service’s effectiveness in attracting and retaining high-caliber individuals.