Shiri Gounder, has been appointed by the Public Service Commission (PSC) as the acting Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Economy.

This after the PSC has accepted the resignation of the Permanent Secretary for Economy, Makereta Konrote, after 18 years of service to the Ministry of Economy, five of which she has served as the Permanent Secretary.

Mr Gounder, the Head of Fiscal Policy and former Head of Treasury’s appointment will be effective from March 16, 2021.

Mr Gounder said”: I’ve worked with PS Konrote for nine years in the Ministry of Economy.

“With her guidance, we’ve implemented a number of important reforms and I am proud to call her a mentor and close friend.

“We’re already in the midst of a seamless transition to ensure we continue with the responsible management of government finances and uphold consistency in our economic policies.

“We obviously have a serious challenge before us with the prolonged economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we prepare for the 2021-2022 National Budget, I look forward to working intimately with the private sector, civil society, and members of the public through our nationwide consultation process,” said Mr Gounder.

Minister for Economy and Attorney-General Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum said: “Makereta joined the Ministry of Finance as a graduate trainee nearly two decades ago. She now departs the Ministry of Economy, which has transformed in more than the name under her management.

“As a key part of our economic team, she’s helped make history many times over, including Fiji’s historic nine-year unbroken stretch of economic growth and unprecedented expansions to our network of social safety.

“Among her lasting legacies are her intrinsic involvement in restructuring and reforming the civil service, mainstreaming climate action across government planning, and centralising major capital projects through the Construction Implementation Unit.

“She has also helped develop a team of qualified and capable experts who will inherit the Ministry’s mantle of prudent economic management and world-leading climate action. As a friend and colleague, I wish her, her husband, and her daughter all the best,” said Mr Sayed-Khaiyum.

About Ms Konrote
Ms Konrote said: “Of my 18 years with the Ministry, the last five have been the most memorable and rewarding.

“Watching the Ministry expand its functions, pursue more sophisticated and complex policies, and improve on its deliverables has been the highlight of my career.

“It has been a great privilege to work on behalf of my country. I want young people, particularly young women, who are considering entering the Civil Service to know that it can be a deeply fulfilling career of service to your fellow Fijians,” she said.

“I especially thank the team and my colleagues for their support as well as the Minister. We have come a long way under his leadership. I’m confident that I’m leaving the Ministry in the good hands of dedicated Fijians who are firmly focussed on our recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Ms Konrote’s resignation will take effect from March 15, 2021. She plans to apply her economic expertise to take on new challenges in the near future.

Feedback: maraia.vula@fijisun.com.fj