I confirm that a request was submitted on 20 January 2025 by the Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports seeking approval for Hon. Jese Saukuru to travel to New Zealand to accompany the Fiji Sports Council’s Under-20 Rugby Sevens team, from 28 January to 5 February 2025. The request followed an invitation from the Fiji Sports Council and was approved.
However, the application made no reference to Hon. Saukuru being accompanied by his spouse.
While Ministers may be accompanied by their spouse on official travel, either at the Minister’s own cost or were sponsored by a host country, such arrangements must be clearly stated in the original submission. This information should have formed part of the request and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
In light of questions raised about this trip and other matters relating to the Fiji Sports Council, which falls under Minister Saukuru’s portfolio, I have summoned the Minister to a one-on-one meeting.
With regard to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, the 2013 Constitution is clear. Under Section 115(6), FICAC is an independent body, and neither I nor the Government has the authority to direct or control it.
