NEWSLETTER Issue 5 September-October Issue 10 November 2015
www.pmoffice.gov.fj
PM addresses 70th UN General Assembly
The Honourable Prime Minister during his address at the 70th UN General Assembly Source: DINFO
On Wednesday 30th Septem- economy especially so by local Conference in June 2017 that ber, the Hon. Prime Minister investors. will be held in Fiji. The first of Inside this issue: Voreqe Bainimarama deliv- 5 conferences will bring to- ered his statement at the 70th The address also included the gether all those dedicated to United Nations General As- Fijian Government’s commit- the integrity of the implemen- PM holds Bilateral 2 sembly in the UN Head Quar- ment to its human rights pri- tation of the Oceans Goal. Talks in NY ters in New York. orities, the Suva Declaration PS visits Nausori Spe- 2 on Climate Change, Fiji’s sup- In his address PM Bainimara- cial School The Hon. PM spoke on Fiji’s port of the Sustainable Devel- ma also put forward the progress since the 2014 elec- opment Goals 14 on the con- Pacific’s nomination for the Tuvalu PM visits NMC 3 tions and the political changes servation and sustainable Assembly President, that was that the country has undertak- management of seas and submitted to the Asia-Pacific DCFD providing assis- 3 en. oceans and the Green Growth Group, Fiji’s current Repre- tance to communities Summit that was held in Fiji. sentative to the UN, Ambassa- He said that although democ- dor Peter Thompson. 4 PD leads internal infor- racy may seem “messy and While the Hon. PM reiterated mation sharing net- chaotic” it is the price that Fiji’s commitment and support Other than the address to the works Fijians are willing to pay to be of the United Nations through General Assembly the Hon. able to enjoy democracy. its Peace-keeping Forces, he PM and his delegation also ICO gets mileage for 4 also emphasized the need for met with other Heads of State OPM from Exhibitions Hon. PM Bainimarama also the UN to focus on the envi- including the PM of New Zea- OPM in Brief 5 spoke at length on the Fijian ronmental and marine con- land and also accepted the ICT economy and its 4% increase cerns of the Pacific. PM Bain- ITU Award on behalf of the over the last 3 years. This has imarama also extended the country. been partially due to the in- invitation to the general as- creased confidence in the sembly to attend the Triennial
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“A Modernized Nation State through Robust Leadership & Equitable Development for All”
PM Holds Bilateral Talks in New York
The Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Voreqe Rutte. Fiji and the Netherlands were co- Bainimarama held a number of bilateral talks founders and current co-chairs of the UN's with various State leaders at the margins of Group of Friends of Oceans & Seas and have 70th Session of the United Nations General committed their countries to faithful pursuit Assembly in New York . of the implementing of SDG14, the Ocean's Goal of the 2030 Sustainable Development In meeting the Prime Minister of New Zea- Agenda. land, Mr. John Key, PM Bainimarama congrat- ulated New Zealand on her role at the United The leaders also agreed to enhance relations Nations Security Council, and thanked New through technical cooperation and Zealand for convening the open debate on knowledge-sharing in fields of common inter- “Peace and Security Challenges facing Small est. Island Developing States PM Bainimarama also held talks with Swedish The leaders also discussed the declaration of counterpart Hon Stefan Lofven. In the first one of the world’s largest oceans sanctuaries meeting between the two Prime Ministers within the New Zealand EEZ in the Kermadec warm greetings were exchanged, with a com- region, Fiji’s own efforts to safeguard Sustain- mitment between both to work in mutual able Development Goal 14, Fiji’s candidacy support in efforts to combat Climate Change for the Presidency of the 71st UN General and reverse the decline of Ocean’s health. Assembly and both leaders also extended Honourable Prime Minister Mr. Bainimarama invitations to visit their countries. The talks have proven successful with Fiji now developing new relations and strengthening meets with New Zealand PM, Mr. John Key. old ones at the global level. Source: DINFO Fiji’s leader also held talks with Prime Minis- ter of the Kingdom of Netherlands, Mr. Mark PS OPM Visits Nausori Special School
