Two new cabinet ministers have been appointed by Prime Minister, Commodore Voreqe Bainimarama.

Former Navy Commander, former Immigration Director and Permanent Secretary for Fisheries and Forests, Commander Viliame Naupoto is now the Minister for Youth and Sports and former Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji CEO, Jone Usumate is the Minister for Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment.

The government said the creation of a separate Ministry for Youth and Sports with its own cabinet minister is necessary in light of Fiji’s growing youth population.

The ministry will also assist the government in preparing our young people who will be eligible to vote in the 2014 general election and by ensuring that they understand their rights to vote and the importance of their votes in electing a new government.

The government said it also recognizes the contribution of sports to the overall development of the country.

The government said the creation of a new and separate cabinet minister for the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment is indicative of government commitment to labour related issues in the country.

The two new ministers start their duties today after they were sworn-in by the President earlier today.


Story by: Vijay Narayan