After 15 years, Rotuma gets new Commissioner

After 15 years, the long-vacant position of Commissioner for Rotuma has been filled by Dr Lesi Korovavala.

The position had remained vacant since 2010.

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka announced Dr Korovavala’s appointment following the Government’s decision to re-establish the post for Rotuma.

Mr Rabuka said the relationship between Fiji and Rotuma “is a special one,” recognising the shared history, integrity, and rights of both peoples.

“Now that the position has been reinstated at the Permanent Secretary level within the Office of the Prime Minister, this will ensure that Rotuma’s interests and development needs are directly coordinated through the central government,” he said.

He added that there was an urgent need to improve basic services, accelerate development, and restore the dignity of the Rotuman people.

“From a governance standpoint, it was essential to re-establish the dedicated role of the Commissioner,” Mr Rabuka said.

“The Commissioner for Rotuma will be responsible for coordinating all government services to the island and facilitating communication between the Council of Rotuma and the Government of Fiji through the Office of the Prime Minister.”

Dr Korovavala said he looked forward to working closely with the Council and the people of Rotuma to advance development priorities and improve service delivery to the island.