The Acting Permanent Secretary of the Office “ I urge you all to be devoted to your studies of the Prime Minister, Mr. Naipote Katonita- or activities you may be involved in at the bua, officiated the Fiji Day celebrations at the school. Through this that you can improve Nausori Special School on Thursday 8 October. your life in the future. I urge you to embrace the opportunity before you. Take what you With the theme; “Together in Harmony for a learn and put it to good use”, said Mr. Katonit- Prosperous Fiji”, Mr. Katonitabua, spoke to the abua. parents, teachers and students on reflecting and gauging the progress that Fiji has made. The Acting PS concluded his address by urging the students to take up lessons that will be Mr. Katonitabua shared the objectives of the Acting PS OPM, Mr. Katonitabua hands part of their greatest achievements - a bright Fiji Day celebrations, “to celebrate our and better future. over gifts to the teachers and students of achievements, encourage patriotism and na- Nausori Special School. Source: DINFO tion building and promote hope for the fu- The Acting PS, Mr. Katonitabua , also distribut- ture” ed gifts to the teachers and students as part of the celebrations to assist the school. The Acting PS reminded the students that the national day is a significant day of celebration for everyone that calls Fiji home. In reassuring the students and teachers of Government’s commitment that all Fijians have access to quality education he encour- aged the students to devote themselves to their studies and getting involved in school activities. Staff and students of Nausori Special School. Source: DINFO
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“A Modernized Nation State through Robust Leadership & Equitable Development for All”
Tuvalu PM visits National Monitoring Centre
of the strategic The Hon. Enele Sopoaga commended the path that Fiji has works of ICO especially in its monitoring of taken from the Government’s performance and its public formulation of relations activities in its outreach to the com- the State of the munity. He further acknowledged Govern- Nation Report, ment as a whole in ensuring that its strategic the People’s commitments are met of which in-turn bene- Charter, the Stra- fits the lives of all Fijians. tegic Framework, DS ICO, Mr. Tunidau, also spoke at length of the Road Map to Government’s Post Election activities in en- the 2013 Consti- DS ICO, Mr Tunidau presents to the Hon. Enele Sopoaga, Tuvalu PM, Fiji’s Rov- gaging with various partners and stakehold- ing Ambassador to the Pacific, Litia Mawi and the Tuvalu ministerial delegation. tution,” said the ers; Central Agency Coordination, Cross Sec- DS Tunidau. toral Coordination and Multi-sectoral Coordi- The Implementation Coordinating Office The presentation also covered the implemen- nation to provide more collaboration with all (ICO) hosted the Honourable Prime Minister tation and monitoring of the strategic docu- parties and forge stronger action-oriented of Tuvalu, Mr. Enele Sopoaga and his Ministe- ments that led to the establishment of ICO, relationships. rial delegation on Wednesday 16th Septem- formerly the Strategic Framework for Change ber at its National Monitoring Centre (NMC) Prior to Hon. Enele Sopoaga’s visit to ICO, he Coordinating Office, and the assessment of in Walubay. was at the signing of the delimitation of mari- the performance of Government through the time areas under the jurisdiction of Fiji, In the visit to NMC, the Deputy Secretary of Ministries’ and agencies Annual Corporate France and Tuvalu. The signing took place ICO, Mr. Edward Tunidau, met with the dele- Plans. between the Tuvalu PM, Fiji’s Roving Ambas- gation and provided a brief of Fiji’s Strategic Mr. Tunidau also provided an overview of the sador to the Pacific, Litia Mawi and the Pathway. Public Sector Reform plans for Government; French Ambassador to Fiji, Michel Djokovic. “One purpose of the presentation was to the Civil Service, Financial Management and provide the Hon. Prime Minister an overview the Public Enterprise. DCFD - Providing Assistance to Communities
The community was overwhelmed with the The assistance will help the Council of Ro- assistance as this will eradicate the problem tuma with their transportation needs and in- of carrying heavy goods from the main road turn help the Rotuman leaders to serve the to their homes (the distance is about 100m citizens they represent. This vehicle will allow from main road) and also assist them in the council to travel to various villages to cleaning of compounds to prevent such dis- hold meetings and consultations, a critical eases as dengue fever, etc. component of participatory and inclusive democracy said Mr. Katonitabua.
