‘Government for all’ Finance Minister: Manage people’s expectations for change
GOVERNMENT is not for only one or some political parties. It is for all Fijians.
This was part of the message by Minister for Finance, Strategic Planning, National Development and Statistic Professor Biman Prasad when he was officially welcomed by his staff yesterday.
While addressing the team Prof Prasad, who is also one of the deputy prime ministers, thanked everyone for their hard work.
“I want to begin by thanking all of you and especially those of you who have cut short your leave to be here,” he said.
“When I was sworn in on Saturday, I said to one of my staff, ‘please do not disturb anyone in the ministry, let them go and have a good Christmas; enjoy the holiday and then we will begin the work’.”
Prof Prasad said they had some very good meetings with the permanent secretary.
“He was kind enough to also cut short his holiday on Monday and Tuesday. We’ve had some very good discussions and I want to thank him for that.
“As I said to him and to the senior colleagues, this morning (yesterday) when an election happens, when government change and a new government comes into power, that government no longer remains a government of a political party, one or parties. It becomes a government for the people of Fiji.”
Prof Prasad told the staff members that civil service was critical for any government.
“I believe that in some sense, we are at a critical juncture in this country.
“We have had a change of government after a long while and so the expectations of the people around the country could be huge, could be different and we as a government, and as a minister, understand that and will have to manage those expectations in an efficient and effective manner.”