The staff of the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations yesterday welcomed their new Minister, Jone Usamate as he officially took up office.

Mr Usamate during his welcoming ceremony said he was grateful to be part of the Ministry again and was eager to carry out the work of his predecessor.

“I am happy to be back with this Ministry since it is relevant to my field of work in terms of productivity and industrial relations,” Mr Usamate said.

He said it was important for all civil servants to remain focused on serving the people to the best of their abilities to make an impact in the lives of all ordinary Fijians.

Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations, Salaseini Serulagilagi Daunabuna said the ministry was indeed blessed to have the Mr Usamate back.

She said Mr Usamate’s experience would greatly benefit the ministry and the nation as a whole.

The Ministry also farewelled the outgoing Minister for Employment Semi Koroilavesau last Friday and wished him well in his new appointment as Minister for Fisheries.