The Biosecurity Authority of Fiji is critical in the front-line defence of Fiji’s diverse and precious natural environment, domestic agribusiness and industry, tourism, foreign trade and global support services.
The authority’s newly-appointed chief executive Michael Macdonald Bartlett uttered this statement in his recent welcome.
BAF in its announcement indicated that Mr Bartlett’s appointment comes after a rigorous merit-based interview process.
He joins the organisation with 17 years of experience in executive leadership in large agri-businesses, agricultural research, and fast-moving consumer goods companies across three continents.
“With persistent and evolving threats on our doorstep, constant vigilance is paramount. Capacity building, educational programs and community extension services are core to Fijian biosecurity,” the new CEO said.
“BAF also plays an important role in helping its myriad of Fijian and international stakeholders to improve the lives of Fijians, which is why promoting and facilitating international trade and economic development for our stakeholders are important pillars of BAF’s responsibilities.
“We have a responsibility to analyse our current operational systems, look for impediments that unnecessarily increase transactional costs and decrease efficiencies, look for remedies, and, where appropriate, implement the same.
“However, this would not be at the expense of biosecurity safety, which remains our key priority.”
According to BAF, Mr Bartlett has a remarkable record of achievements in green field and brown field start-ups, business development, new venture creation and global trade, strategic management, change management, agricultural research, quality control and most importantly, biosecurity and business operations.
Most recently, Mr Bartlett was responsible for managing and controlling business operations in the research sector in twenty-one countries in Central Asia, Africa, Southern Asia, and Southeast Asia.
He said he was privileged to join the BAF team and stressed the importance of BAF, which serves the vital function of keeping Fiji safe from a myriad of old and new threats created by a globalised economy.
