Suva lawyer Adi Litia Qionibaravi is SODELPA’s interim general secretary.

She replaces Pio Tabaiwalu whose contract expired on January 31. He chose not to renew it. He has held the post since the party was formed in May 2014.

Party President Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu said that the Management Board decided to make an interim appointment while awaiting the advertisement and recruitment process.

He paid tribute to the work of Mr Tabaiwalu who had seen the party through the 2014 general elections and has worked closely with the Management Board to bring about changes in the party’s structures and focus. Ratu Naiqama welcomed Adi Litia into the top party administration position given her credentials.

“Although it is an interim appointment, the party requires a person who can bring strength and unity at this time. Adi Litia is a Barrister and Solicitor and an accomplished career civil servant who is already involved in various roles in the party as a committed party member. Her long career with the iTaukei Affairs Board and as the former chief executive officer, makes her well qualified to lead SODELPA in its policies on matters pertaining to the protection of the rights of indigenous Fijians while at the same time building a strong multicultural and cosmopolitan Fiji.

“Adi Litia said she was humbled with the trust of the Management Board in her and thanked them for their faith. She said her priorities would be to ensure continuing compliance to the Political Parties (Registration, Conduct, Funding and Disclosures) Decree 2013 as well as other legislations, enhance and retain party unity, create and maintain pathways for continuing dialogue; increase membership and awareness on party policies and agenda; reposition the party for a strong presence and to complete the implementation of the amendments to the party constitution which were adopted on September 10, 2015.

When asked how she was going to steer the party through recent challenges and turbulence, Adi Litia said: “Firstly I must say that I am a great believer in consultation and in seeking the expert opinion of others whenever necessary. In addition, I feel comfortable that my many years of experience in the then Fijian administration, my qualifications in law, accounting and business administration, my experience in international conferences where I had represented Fiji in and gained experience in recognising the different approaches to negotiation, diplomacy, mediation will assist me greatly.

“In addition, I will use my experience in the many corporate and public boards to which I had served as director and also draw from the values and principles which my father, a disciplinarian, a historian who had in-depth knowledge in the intricate vanua relationships and linkages, tradition and culture which he had nurtured in me.”

Adi Litia also thanked the people of Fiji for their continued support for the party especially those that were members of the party, and has called on everyone to pray for Fiji and for all its leaders.”

Source: SODELPA