Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts-Fiji

𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀

The Coalition Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring equitable access to essential public services and infrastructure for all Fijians following the official opening of the newly constructed Lomaloma Post Office in Vanuabalavu, Lau.

While officiating at the opening, the Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, said the new facility is a milestone in the Government's efforts to deliver accessible, reliable, and inclusive services to communities across Fiji, particularly those in the maritime region.

Minister Singh highlighted that post offices continue to play a vital role in connecting communities, supporting businesses, facilitating commerce, and providing access to government and financial services. He noted that for communities such as Lomaloma, these services are critical in maintaining connectivity with the rest of the country.

The new Lomaloma Post Office was constructed through a partnership between the Government and Post Fiji Limited at a total cost of approximately $480,750. The government contributed $418,303 towards the project, with the remaining balance funded by Post Fiji.

"The completion of this facility demonstrates the government's determination to modernize and revitalize public enterprise assets so they continue to meet the evolving needs and aspirations of our people," he said.

Minister Singh added that the new post office is more than just a building; it is an investment in improved service delivery, stronger connectivity, and local economic growth. The facility will provide a dependable platform for communication, financial services, and small business transactions, benefiting residents and businesses.

The Minister further emphasised that the project forms part of the Coalition Government's broader vision of ensuring that development reaches every corner of Fiji, including maritime and remote communities that have historically faced challenges in accessing reliable services and economic opportunities.

He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, the Government has adopted a comprehensive approach to maritime development aimed at improving connectivity, enhancing service delivery, and creating greater economic opportunities for maritime communities.

He reaffirmed the Coalition Government's commitment to ensuring that all communities, regardless of their geographical location, have access to quality services, modern infrastructure, and the opportunities needed to thrive.

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗗𝗿. 𝗞𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗚𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗨𝗧𝗢𝗙'𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘄𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮

The Permanent Secretary for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, met with the Board Members and Chief Executive Officer of the Unit Trust of Fiji (UTOF) to discuss the company's performance, strategic priorities, and ongoing developments.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the Board Members and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Vilash Chand, to brief the Permanent Secretary on the company's performance and progress.

Chairperson Ms. Lavenia Kaumaitotoya also outlined UTOF's future direction, highlighting upcoming projects, investment opportunities, and products the company plans to pursue as part of its growth strategy.

Dr. Kumar commended the Board and Management for their continued dedication and efforts in positioning UTOF as one of Fiji's leading unit trust providers. He also acknowledged the company's contribution to Fiji's economic activities and its role in creating investment opportunities for Fijians.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Government's commitment to working closely with UTOF to support its development agenda and ensure the company continues to grow and contribute positively to the national economy.

He assured the Board and Management that the Ministry will support the company in advancing its strategic objectives and strengthening its contribution to Fiji's economic development.

𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗲𝗶𝘃𝗲𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘆 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗭𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗛𝗶𝗴𝗵 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗼 𝗙𝗶𝗷𝗶

The Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, received a courtesy visit from New Zealand's newly appointed High Commissioner to Fiji, His Excellency Greg Andrews, at the Ministry headquarters in Suva today.

The meeting provided an opportunity for discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation between Fiji and New Zealand, particularly in the areas of Public Enterprise Development, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts.

Minister Singh provided an overview of Fiji's Public Enterprises and outlined the Government's vision to transform public entities into commercially sustainable and profitable organizations that can contribute more effectively to national economic growth and development.

Discussions also focused on opportunities for greater collaboration between the two countries, including the potential for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangements and other strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening the performance and long-term sustainability of public enterprises.

Minister Singh also briefed His Excellency on the work of the Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts in preserving Fiji's Cultural Heritage and Promoting Social Cohesion. He highlighted the importance of learning from other countries, exploring areas where Fiji could benefit from New Zealand's experience and expertise, particularly in fostering social cohesion and strengthening multicultural communities.

His Excellency Greg Andrews reaffirmed New Zealand's commitment to supporting Fiji's development priorities and expressed his willingness to work closely with the Ministry in areas of mutual interest.

He also conveyed the New Zealand Government's support for exploring technical cooperation, knowledge-sharing initiatives, research collaborations, and exchange programmes that could contribute to the development of public enterprises and further strengthen efforts in Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts.

𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗣𝗔𝗙𝗖𝗢 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝘂𝘀𝘀 𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀

The Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, together with Permanent Secretary Dr. Vinesh Kumar, met with the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer of Pacific Fishing Company Pte Limited (PAFCO) to discuss the company's operations, performance, and current challenges.

During the meeting, Chief Executive Officer Mr. Saiyad Raiyum provided an overview of PAFCO's operations and highlighted the company's significant contribution to employment and economic activity.

Mr. Raiyum also briefed the Minister and Permanent Secretary on the challenges the company is currently facing, particularly the impact of rising fuel costs resulting from ongoing global conflicts. He further outlined ongoing discussions and plans to install solar power systems at the factory as part of efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Minister Singh acknowledged PAFCO's important role in Fiji's economy and the livelihoods it supports, particularly in the maritime region.

He said the Ministry would explore possible solutions and work closely with relevant stakeholders to address the company's challenges and ensure its operations continue without disruption.

Minister Singh reaffirmed the Government's commitment to supporting Public Enterprises and ensuring they remain resilient and commercially viable, and continue to contribute to Fiji's economic development.

𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗗𝗮𝘆 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts has presented prizes to the winners of the National 147th Girmit Day Competition 2026, recognizing students from schools across Fiji for their outstanding participation and creativity in commemorating the Girmit legacy.

The nationwide competition was organized through the Ministry of Education and featured three categories: Poetry, Essay Writing, and Poster Competition.

Students participated in three languages, English, Hindi, and Vosa Vakaviti — reflecting Fiji’s rich cultural diversity and heritage. The competition was based on this year’s Girmit theme, “From Roots to Wings, Carrying the Girmit Flame Forward.”

Winners from all categories received prizes from the Ministry for first, second, and third-place achievements.

The Ministry recognized all winners for their outstanding performance and contributions to preserving Girmit's history and cultural legacy through their creative expressions.

The Ministry acknowledges the Schools and students who participated in the National Competition. The competition showcased the continued importance of educating younger generations about Fiji’s history and demonstrated that the values, culture, and stories of the Girmitiyas continue to live on through the voices and talents of students across the country.

𝗣𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝗿𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗙𝗶𝗷𝗶 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗺

The Permanent Secretary for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, today met with the Chairperson and Senior Management Team of Fiji Airports to discuss the company's performance, strategic priorities, and ongoing development initiatives.

During the meeting, Fiji Airports Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mesake Nawari, provided an overview of the company's financial and operational performance, strategic direction, and major capital projects currently underway. He also briefed the Permanent Secretary on the anticipated dividend payout to the Government in the coming weeks.

Fiji Airports, a Government-owned Public Enterprise, owns and operates Nadi International Airport and manages Nausori Airport, as well as 13 domestic outer island airports throughout Fiji.

Dr. Kumar acknowledged the vital role Fiji Airports plays in supporting Fiji's economic growth and national development. He highlighted the company's contribution to driving the tourism industry, facilitating international trade, creating employment opportunities, and providing essential connectivity for remote and maritime communities.

The Permanent Secretary reaffirmed the Government's continued support for Fiji Airports and its strategic initiatives, recognizing the importance of maintaining a modern and efficient aviation network that serves the needs of both residents and visitors.

The Fiji Airports Board and Management expressed their appreciation to the Ministry for its ongoing collaboration and support towards the company's operations and development objectives.

Dr. Kumar further affirmed that the Ministry would continue to work closely with Fiji Airports and provide assistance where appropriate to support the company's growth and help achieve its full commercial potential.

𝗠𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗩𝗮𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗮 𝗚𝗮𝘀-𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

The Ministry of Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts has achieved another milestone in the development of the Varoko, Gas-Fired Crematorium in Ba with the engagement of a professional firm to develop the Environmental Management Plan (EMP) for the proposed facility.

The EMP is a key requirement before construction works, and the installation of the Ministry-funded Gas-Fired Cremator.

The Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage, and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to supporting communities through the provision of accessible, dignified, and environmentally sustainable cremation services.

“The Ministry remains committed to supporting communities with modern cremation infrastructure that is efficient, culturally appropriate, and environmentally sustainable. The provision of Gas-Fired Cremators is intended to improve access to cremation services, ease challenges faced by families during bereavement, and ensure that facilities meet acceptable environmental and public health standards while preserving the dignity of final rites,” said Hon. Singh.

