MINISTER for Information, Environment and Climate Change, Lynda Tabuya says there needs to be an element of trust between ministers and their permanent secretaries in order for a ministry to function efficiently.
Ms Tabuya shared this after she was questioned by the media on the communication channels for serious allegations and grievances by senior government officials and their superiors.
Recently, iTaukei Affairs permanent secretary Jone Navakamocea sparked controversy after publicly accusing his Minister, Ifereimi Vasu, of alleged links to Jason Zhong in a Face book post questioning his leadership, triggering tensions within the ministry.
Mr Navakamocea’s remarks were strongly denied by Minister Vasu, who maintained there was no criminal involvement and described their relationship as a long standing agricultural partnership.
Ms Tabuya explained that permanent secretaries (PS) play a crucial role as the final point of contact for ministry staff before matters are escalated to the minister.
She said this structure relies heavily on mutual trust to function effectively.
“As a minister, I know my PS is the last stop for all staff in the ministry before it then comes to me as the minister,” she said. “So there is an element of trust that exists between the PS and the minister in order for us to be effective in our delivery of services to our people.”
She added that any breakdown in this relationship could have significant consequences for both the ministry and the wider government.
“What has happened has happened and I understand that the PS is handling that as well. “I just wish them the very best.”
