03 JULY 2000 SUVA (Pacnews) ---- The Interim Military Government in Fiji has
announced a 19 member Cabinet to take Fiji through to 2002 when a new
Constitution is likely to be ready in time for the next general election.
As reported by PACNEWS, the line-up is made up of senior civil servants,
diplomats, senior military offices and retirees from the civil service and
the private sector.
The former Managing Director of the Fiji Development Bank, Laisenia Qarase
is Fiji's Interim Prime Minister and minister responsible for Information
and will be assisted by former Army commander and diplomat, Ratu Epeli
Nailatikau. Ratu Epeli will also look after Fijian Affairs.
Announcing the names this afternoon, Interim Head of State, Commodore Frank
Bainimarama said," It is a very good team and we are very fortunate to
have
as Prime Minister a person of outstanding credentials."
"I want to stress that they have been selected because we consider them
to
be people with good standing in their professional career. We have tried to
cover as many provinces as possible but the main consideration has been the
professional calibre and personal qualities of the individual," Commodore
Bainimarama said.
Former diplomat, Kaliopate Tavola is the new Foreign Affairs, external Trade
and Sugar while former Governor of Reserve Bank, Ratu Jone Kubuabola is
responsible for Finance, National Planning and Public Enterprises. Another
former diplomat, Pita Nacuva is Health Minister. Attorney General is former
Parliamentary counsel, Alipate Qeitaki.
Colonial Insurance executive, Tomasi Vuetilovoni is new Trade, Commerce and
Business Development Minister. Former Civil Aviation Chief Executive, Jone
Koroitamana is Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation and Communications.
Fiji Employers Federation executive, Hector Hatch looks after Labour and
Industrial Relations while Education will be looked after by Nelson
Delailomaloma.
Home Affairs portfolio will come under Senator Talemo Ratakele while
Agriculture has gone to former Permanent Secretary, Luke Ratuvuki.
Only Rotuman in the line-up and former senior civil servant, Fatiaki Misau
will be the new Minister for Regional Development and Multi-Ethnic Affairs.
Another senior civil servant of Rabi descent, John Teiawa takes over Local
Government, Housing and Urban Development.
Two new faces in the interim administration are Keni Dakuidreketi, who takes
over Sports and Youth portfolio and young chief, Ratu Suliano Matanitobua,
assistant minister for Fijian Affairs.
Commodore Bainimarama said one of the priority tasks of the new Cabinet
would be put together a Terms of Reference for the review of the 1990 and
amended 1997 Constitutions. " This draft Terms of Reference, together with
the proposed members of the Constitution Commission, will then be referred
to the Great Council of Chiefs for their consideration and endorsement,"
Commodore Bainimarama said.
"The Commission will consider particular constitutional issues of concerns
to indigenous Fijians but it will also consult widely so that all sections
of society and all points of view are heard and their submissions taken
fully into account.
The new Cabinet line up will be sworn-in tomorrow (July 4) at the Queen
Elizabeth Barracks by the Commander an Interim Head of State.... PNS (ENDS)
This site is best viewed using Netscape 4.0 or higher.
Any problems or kind suggestions, please email: webmaster@lookinglassdesign.com
last revision July 5, 2000