Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts-Fiji, 318, Toorak Road, Suva (2026)

19/06/2026

𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗿𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝗳 𝗙𝗶𝗷𝗶'𝘀 𝗔𝘃𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗚𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀

The Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh today chaired a high-level coordination meeting, bringing together the Chairpersons and Chief Executive Officers of key organizations operating within Fiji's international aviation gateway to discuss the ongoing fuel supply challenges and their potential impact on the aviation and tourism sectors.

The meeting was attended by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Airports, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Terminal Services (ATS), the Chief Executive Officer and Board Directors of the Civil Aviation Authority of Fiji (CAAF), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Fiji Airways, senior representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation, and the Ministry of Finance. The meeting was co-chaired by the Permanent Secretary for Public Enterprises, Dr. Vinesh Kumar.

Participants acknowledged that this was the first time that all key stakeholders within Fiji's aviation ecosystem had come together at one table to collectively discuss sector-wide challenges and develop a coordinated response to an issue of national importance.

The primary objective of the meeting was to enhance understanding of each organisation's operational responsibilities and preparedness amid the current fuel supply situation, while strengthening collaboration, communication and information sharing across the sector. The meeting also provided an opportunity for Fiji's national carrier, Fiji Airways, to present the operational challenges it is currently facing and identify areas where inter-agency cooperation could assist in maintaining service continuity during this period.

The Honourable Minister reiterated the Coalition Government's concern regarding the fuel supply disruptions and their potential implications for aviation, tourism, trade and the wider Fijian economy. He emphasised the importance of a unified and coordinated response, noting that the resilience of the aviation sector is fundamental to maintaining Fiji's international connectivity and supporting the country's economic growth.

Discussions focused on practical measures to optimise existing resources, strengthen contingency planning and improve coordination among agencies to ensure the sector remains resilient and capable of managing this short-term disruption while maintaining essential services and sustaining confidence in Fiji's tourism industry.

The Minister further emphasised that the current situation presents an opportunity for agencies to work more closely than ever before, share resources where appropriate, and adopt a whole-of-government and whole-of-industry approach to safeguarding Fiji's aviation gateway and ensuring minimal disruption to passengers, businesses and visitors.

The meeting concluded with a collective commitment from all participating agencies to continue engaging regularly, enhance information sharing and work collaboratively to ensure that Fiji's aviation and tourism sectors remain resilient, responsive and well-positioned to overcome the current challenges.

18/06/2026

𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞-𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐫

The principle that "what gets measured gets managed" should guide executive remuneration across Fiji's public sector, Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, told participants at the Second Annual Higher Salaries Commission (HSC) Seminar held at the Holiday Inn, Suva.

Quoting renowned management expert Peter Drucker, the Minister emphasised that executive remuneration must be linked to clear performance expectations, accountability and measurable outcomes that create lasting value for organisations and the people of Fiji.

The seminar brought together Board Chairpersons, senior executives, municipal representatives and government officials to strengthen understanding of governance responsibilities and the role of the Higher Salaries Commission in promoting transparent and objective remuneration practices.

The Minister noted that the Higher Salaries Commission was re-established under the Higher Salaries Commission Act 2023 to provide independent oversight of executive remuneration across Government-controlled entities, statutory bodies and local government organisations. The Commission seeks to ensure that remuneration decisions are fair, transparent, fiscally responsible and aligned with sound governance principles, while safeguarding public resources.

Welcoming representatives from the eight additional entities recently brought under the Commission's oversight, the Minister reminded Board Chairpersons that they have a critical responsibility to make remuneration decisions independently and objectively, based on organisational performance, strategic priorities, financial sustainability and the long-term interests of the institutions they govern.

He stressed that while competitive remuneration is essential to attract and retain capable leaders, executive salaries must also reflect affordability, accountability and sustainable value creation. Citing international best practice, the Minister noted that remuneration frameworks should support long-term organisational performance and responsible stewardship of public resources.

The Minister further highlighted that the current global economic environment requires State-Owned Enterprises and public institutions to become increasingly resilient, innovative and performance-driven, making it imperative that remuneration systems reward productivity, accountability and measurable results.

He encouraged the 90 participants to use the seminar as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and deepen their understanding of the Commission's remuneration determination processes, governance expectations and submission requirements.

The seminar concluded with closing remarks from the Permanent Secretary for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, who thanked the Higher Salaries Commission for organising the important engagement and reaffirmed the Government's commitment to strengthening governance, accountability and performance-based leadership across Fiji's public sector. He emphasised that executive remuneration should not merely reward positions or tenure, but should recognise leaders who deliver measurable outcomes, drive innovation and create sustainable value for the people of Fiji.

