CAPTION: Chief Justice Anthony Gates with Judge Amaratunga.
- NEW ADDITIONS TO FIJI JUDICIARY – Two new additions to Fiji’s Judiciary were sworn in this morning at Government House in Suva.
- PRIME MINISTER PRAISES NEW YORK MISSION STAFF – The work undertaken by staff at Fiji’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in advancing Fiji’s foreign policy was praised this morning.
- USP & PSC BEGIN TRAINING TO STRENGTHEN PUBLIC SERVICE – The first group of Directors within the civil service began their training this morning at the Public Service Commission’s (PSC), Senior Executive Services room in Nasese.
- YOUTH PERMANENT SECRETARY CHALLENGES DIVISION OFICERS – The Ministry of Youth and Sportspermanent secretary Mr Joseva Sania is visiting the Ministry’s divisional offices and has challenged each officer to work beyond their expectations for 2013.
1 NEW ADDITIONS TO FIJI JUDICIARY OFFICIALLY SWORN IN
Two new additions to Fiji’s Judiciary were sworn in this morning at Government House in Suva.
Justice Don Susantha Chandrasiri Lecamwasam was sworn in this morning as Justice of Appeal while Gamage Deepthi Nishantha Amaratunga was sworn in today as Puisne judge.
Mr Lecamwasam has been a Criminal Practitioner for 9 years prior to joining the judiciary and has extensive litigation experience. He holds a Masters of Arts In International Law Theories and concepts of International Relations from the University of Colombo.
Judge Amaratunga has an extensive career in the legal profession when he first took his oath as an ‘Attorneys-At-Law’ in 1993.
Today’s ceremony also saw His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau officiating with the, the Chief Justice Anthony Gates and Chief Registrar William Calanchini.
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2 PRIME MINISTER PRAISES NEW YORK MISSION STAFF
The work undertaken by staff at Fiji’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in advancing Fiji’s foreign policy was praised this morning.
At a military parade officiated by the Head of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama, the recent achievements by government was relayed to all officers who took part in the parade.
Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama highlighted how Fiji’s achievements in the international fora were largely credited to the leadership of Fiji’s foreign minister Ratu Inoke Kubuabola and the head of Fiji’s mission to the United Nations Ambassador Peter Thomson.
Citing Fiji’s recent leadership roles in the G77+China group and the International Sugar Organisation, Prime Minister Bainimarama highlighted that while it will be a huge responsibility, he reiterated Fiji’s capability in steering these two organisations.
Fiji was elected Chairmanship of the G77+China group last month at the United Nations office in New York and was also elected Chairmanship of the International Sugar Council in December last year.
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3 USP & PSC BEGIN TRAINING TO STRENGTHEN PUBLIC SERVICE
The first group of Directors within the civil service began their training this morning at the Public Service Commission’s (PSC), Senior Executive Services room in Nasese.
Acting Permanent Secretary PSC, Iliesa Lutu who officiated at the opening this morning said the training is aligned to Government’s roadmap, of the need to develop a public sector leadership development programme that is to be mandatory for the various levels of senior executives.
“In this regard, Pillar 3 of the People’s Charter stipulates that Actions must be taken with due priority and urgency…to set up and enhance training and development of public leaders,” Mr Lutu said.
He said the journey to train public leaders began two years ago and to date the PSC has completed about 40 percent of the total number of officers in the senior executive cadre.
Mr Lutu told the participants that the importance of having diligent and efficient Directors within the Service could not be emphasized enough.
“More so now, than ever before, for the simple reason that the civil service is undergoing some major changes and reforms. Government agencies that have been most successful have visionary leaders who develop and implement plans that focus on improving service delivery.”
The leadership training is being carried out in partnership with the University of the South Pacific, to which officers will be awarded a Professional Diploma in Business Leadership at the end of the programme.
Mr Lutu said that PSC was indeed looking forward to the engagement of highly reputable resource personnel who will be able to deliver effectively the USP programs to the Directors throughout the duration of the two week training course.
“On that note let me remind the participants of the highly crucial role that they play in the successfully delivery of Government services. As you are aware, your role is more inclined towards policy advice, planning, monitoring and auditing. To a large extent, you are the ears and the eyes of the civil service.
“Having said that, I wish to add, that your success depends a great deal on your leadership skills and more importantly, your integrity as a person.”
The leadership training of Directors will continue until next week.
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4 YOUTH PERMANENT SECRETARY CHALLENGES DIVISION OFICERS
The Ministry of Youth and Sportspermanent secretary Mr Joseva Sania is visiting the Ministry’s divisional offices and has challenged each officer to work beyond their expectations for 2013.
Visiting the Ministry’s office in the Western Division’s Office this week, the permanent secretary commended staff for their efforts in past years and wished them well for 2013. He also discussed critical outcomes for the Ministry this year especially those that will be delivered by each division.
“I am encouraging you to continue to be creative so that your services continue to be recognised and enjoyed by our stakeholders,” Mr Sania said.
Senior Youth Officer, Valami Nima said that the Western Office was glad to have the Permanent Secretary make himself available to discuss the Annual Corporate Plan 2013 to all the staff in the Western Office.
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