The Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni L Rabuka issued this statement today confirming the resignation of Hon. Kalaveti Ravu as Minister for Fisheries & Forests. Hon. Ravu was charged by the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and appeared in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.
“In keeping with the conventions of Cabinet, Hon. Ravu has tendered his resignation as Minister for Fisheries & Forests, in order to comply with due process. By law, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence. The resignation in no way implies guilt or innocence. That is a matter for the courts to determine.”
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“I respect the legal process and the independence of our Judiciary.” “Hon. Ravu will remain a backbencher as a Member of Parliament. I thank him for his loyalty and for respecting the conventions of Cabinet and upholding the integrity of Government.” |
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“In view of the resignation of Hon. Ravu, I will be appointing Hon. Alitia Bainivalu as Minister for Fisheries & Forests. She is currently the Assistant Minister for Tourism and Government Chief Whip. “Hon. Bainivalu has extensive experience in the fisheries sector as a former senior Fisheries Officer. She is also highly qualified, as a Bachelor of Science graduate from the University of the South Pacific. “She attained a Masters in Marine Science from the Tokyo University of Marine Science & Technology.” ENDS. |