What the New Ministers Have to Say About their Portfolios

Climate Change champion Inia Seruiratu is now the Minister for Defence and National Security.

The former Minister for Agriculture said he would focus on strengthening relationships through defence co-operation and arrangements.

“I still have to have my ministerial assignment and then look at all the responsibilities that come with the ministry, get a briefing and I will look at areas to work on,” he said.

“But I will have to continue with the good work undertaken by the previous minister.” Mr Seruiratu added that another area that he would make sure to focus on was national security within the country.

The portfolio was formerly held by Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, who did not contest the 2018 General Election.

PREMILA KUMAR

Newcomer Premila Kumar is the Minister for Industry, Trade, Tourism (MITT), Local Government, Housing and Community Development. MITT was formerly held by Faiyaz Koya.

The former chief executive officer of the Consumer Council of Fiji said she would really need to understand the different portfolios allocated to her with the help of her Permanent Secretaries. “At the end of the day, what I have to do is what’s in FijiFirst’s manifesto and also to continue with the Government’s good work, which started many years back, and continue to deliver along those lines,” she said. Ms Kumar will be assisted by Vijay Nath.

MAHENDRA REDDY

Mahendra Reddy retains his Waterways and Environment portfolios.

He also holds the Agriculture, Rural and Maritime Development portfolio formerly held by Inia Seruiratu.

“I look forward to working with the Ministry of Agriculture staff,” he said.

He added that there might be some philosophical change, however he would focus on strengthening research and improving the link between the farmers and researchers.

He plans to devoting most of his time in agriculture, rural and maritime development because he has already set the platform for the Ministry of Waterways. Mr Reddy assured that the ministry would focus more on assisting the peoples’ needs.

He will be assisted by Jale Sigarara and Viam Pillay.

PARVEEN BALA

Former Local Government Minister Parveen Bala now holds the Employment, Productivity, Industrial Relations, Youth and Sports portfolios.

Mr Bala said he was ready to serve.

“This means that we will continue with the very good work that has been done by my former colleague. I will continue from where my former colleague left off.”

Mr Bala will be assisted by Alvick Maharaj.

Photo: Ronald Kumar Assistant Minister for iTaukei Affairs, Foreign Affairs and Sugar Industry George Vegnathan (right) with family members Wife-Roshni Vegnathan and Children Rahul and Noel Vegnathan following the swearing-in ceremony of the Cabinet and Assistant Ministers at State House on November 22, 2018.

Photo: Ronald Kumar Assistant Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Veena Bhatnagar with husband Satish Bhatnagar following the swearing-in ceremony of the Cabinet and Assistant Ministers at State House on November 22, 2018.