Mr. Katonitabua hands over the brush-cutters and Mr Katonitabua added that Government be- wheelbarrows to Waikerekere community. lieves that all Fijians must be able to voice their concerns directly to Government. The Office of the Prime Minister led by the Permanent Secretary Mr. Naipote Katonita- Rotuma council chairman Tarterani Rigamoto bua handed over three (3) brush cutters and thanked government for the assistance made three (3) wheelbarrows to the Waikerekere towards the development of the island. Community on 11 September. The total cost Mr. Katonitabua hands over the new vehicle to of the assistance is $2,900.25 and is funded the Rotuma Council. The project was funded from the Taiwan from the MVT Subvention Fund. Grant. Present during the ceremony were Commissioner Eastern Division, Taiwan High Waikerekere Community is situated in Veisari A 4x4 Twin Cab Ford Ranger vehicle valued at Commissioner, Fiji Rotuma Association mem- which is about 15 minutes’ drive along $64,500 was handed over to the Council of bers. Queens Road from Suva City. The community Rotuma on 15 September. The handover was have linkages to Tuvalu and Kiribati. It has a done by Acting Permanent Secretary Mr. population of approximately 490 people with Naipote Katonitabua. around 30 households.
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“A Modernized Nation State through Robust Leadership & Equitable Development for All”
PD Leads Internal Information Sharing Networks
The Chief Economic Planning Officer, Mr. impacts. Navuku presented an Economic Sector Up- The Acting Deputy Secretary, Mrs. Asena date on Fiji’s Macro Economy focusing on Raiwalui, closed the Information Awareness Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Growth Rate Seminar. She acknowledged initiative by the and FRCA’s collection and performance from Policy Division and encouraged the staff to key sectors such as Sugar, Minerals and use the opportunity to share as well as ab- Transport. sorb information that will benefit them in Mr. Navuku also shared some of the emerg- their work. ing economic issues such as the Green Growth Framework, US Dollar appreciation implications, emerging market economies, CAS, Mr Akini Qauqau during his presentation at the National Development Plan and the possi- the Seminar. ble portfolio shifts that the staff need to aware of that is expected in the 2016 Budget. As part of Policy Division’s continuous strive for excellence the team has started an aware- The Chief Assistant Secretary, Mr. Qauqau ness session on ‘Information Sharing’. presented on the Pacific Islands Development Forum, a brief on Conference of Parties (COP) The first session was during the Head of De- 21 to be held in December, brief on Melanesi- partment’s meeting in September 2015. an Spearhead Group; and the impact of cli- A/DS OPM, Mrs. Raiwalui closing the Information The awareness seminar was opened by the mate change on Pacific Islands Developing Awareness Seminar. Deputy Secretary of the Policy Division, Mrs. states. Peniana Lalabalavu. She spoke on how criti- Discussions following his presentation includ- cal it is that divisions within OPM share infor- ed Fiji’s strategy towards COP21 and what mation to ensure that all OPM staff are aware can be done at the community level with and updated on what Government is doing regards to the rapid Climatic changes and and how Government is doing it. ICO Gets Mileage for OPM from Exhibitions
The team was part of three consecutive days after the 2014 Gen- the Government Road- eral Elections. For the 10,719 voters from show at Nakavika in Namosi, 5,736 (54%) voted for FijiFirst, 3,356 Namosi (Central Divi- (31%) voted SODELPA and 1,627 (15%) went sion) September 9th and to others. 