Sugar Minister Charan Jeath Singh has refuted claims regarding the influence of recent disputes on the appointment of a new permanent secretary within the Ministry of Sugar. In response to a recent media report alleging his dismissal of the former acting permanent secretary, Reshmi Kumar, Singh clarified that there was no such removal.
Singh emphasized that the former official had served in an acting capacity for five months and that the position was advertised by the Public Service Commission (PSC) to ensure a fair recruitment process. “An independent firm was responsible for conducting interviews and selecting the most suitable candidate,” he stated. Dr. Vinesh Kumar has now been appointed as the new permanent secretary, a decision made after thorough consultations with the PSC.
Singh acknowledged that there were differences with Kumar but made it clear that these issues did not play a role in the decision-making process related to the appointment. Dr. Kumar brings significant experience as the current CEO of the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji, and Singh expressed hopes that his appointment will enhance governance and communication within Fiji’s sugar sector.
The ongoing challenges facing the sugar industry, including declines in production, present an opportunity for Singh’s leadership and Dr. Kumar’s appointment to potentially reignite the sector. There is optimism that improved collaboration and transparency can foster better relations with local farmers and communities affected by these industry transitions.
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