PM names new envoy, nominee says he was unaware

Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed Fiji’s new Ambassador, a former businessman and diplomat.

The nominee has told this masthead that he was unaware of the offer and had not applied for the role.

The appointment follows interviews by the Public Service Commission (PSC).

“It’s already made. We have named the person, and once they accept, they will take up the post,” Mr Rabuka said.

The former diplomat, who currently serves in the Christian Embassy ministry in Washington, United States, has a long history in diplomacy.

He was Fiji’s Ambassador to the United States in 2005, before being removed in 2007 by the military regime, led by former Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.

He has also held senior positions in Air Pacific (now Fiji Airways), Fiji Development Bank, Unit Trust of Fiji, Suva Stock Exchange (now South Pacific Stock Exchange), and Fijian Property Trust.

He was trustee of the Fijians Trust Fund, chairman of Food Processors (Fiji) Limited, Agricultural Marketing Authority, Kontiki Growth Fund, director of Kadavu Development Company, and served on the Prime Minister’s Think Tank Advisory Group.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Politics from the University of the South Pacific, a Master of Philosophy in Development Studies from the University of Sussex, a Diploma in Airline Management from Bar Ilan University, Israel, and a Graduate Certificate in Management from the Australian Graduate School of Management, University of New South Wales.

He attended Queen Victoria School (QVS) and completed secondary school at Marist Brothers High School (MBHS).

Mr Rabuka said the posting was part of Fiji’s ongoing efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties in key international regions.

The appointment will be finalised if the appointee accepts Government’s offer.

Feedback: ivamere.nataro@fijisun.com.fj