10th and manned an It was an opportune time for us to reassure Information Booth at the people of Namosi of Government’s com- the Tattersall’s Gymna- mitment in honoring its 33-new initiatives sium in Suva two weeks which was met with much gratitude and ap- later on September 23rd th preciation. and 24 2015 for the National Youth and Meanwhile more than 400 youths converged Sports conference in Suva for the three day Ministry of Youth & Turaga I Taukei Namosi Ratu Suliano Matanitobua shares a light moment facilitated by the Min- Sports (MYS) Conference, of which the third with Jo Tabua inside that OPM booth during the Namosi Roadshow at Naka- istry of Youth & was dedicated to sports. vika. Ratu Suli was the chief guest at the opening of the 2-day show. Sports. With the theme Empowering Youths to Sus- OPM participated in For high visibility, gauging the effects of Gov- tain a Nation, MYS can strengthen its pro- the Government Roadshows in Rotuma ernment’s 33 new initiatives and clarifying gramme to ensure that the youths, especially (Eastern Division), Ra for the Western division the 2013 Constitution, the Office of the Prime those travelling in for the first time to such and Macuata for the Northern Division. Minister maximizes its opportunity to be part meetings, meet with respective provincial presidents and or not content with how the of an organised roadshow. The Nakavika Roadshow was different as it programme was organised. coincided with the annual Namosi province Last month in a span of three weeks the Me- soli drive which concluded on the third day, dia team represented the Office of the Prime To improve relationship between people and Friday October 11th, where they raised more Minister at two exhibitions to tally its partici- government it is vital that facilitating minis- than $52,000.00 pation to five roadshows covering all divisions tries understand their target audience and their aspirations as responsible citizens of this this year. Our presence at Nakavika was important as it nation. was the first time for OPM to be there for
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“A Modernized Nation State through Robust Leadership & Equitable Development for All”
OPM in Brief
Fiji hosts PIDF 2015 Summit PS Hour
In the monthly PS Hour meetings, the Acting Perma- nent Secretary, Mr. Katonita- bua addresses the OPM on various issues from operational to national interests.
Staff are reminded to remain vigilant and committed to the work of the office and to up- The Pacific Islands Development forum is the Pacific’s hold the vision and mission of most inclusive South-South Platform for action on the office. Staff are updated on the Green/Blue Economy. the activities of the office and Fiji hosted the 3rd PIDF from the 2nd to the 4th of Sep- the new initiatives to be under- tember at the Grand Pacific Hotel in Suva (the inau- taken. gural summit was in August 2013 at Nadi and the 2nd “I want to remind you that our forum met in June 2014 again at Nadi). The theme level of performance needs to for this year’s forum was ‘Building Climate Resilient be sustained and taken to the Green Blue Pacific Economies’ next level. It takes team work, The Chief Guest was Deputy Prime Minister of Thai- partnership and solidarity of all land: His Excellency General Tanasak Patimapragorn. the OPM family”, said Mr. Katonitabua. The Summit was attended by Pacific Island Leaders; PM,DPMs, Senior Government Official, UN Reps, Regional Civil Societies, Ambassadors and Diplo- matic Representatives.
OPM Walk-a-thon The PIDF was historical as it witnessed:
The Office of the Prime Minister’s Welfare & Social Club Committee held *the promulgation of the PIDF Charter by the People a Walk-a-thon on the 19 September. This was part of the Committee’s of the Pacific that will formally establish the PIDF as fundraising activities for the year in preparation for the OPM Awards an international organization. Night in December. *PIDF3 also formally launched under the PIDF Char- ter the regions first Regional Development Fund under the PIDF that will finance regional develop- ments. *It also witnessed the appointment of the first per- manent Secretary General of the PIDF. PIDF3 was pivotal in that it will be the final oppor- tunity when the People of the Pacific will come to- gether to discuss their stance in the critical 21st Con- ference of the Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) to be held in Paris later in the year. Key messages for Paris (COP 21) will be formulated and a Suva Declaration on Climate Change will be discussed. This is a watershed moment for the Pacific that has enormous implications on the future we need.
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“A Modernized Nation State through Robust Leadership & Equitable Development for All”