Ministries told to tone down events, stick to time, budget

GOVERNMENT ministries have been advised to tone down events by keeping within a specific time and sticking to the budget.

A circular released by Civil Service permanent secretary Parmesh Chand on February 8 announced a series of policy guidelines, effective this year, as part of its ongoing commitment to “reduce wastage and improve efficiencies” in the operation of Government.

The guidelines approved by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka aims to “optimise the utilisation of time, resources and finances dedicated to various ministries, departments, and agencies”.

“The objectives of these guidelines are to ensure that events within all ministries align with principles of frugality, minimising resource expenditure and reducing the impact on staff, all while maintaining high levels of visibility and productivity,” Mr Chand said.

Titled A Guide for Hosting of Events, Ceremonies and Functions Across the Civil Service, the circular also says these guidelines do not extend to engagements with regional and international guests, Heads of State and VIPs, for which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has established practices and protocols.

Additionally, the guide did not cover functions for bodies such as the Great Council of Chiefs (GCC), Parliament, the Office of the President and the Office of the Speaker of Parliament.

All events should be limited to 60 to 90 minutes, which includes traditional protocols, official speeches, statements, and photo opportunities.

According to Mr Chand, if such events were successfully completed in less than 60 minutes, there would be more opportunities for networking and promotion of Government services and facilities.

“This time constraint is also intended to respect the commitments of invited guests, dignitaries and members of the media attending our events and budgets for all events are expected to be tailored to fit within this specified time frame.

“Ensure meticulous budgeting for events, upholding prudent financial. Ministries are encouraged to exercise costsaving measures, particularly in the use of garlands, gifts including the provision of food and beverages.”

Mr Chand also said alcohol was not to be served in such Government events, ceremonies and functions, and staff were advised to avoid going overboard with decorative items, excessive catering and wastage, and to avoid using hired venues and wherever possible, use existing Government premises (either rented or owned).

All events are to be conducted in English, except for traditional protocols and nature of events. However, the use of vernacular languages (iTaukei and Hindi) might be interspersed with English depending on the audience.

Kava consumption at Government premises remains restricted, especially during office hours. And during events, it is only permissible for ceremonial purposes.