Dr. Raijeli Taga has been appointed as the Permanent Secretary to the Office of the Prime Minister. Luke Rokovada, Chairperson of the Public Service Commission, confirmed this news. Dr. Taga, who is currently the outgoing Permanent Secretary for Lands and Mineral Resources, is in the process of handing over responsibilities to the newly appointed Permanent Secretary for Lands, Paula Cirikiyasawa. Meanwhile, Parmesh Chand, the Permanent Secretary for the Civil Service, is serving as the acting Permanent Secretary for the Office of the Prime Minister.
Rokovada mentioned that Dr. Taga is expected to officially take on her new role in about two weeks. This change follows the recent resignation of Pita Wise from the position, who stepped down for personal reasons. The Prime Minister indicated he had received a complaint regarding his former Permanent Secretary and referred it to the Ministry of Civil Service.
Prime Minister Rabuka stated that it is up to the complainant to escalate the matter to the Police, and his role was limited to referring it to the Ministry. When asked why the Public Service Commission is not taking the initiative to involve the Police, Rokovada reiterated that it is the complainant’s decision to pursue any further action.