Yaqara Board Review Company without CEO

The Government yesterday defended its move to implement changes at Yaqara Pastoral Company Limited, where staff reported the “dissolution” of at least two board members.

Staff at the Tavua office said they reported to the sole remaining board member Ben Naidu.

Mr Naidu could not be reached for comment even though written queries were sent to him.

Mr Naidu is the managing director for Venu Haulage Limited which is based out of Laucala Beach Suva.

‘Not Removed’ 

Civil Service permanent secretary Parmesh Chand said the Yaqara board “was not removed as such.

“Based on a review of the composition of the board in terms of skill sets, monitoring of performance, and governance oversight, the Prime Minister in his capacity as Minister for Public Enterprises has effected certain changes,” Mr Chand said.

“The announcement of the new board will be made once the required processes pertaining to appointment are finalised.

“The company has been working on appointment of a suitable CEO through the due processes.”

Five months ago, the CEO’s position was advertised on Maxumise, a human capital management consultancy.

Yaqara Pastoral is a major producer and supplier of quality beef and produces quality breeding bulls for distribution to small holder beef farmers around Fiji.

Background 

Yaqara Pastoral was established by the Government in 1973.

Ambitious plans to set up Yaqara Studio City in a $200 million private investment for film and movie production failed to materialise.

Industry insiders said Peter Drysdale and Adrian Soffield delivered on productivity during their term as leaders of the State-owned enterprise.

“Millions of dollars need to be spent on re-establishing the pasture,” an expert said.

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