The Higher Salaries Commission continues to play a vital role in strengthening governance across Fiji's public sector by ensuring executive remuneration frameworks are consistent, transparent and performance-based, supporting organisational excellence and sustainable economic growth.

18/06/2026

𝐉𝐚𝐩𝐚𝐧 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐢𝐣𝐢

The Permanent Secretary for Public Enterprises, together with Ministry Directors, met with officials from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to explore potential opportunities for strengthening infrastructure financing and strategic partnerships for Fiji's public sector.

JBIC is a policy-based financial institution wholly owned by the Government of Japan that supports sustainable economic development and high-quality infrastructure investment around the world. Through loans, equity participation and guarantees, JBIC finances strategic projects in sectors such as transport, energy, water, information and communications technology (ICT), ports and environmental infrastructure.

The JBIC delegation was led by Director Mr. Uematsu Yoshihiro, accompanied by Senior Associate Mr. Tsuji Takuya and Mr. Okamoto Yuki from JBIC's Sydney Office.

During the meeting, the delegation provided an overview of JBIC's financing mechanisms for social infrastructure development, highlighting its range of financial instruments, including loans, equity participation and guarantees that have supported major infrastructure projects across the globe over the past five years.

JBIC also showcased its extensive experience and track record in financing projects across key sectors such as ICT, ports, water supply and wastewater management, as well as waste management infrastructure. The discussions provided valuable insights into innovative financing models and international best practices that could support Fiji's long-term infrastructure development objectives.

The meeting concluded with constructive discussions on potential opportunities for collaboration and financing support for Fiji's public sector entities, as Government continues to pursue strategic investments that enhance service delivery, strengthen public enterprises and build resilient infrastructure for the benefit of all Fijians.

11/06/2026

𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆’𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁𝘀 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵𝘀

The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts continues to empower young people through its Multi-Ethnic Grant Program, supporting cultural and spiritual initiatives that preserve traditions, strengthen community values, and promote youth development.

As part of this commitment, the Ministry recently provided musical instruments through its Multi-Ethnic Grant to the Rakiraki Baal Ramayan Mandali, a youth group comprising 15 children, all school students from Year 1 to Year 11, all under the age of 18.

The group's coordinator, Mr. Anit Kumar, said the grant has significantly contributed to the learning and development amongst the youths in the Rakiraki community. Weekly training sessions are conducted every Friday, where students receive guidance from teachers and senior members on how to recite and sing the Ramayan, play musical instruments, and gain a deeper understanding of religious and cultural values.

Mr. Kumar said the government assistance has enabled the group to provide opportunities that many families may otherwise struggle to afford.

“Not all parents can purchase musical instruments for their children. Through this support, we have been able to establish a dedicated group where children can come together and learn under the guidance of a Guru (Teacher). This has created a positive environment for cultural and spiritual learning,” he said.

He added that the group's primary objective is to ensure that future generations remain connected to their cultural roots and traditions.

“Our main motive is to educate and prepare our future generation so that our traditions and culture remain intact and can be passed on to future generations. We understand that social media and modern lifestyles increasingly influence many young people today, and there is a need to ensure they remain connected to their cultural heritage,” Mr. Kumar said.

“The children have shown great enthusiasm and eagerness to learn, demonstrating the positive impact of the initiative on youth engagement and development,” he added.

Mr. Kumar expressed his sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts for supporting the empowerment of youths through cultural and religious education.

10/06/2026

𝐌𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐆𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭-𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐣𝐞𝐜𝐭

The Residents of the Nadawa Melanesian Community on the Island of Ovalau are now enjoying safer, more reliable access to their homes following the completion of a village driveway, a project funded by the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs under the Multi-Ethnic Grant Programme.

The accessibility project, which benefits 12 households in the settlement, has addressed a long-standing challenge for residents, particularly during rainy days.

Community representative Ms. Sitiri Wainiqolo said the previous access route from the main road to the village was often flooded and became muddy and difficult to use during wet weather.

"Access in and out of the settlement and to the community hall was a major challenge for us. During rainy days, it became difficult for our elders and children to move around safely," she said.

To address this issue, the Ministry, through the Multi-Ethnic Grant Programme, assisted the community following a request from its members. Under the one-third, two-thirds funding arrangement, the community contributed labour towards the construction of the driveway, while the Ministry provided financial assistance for the project.

Ms. Wainiqolo said the new government-funded driveway have greatly improved accessibility within the settlement, providing residents with safer access to their homes and community facilities throughout.

She added that the improved infrastructure now allows vehicles to enter the settlement, further enhancing convenience and accessibility for community members.

"The completion of this project has brought significant relief to our community. People can now move around safely, even during wet weather, and vehicles can access the settlement when needed," she said.

