About Fiji

Government

On October 10, 1970, after 96 years of British rule, Fiji ceased to be a British Crown Colony. On that day independence was granted and Fiji became a self-governing nation within the Commonwealth. Soon after the 1987 military coups, Fiji was declared a Republic. It re-entered the Commonwealth in 1997.

Under the current political set up, the President is the Head of State with the Prime Minister as the head of Government. Fiji's constitution provides for a bicameral parliament, comprising the President, an elected House of Representatives with 1 members, and a nominated Senate that has 32 members.

Under the current Government, the country is divided into four districts for administration purposes, Central, based in Nausori, Eastern, based in Levuka, Northern based in Labasa and Western based in Lautoka. Each of these administrative centers have jurisdiction over the various provinces that came within each district division. There are 14 provinces in total, each governed by a council which has an executive head appointed by the Fijian Affairs Board (FAB). City and town councils generally administer urban affairs.

The 20th century brought about important economic changes in Fiji as well as the maturation of its political system. Fiji developed a major sugar industry and established productive copra milling, tourism and secondary industries.

As the country now diversifies into small-scale industries, the economy is strengthened and revenues provide for expanded public works, infrastructure, health, medical services and education.

The countries central position in the region has been strengthened by recent developments in sea and air communication and transport. Today, Fiji plays a major role in regional affairs and is recognized as the focal point of the South Pacific.


OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
P.O. Box 2513, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3314 244 Fax No. 3301 645


Ratu Josefa Uluivuda Iloilo, CF, MBE, JP

The executive authority of the State is vested in the President who is the Head of State, and who also symbolises the unity of the State. The President is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Fiji Military Forces.

The President is appointed by the Bose Levu Vakaturaga (The Great Council of Chiefs) after consultation by the Council with the Prime Minister. The term of office for the President is 5 years. He is eligible for only one further re-appointment.

The President is assisted by Cabinet with the Prime Minister as Head of Government. The President, in his own deliberate judgement, appoints as Prime Minister the Fijian member of the House of Representitives who appears to him best able to command majority support in the House.

Ministers other than the Prime Minister are appointed by the President, from members of Parliament, in accordance with advice of the Prime Minister.List of Ministers.

List of Ministers and CEOs

1. PRIME MINISTER, MINISTER FOR FIJIAN AFFAIRS, CULTURE & HERITAGE, MINISTER FOR NATIONAL RECONCILIATION & UNITY; AND MINISTER FOR ALTA AND SUGAR INDUSTRY REFORM

Mr Laisenia Qarase
P O Box 2353, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3211 201 Fax No. 3306 034

Assistant Minister - Prime Minister's Office: Ms Marieta Rigamoto
(Blueprint for Fijian and Rotuman Development and Village Improvement Scheme)
Assistant Minister - Fijian Affairs: Ratu Suliano Matanitobua

Chief Executive Officers
Office of the Prime Minister : Mr Jioji Kotobalavu
Fijian Affairs, Culture and Heritage : Ratu Meli Bainimarama


2. ATTORNEY-GENERAL'S CHAMBERS & JUSTICE - MINISTRY OF
P O Box 2213, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3309 866 Fax No. 3302 404

Attorney General and Minister for Justice : Mr Qoriniasi Bale
Solicitor-General : Mr Nainendra Nand
Chief Executive Officer (Justice) : Mr Sakiusa Rabuka


3. FINANCE AND NATIONAL PLANNING - MINISTRY OF
P O Box 2212, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3307 011 Fax No. 3300 834

Minister : Ratu Jone Kubuabola
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Tevita Banuve


4. FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND EXTERNAL TRADE - MINISTRY OF
P O Box 2220, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3309 628 Fax. 3301 741

Minister : Mr Kaliopate Tavola
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Isikeli Mataitoga


5. TOURISM - MINISTRY OF
P O Box 2278, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3312 788 Fax No. 3302 060

Minister : Mr Pita Nacuva
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Napolioni Masirewa


6. LANDS AND MINERAL RESOURCES - MINISTRY OF
P O Box 2118, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3211 556 Fax No. 3302 730

Minister : Ratu Naiqama Lalabalavu
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Niumaia Tabunakawai