The Permanent Secretary Dr. Vinesh Kumar said SeaLand Works Pte Ltd was engaged to undertake the required works following the Government procurement process.

“The completion of the Environmental Management Plan will provide a sound framework to guide the construction and future operation of the crematorium facility, ensuring environmental compliance and long-term sustainability, once approved by the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change “, said Dr. Kumar.

The Varoko, Ba Crematorium project forms part of the Ministry’s broader efforts to strengthen community infrastructure and address the needs of Fiji’s diverse communities through meaningful and practical support.

The Ministry acknowledges the continued collaboration and commitment of the Varoko, Ba Crematorium Committee members and Trustee, Mr. Brij Dayal, and stakeholders in progressing this important initiative and looks forward to the successful completion of the EMP as the next step towards project implementation.

The Environmental Management Plan will ensure that the proposed crematorium is developed and operated in an environmentally responsible, safe, and sustainable manner. The EMP will assess potential environmental impacts and prescribe mitigation measures relating to air quality, emissions control, waste management, public health and safety, and compliance with national environmental standards and regulatory requirements. This process will also ensure that the project is aligned with environmental best practices while safeguarding the well-being of surrounding communities.

𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥 𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗛 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗦 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨 𝗦𝗨𝗞𝗨𝗡𝗔’𝗦 𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗖𝗬 𝗢𝗡 𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗨 𝗦𝗨𝗞𝗨𝗡𝗔 𝗗𝗔𝗬

The Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, extends his warm greetings to all Fijians on the occasion of Ratu Sukuna Day, as the nation honours the legacy and visionary leadership of the late Ratu Sir Josefa Lalabalavu Vanayaliyali Sukuna.

Minister Singh paid tribute to Ratu Sukuna for his immense contribution towards nation building and for his enduring efforts in fostering unity and progress among Fiji’s multi-ethnic communities, particularly within the sugar industry.

The Minister acknowledged late Ratu Sukuna’s instrumental role in laying the foundation for the growth and development of Fiji’s sugar industry through the establishment of equitable land-leasing arrangements that greatly benefited the farming community.

Minister Singh further highlighted Ratu Sukuna’s historic achievement in helping establish the Native Land Trust Board in 1940, now known as the iTaukei Land Trust Board (TLTB), which enabled Indo-Fijian farmers to secure agricultural leases for sugarcane farming and sustain their livelihoods.

He said Ratu Sukuna’s foresight, leadership, and commitment to social harmony continue to inspire generations and remain an important part of Fiji’s history and development.

𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝗰𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Dr. Vinesh Kumar, on behalf of the Chairperson of the 2026 Girmit Committee, the Minister for Public Enterprises, Multi-Ethnic Affairs, Culture, Heritage and Arts, Hon. Charan Jeath Singh, has conveyed his sincere appreciation to all members of the 2026 Girmit Working Committee and stakeholders for their dedication and hard work in successfully organizing the 2026 National Girmit Commemoration.

The national event was held on 15th May 2026 and delivered through a hybrid digital platform from the Fiji Museum, reaching audiences nationwide via television broadcast, the Fiji Government page, and the Ministry’s page.

Dr. Kumar acknowledged that while the initial plan was to host the event at Ratu Cakobau Park, the decision was made to transition to a digital platform due to the global fuel crisis and the rising operational costs impacting Fiji.

“We wanted to take the event to the Ratu Cakobau Park, but given the situation surrounding the global fuel crisis, which has also impacted Fiji through rising costs, the decision was made to deliver the commemoration through a digital platform where the Government could also save costs,” said Dr. Kumar.

“On behalf of the Minister, I would like to thank you all for successfully executing the national event, which reached the homes of all Fijians through the digital platform,” he added.

Dr. Kumar also acknowledged the collective support and collaboration of all key stakeholders and partner agencies that contributed towards the successful ex*****on of the event.

These included the Ministry of Education, District Advisory Council representatives, Fiji Museum, Fijian Broadcasting Corporation Limited (FBCL) and other media partners, Fiji Arts Council, National Archives of Fiji, Senior Descendants of Girmityas, the Indian High Commission, other Diplomatic Missions in Fiji, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ministry officials, members of the Naag Baba Kuti Temple, Dilkusha Home, the Management and Chief Executive Officer of the Nausori Town Council, Fiji National University (FNU), and The University of Fiji.