Luke Rokovada, the chairman of the Public Service Commission, has addressed claims made by Fiji Labour Party leader Mahendra Chaudhry regarding a retreat for permanent secretaries held at the Pearl Resort in Pacific Harbour. Chaudhry had described the retreat as a leisurely getaway, suggesting that the permanent secretaries were simply enjoying themselves.
In response, Rokovada clarified that the event was actually a capacity-building and team-building exercise, lasting one and a half days. He explained that the permanent secretaries arrived on Friday morning, with seminars scheduled from 9:30 AM to 5:15 PM, and continued on Saturday from 9 AM to 1:15 PM. The sessions focused on critical topics such as leadership, innovation, and future planning for Fiji up to 2030.
Rokovada criticized Chaudhry’s assertions as misleading and noted that the retreat was conducted in a cost-effective manner compared to previous retreats organized under former administrations. He pointed out that past retreats often occurred at more expensive locations and lasted two nights, while this year’s event included discussions on essential issues like diversity, data collection, and cybersecurity.
Furthermore, Rokovada emphasized the importance of these retreats for facilitating collaboration among permanent secretaries, which is essential for effective governance, especially in addressing pressing challenges such as HIV/AIDS and modernizing Fiji’s bureaucratic processes. He highlighted the roles of four dedicated subcommittees that focus on reducing bureaucracy, preparing for the future of work, combating HIV/AIDS, and minimizing waste.
Additionally, he clarified that the recent Civil Service Day celebrations held on July 5 took place without a designated budget and involved various community service activities throughout the week. These included cleanup campaigns, tree planting, wellness programs, and educational sessions, all aligning with the civil service’s routine.