7. HEALTH - MINISTRY OF
P O Box 2223, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3306 177 Fax No. 3306 163

Minister : Mr Solomone Naivalu
Assistant Minister : Mr Tomasi Sauqaqa
Chief Executive Officer : Dr Lepani Waqatakirewa


8. YOUTH, EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES AND SPORTS - MINISTRY OF
P O Box 2448, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3315 960 Fax No. 3305 348

Minister : Mr Isireli Leweniqila
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Poasa Ravea


9. PUBLIC ENTERPRISES AND PUBLIC SECTOR REFORM - MINISTRY OF
P O Box 2278, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3315 577 Fax No. 3315 035

Minister : Mr Irami Matairavula
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Parmesh Chand


10. TRANSPORT AND CIVIL AVIATION - MINISTRY OF
Private Mail Bag, Samabula
Phone No. 3316 866 Fax No. 3307 839

Minister : Mr Josefa Vosanibola
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Vuetasau Buatoka


11. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT - MINISTRY OF
P O Box 2219, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3313 400 Fax No. 3303 256

Minister : Mr Ilaitia Tuisese
Chief Executive Officer : Ratu Meli Bainimarama


12. NATIONAL RECONCILIATION AND MULTI ETHNIC AFFAIRS
- MINISTRY OF
GPO Box 18060, Suva
Phone No. 3313744 Fax No. 3302926

Minister : Mr George Shiu Raj
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Apisalome Tudreu


13. FISHERIES AND FORESTS - MINISTRY OF
PO Box 2218, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3301 611 Fax No. 3301 595

Minister : Mr Konisi Yabaki
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Mitieli Baleivanualala


14. AGRICULTURE, SUGAR AND LAND RESETTLEMENT - MINISTRY OF
Private Mail Bag, Raiwaqa
Phone No. 3384 233 Fax No. 3385 048

Minister : Mr Jonetani Galuinadi
Assistant Minister : Mr Isireli Tuvuki
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Luke Ratuvuki


15. EDUCATION - MINISTRY OF
Private Mail Bag, Suva
Phone No. 3314 477 Fax No. 3303 511

Minister : Ro Teimumu Vuikaba Kepa
Chief Executive Officer : Mrs Alumita Taganesia


16. WORKS AND ENERGY - MINISTRY OF
Private Mail Bag, Samabula
Phone No. 3384 111 Fax No. 3383 198

Minister : Mr Savenaca Draunidalo
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Anasa Vocea


17. LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSING, SQUATTER SETTLEMENT AND ENVIRONMENT- MINISTRY OF
P O Box 2131, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3304 364 Fax No. 3303 515

Minister : Mr Mataiasi Vave Ragigia
Assistant Minister : Mr Joji Natadra Banuve
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Cama Tuiloma


18. COMMERCE, BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT - MINISTRY OF
P O Box 2131, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3305 411 Fax No. 3302 617

Minister : Mr Tomasi Vuetilovoni
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Isireli Koyamaibole


19. LABOUR AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS AND PRODUCTIVITY - MINISTRY OF
P O Box 2216, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3211 640 Fax No. 3304 701

Minister : Mr Kenneth Zinck
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Brian Singh


20. WOMEN, SOCIAL WELFARE AND POVERTY ALLEVIATION - MINISTRY OF
P O Box 14068, Suva
Phone No. 3312 199 Fax No. 3303 829

Minister : Adi Asenaca Caucau
Assistant Minister : Mrs Losena Salabula
Chief Executive Officer : Ms Emele Duituturaga


21. INFORMATION, COMMUNICATIONS AND MEDIA RELATIONS - MINISTRY OF
PO Box 2225, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3211700 Fax No. 3303146

Minister : Mr Simione Kaitani
Chief Executive Officer : Mrs Emi Rabukawaqa


22. HOME AFFAIRS, IMMIGRATION NATIONAL DISASTER MANAGEMENT - MINISTRY OF
P O Box 2349, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3211 401 Fax No. 3300 346

Minister : Mr Joketani Cokanasiga
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Jeremaia Waqanisau


23. PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION
PO Box 2211, Government Buildings, Suva
Phone No. 3314588 Fax No. 3302570

Chairman : Mr Sakiasi Waqanivavalagi
Chief Executive Officer : Mr Anare Jale

For further information on the Government of the Republic of the Fiji Islands please consult www.fiji.gov.fj