Venkat Raman
Auckland, August 22, 2021
Prime Minister Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama has announced a cabinet reshuffle, making minor changes to portfolios of some ministers, saying that the move is to strengthen the government’s commitment to improve the reach and accessibility of government services.
He has taken over the Ministry of Forestry in addition to his existing portfolios.
Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, who is Minister of Finance, Economy, Civil Service and Communications, will also become Minister of Housing and Community Development.
Rosy Akbar will reassume the portfolio of Women, Children, and Poverty Alleviation, a role she held from 2014-2016.
Premila Kumar will be the Minister of Education, Heritage and the Arts, in addition to continuing as Minister for Local Government.
The Department of Town and Country Planning, previously under the Ministry of Local Government, has been moved to the Ministry of Commerce, Trade, Tourism, and Transport.
The reshuffle will come into effect on Tuesday, August 24, 2021.
Meanwhile, businessman Sachida Nand says was sworn in as a Member of Parliament on Friday, August 20, 2021. He was inducted to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Mereseini Vuniwaqa.
He told Parliament that he has accepted the role as a lawmaker with humility, willingness to learn and serve the people of Fiji.
He said that having spent considerable time in the agricultural sector and small and medium enterprises, he understands the challenges of doing business.
“I come humbly as a person who is not perfect but learns for his mistakes, a person who has had his fair share of Ups and Downs,” Mr Nand said.
“Although the Covid-19 pandemic has had its adverse impact on our businesses and people, the FijiFirst government is working hard to put Fiji and its people first,” he said.
Mr Nand is married to Sunita and the couple has a son and daughter.
