Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has recently made significant appointments in his Cabinet, designating two new Assistant Ministers to enhance governance and representation within the Fijian government. Sachida Nand has been appointed as the Assistant Minister for Public Enterprises, while Shalen Kumar will serve as Assistant Minister for Multi-Ethnic Affairs, with both officials set to be sworn in by the President tomorrow.
In addition to the new appointments, PM Rabuka has reassigned Aliki Bia from the role of Assistant Minister for Information to Assistant Minister for Youth and Sports. These changes, according to the Prime Minister, demonstrate his government’s commitment to fostering inclusion, promoting youth development, and ensuring accountability within public enterprises.
Sachida Nand, who previously served as the CEO of Fiji Cooperative Dairy, comes with extensive experience in governance and is expected to lead efforts aimed at enhancing transparency and growth within Fiji’s public sectors. Shalen Kumar, known for his dedication to community engagement and his understanding of Fiji’s diverse cultural landscape, is anticipated to play a crucial role in promoting social cohesion in the multi-ethnic nation.
Both Nand and Kumar were originally elected to Parliament as members of the FijiFirst party but withdrew their support for Leader of Opposition, Inia Seruiratu, earlier this year to join the group led by Ioane Naivalurua. Their transition into these new roles reflects a broader trend of collaborative governance as Fiji aims to address pressing national issues with innovative solutions.
This reshuffle aligns closely with Rabuka’s earlier changes that included Lynda Tabuya and Tomasi Tunabuna’s appointments, aiming to introduce fresh perspectives and boost operational capacity within leadership. By diversifying the Cabinet and infusing members from various political backgrounds, the government seeks to enhance its responsiveness to the public’s needs, potentially paving the way for a more inclusive and effective governance structure.
As Fiji navigates its political landscape, these key appointments signal a positive shift towards addressing critical issues and fostering an environment of collaboration conducive to meeting the challenges facing the nation today.