Fiji’s Public Service Commission has appointed Dr Vinesh Kumar as the new Permanent Secretary for Multi-Ethnic Affairs and Sugar Industry.
PSC Chairman Luke Rokovada said the appointment followed a transparent and merit-based recruitment process conducted in May. Dr Kumar was selected from five shortlisted candidates interviewed on May 20.
Dr Kumar takes up the role with a wealth of experience in public service and policy leadership. He previously served as Permanent Secretary for Agriculture and Waterways from 2021 to 2023, then as Permanent Secretary for Special Projects in the Ministry of Sugar, before assuming the role of CEO at the Sugar Research Institute of Fiji (SRIF) later that year.
Dr Kumar holds a Degree in Agriculture from the University of the South Pacific, a Master’s in Public Policy Administration from the National University of Singapore, and a PhD in Climate
The position of CEO at SRIF is expected to be advertised, and Reshmi Kumari, who has been acting in the role, will return to her previous post when Dr Kumar officially takes over in the coming weeks.
