Minister of Agriculture Vatimi Rayalu has urged civil servants within his ministry to reflect on their dedication to public service. During an Easter church service, he stressed the significance of humility and respect in their roles, citing a number of complaints regarding inadequate service delivery and unprofessional conduct. He reminded staff that their core duty is to serve the citizens effectively.
Rayalu underscored the real-life challenges facing farmers, some of whom must travel long distances to access essential services. He appealed to his team to adopt a more responsive and compassionate approach in their dealings. “Take off the hat of pride and arrogance. Wear your servant hat,” he stated, emphasizing that serving with the right mindset fosters positive interactions and respect for the community.
Furthermore, Rayalu warned that failure to uphold service standards can tarnish not only individual reputations but also the broader image of the ministry and government. He invoked the Easter message of selflessness, encouraging his team to provide dedicated service with purpose and compassion, drawing parallels to the sacrifices made by farmers.
These sentiments echo a broader call made by other leaders, such as Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka, who has previously emphasized the need for civil servants to reaffirm their commitment to the public with integrity and humility. These messages collectively reinforce a hopeful atmosphere for public service in Fiji, encouraging collaborative efforts for a better future.
The evolving dialogue among leaders aims to instill a strong sense of duty and unity, paving the way for enhanced public service standards across various government sectors. This spirit of dedication and selflessness is essential for ensuring that citizens feel valued and supported, fostering a renewed trust in public institutions.

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