PS Economy Makereta Konrote resigns

Permanent Secretary for Economy, Makereta Konrote has resigned from her post.

In a statement, Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum who is in Singapore, says as a key part of the economic team, Makereta helped make history many times over, including Fiji's historic nine-year unbroken stretch of economic growth and unprecedented expansions to the network of social safety.

Sayed-Khaiyum says among her lasting legacies are her intrinsic involvement in restructuring and reforming the civil service, mainstreaming climate action across government planning, and centralising major capital projects through the Construction Implementation Unit.

He says Konrote has also helped develop a team of qualified and capable experts who will inherit the Ministry's mantle of prudent economic management and world-leading climate action.

Sayed-Khaiyum says as a friend and colleague, he wishes her, her husband, and her daughter all the best.

He says Konrote joined the Ministry of Finance as a graduate trainee nearly two decades ago and she now departs the Ministry of Economy, which has transformed in more than the name under her management.

Konrote said in the statement that of her 18 years with the Ministry, the last five have been the most memorable and rewarding.

She says watching the Ministry expand its functions, pursue more sophisticated and complex policies, and improve on its deliverables has been the highlight of her career. Konrote said she especially thanks the team and her colleagues for their support as well as the Minister.

She says they have come a long way under Sayed-Khaiyum’s leadership.

Konrote's resignation will take effect from 15th March 2021.

She plans to apply her economic expertise to take on new challenges in the near future.

The Public Service Commission has appointed Shiri Gounder, the Head of Fiscal Policy and former Head of Treasury, to act as the Permanent Secretary for Economy. Gounder's appointment will become effective from 16th March 2021.

Gounder says he has worked with Konrote for nine years in the Ministry of Economy.

He says with her guidance, they have implemented a number of important reforms and he is proud to call her a mentor and close friend.

Gounder says they are already in the midst of a seamless transition to ensure they continue with the responsible management of government finances and uphold consistency in economic policies.

He says we obviously have a serious challenge before us with the prolonged economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gounder says as they prepare for the 2021-2022 National Budget, he looks forward to working intimately with the private sector, civil society, and members of the public through the nationwide consultation process.

Meanwhile Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum held a Virtual Public National Budget Consultation from Singapore on Sunday.