Fiji Renews Focus on Jobs and Youth Through New Minister Appointments

SUVA, Fiji, Feb. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Two new Fijian Government ministers have been sworn in by His Excellency Fijian President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau as a part of Fiji's commitment to individual and national development. Both individuals will focus on improving education and empowering Fijian youth, as well as creating jobs and new opportunities for Fijians.

Mr. Viliame Naupoto has been appointed Minister for Youth & Sports, and Mr. Jone Usumate is now the Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations & Employment.

Both individuals have long, distinguished careers in the public and private sectors of the Fijian community. Minister Naupoto formerly served as permanent secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries and Forests, as well as the Director of the Immigration Department. Minister Usamate is the former CEO for the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji, and led Technical and Vocational Education at Fiji National University.

The newly created cabinet position for the Ministry for Youth & Sports will serve Fiji's growing young population throughout urban, rural and outer island areas. One of the Ministry's priorities will be to educate, engage, and empower the generations of Fijians who will now be eligible to participate in the 2014 general election. This mission is particularly timely, as the Bainimarama Government has lowered the voting age and eliminated ethnic voting to ensure full participation of all Fijians in the country's first truly democratic elections.

The appointment of a new cabinet minister for the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment echoes the goals and commitment of Government expressed in the 2012 National Budget Address, to promote small business; create jobs; and modernize the economy through boosting industrial expansion.

Prime Minister Bainimarama welcomes the appointment of these two new ministers as another way to advance Fiji's progress toward empowering its common and equal citizenry on the path to democratic elections and a strong, united nation.

SOURCE Republic of Fiji

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