On behalf of the Nadawa Melanesian Community, Ms. Wainiqolo expressed her sincere appreciation to the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs for supporting the project through the Multi-Ethnic Grant Programme.

"This is an important investment for our community and something that would have been difficult for us to achieve on our own. We are grateful to the Ministry for helping our community, which will improve the lives of our people," she said.

09/06/2026

Have you grabbed your copy yet?

Read Issue 5, Volume 17 of Fiji Focus to learn more about this year's 147th Girmit Commemoration, the commemorative stamps launched to mark the occasion, the history and legacy of Girmit, and many other inspiring stories.

Pick up a copy today and discover the stories that continue to shape our nation's history and identity.

04/06/2026

𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

The Coalition Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring equitable access to essential public services and infrastructure for all Fijians following the official opening of the newly constructed Lomaloma Post Office in Vanuabalavu, Lau.

While officiating at the opening, the Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, said the new facility is a milestone in the Government's efforts to deliver accessible, reliable, and inclusive services to communities across Fiji, particularly those in the maritime region.

Minister Singh highlighted that post offices continue to play a vital role in connecting communities, supporting businesses, facilitating commerce, and providing access to government and financial services. He noted that for communities such as Lomaloma, these services are critical in maintaining connectivity with the rest of the country.

The new Lomaloma Post Office was constructed through a partnership between the Government and Post Fiji Limited at a total cost of approximately $480,750. The government contributed $418,303 towards the project, with the remaining balance funded by Post Fiji.

"The completion of this facility demonstrates the government's determination to modernize and revitalize public enterprise assets so they continue to meet the evolving needs and aspirations of our people," he said.

Minister Singh added that the new post office is more than just a building; it is an investment in improved service delivery, stronger connectivity, and local economic growth. The facility will provide a dependable platform for communication, financial services, and small business transactions, benefiting residents and businesses.

The Minister further emphasised that the project forms part of the Coalition Government's broader vision of ensuring that development reaches every corner of Fiji, including maritime and remote communities that have historically faced challenges in accessing reliable services and economic opportunities.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, the Government has adopted a comprehensive approach to maritime development aimed at improving connectivity, enhancing service delivery, and creating greater economic opportunities for maritime communities.

He reaffirmed the Coalition Government's commitment to ensuring that all communities, regardless of their geographical location, have access to quality services, modern infrastructure, and the opportunities needed to thrive.

04/06/2026

Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, today commissioned the new Lomaloma Post Office in Vanuabalavu, Lau.

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04/06/2026

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗿. 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗧𝗢𝗙'𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮

The Permanent Secretary for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, met with the Board Members and Chief Executive Officer of the Unit Trust of Fiji (UTOF) to discuss the company's performance, strategic priorities, and ongoing developments.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Board Members and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Vilash Chand, to brief the Permanent Secretary on the company's performance and progress.

Chairperson Ms. Lavenia Kaumaitotoya also outlined UTOF's future direction, highlighting upcoming projects, investment opportunities, and products the company plans to pursue as part of its growth strategy.

Dr. Kumar commended the Board and Management for their continued dedication and efforts in positioning UTOF as one of Fiji's leading unit trust providers. He also acknowledged the company's contribution to Fiji's economic activities and its role in creating investment opportunities for Fijians.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Government's commitment to working closely with UTOF to support its development agenda and ensure the company continues to grow and contribute positively to the national economy.

He assured the Board and Management that the Ministry will support the company in advancing its strategic objectives and strengthening its contribution to Fiji's economic development.

04/06/2026

𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝗷𝗶

The Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, received a courtesy visit from New Zealand's newly appointed High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Greg Andrews, at the Ministry headquarters in Suva today.

The meeting provided an opportunity for discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Fiji and New Zealand, particularly in the areas of Public Enterprise Development, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts.

Minister Singh provided an overview of Fiji's Public Enterprises and outlined the Government's vision to transform public entities into commercially sustainable and profitable organizations that can contribute more effectively to national economic growth and development.

Discussions also focused on opportunities for greater collaboration between the two countries, including the potential for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements and other strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the performance and long-term sustainability of public enterprises.

Minister Singh also briefed His Excellency on the work of the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts in preserving Fiji's Cultural Heritage and Promoting Social Cohesion. He highlighted the importance of learning from other countries, exploring areas where Fiji could benefit from New Zealand's experience and expertise, particularly in fostering social cohesion and strengthening multicultural communities.

His Excellency Greg Andrews reaffirmed New Zealand's commitment to supporting Fiji's development priorities and expressed his willingness to work closely with the Ministry in areas of mutual interest.

He also conveyed the New Zealand Government's support for exploring technical cooperation, knowledge-sharing initiatives, research collaborations, and exchange programmes that could contribute to the development of public enterprises and further strengthen efforts in Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts.

Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts-Fiji

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