Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka has confirmed that approval was granted for Youth and Sports Minister Jese Saukuru to travel to New Zealand with the Fiji Sports Council’s Under-20 Rugby Sevens team, but says the submission did not include any mention of the minister’s spouse accompanying him.
In a statement, Mr Rabuka said the request for travel approval was submitted on January 20, 2025, by the Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports following an invitation from the Fiji Sports Council.
“I confirm that a request was submitted on 20 January 2025 by the Permanent Secretary for Youth and Sports seeking approval for Hon. Jese Saukuru to travel to New Zealand to accompany the Fiji Sports Council’s Under-20 Rugby Sevens team, from 28 January to 5 February 2025,” Mr Rabuka said.
“The request followed an invitation from the Fiji Sports Council and was approved.”
However, the Prime Minister clarified that the travel application made no reference to Mr Saukuru being accompanied by his spouse.
“While Ministers may be accompanied by their spouse on official travel—either at the Minister’s own cost or where sponsored by a host country—such arrangements must be clearly stated in the original submission,” he said.
“This information should have formed part of the request and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
“In light of questions raised about this trip and other matters relating to the Fiji Sports Council, which falls under Minister Saukuru’s portfolio, I have summoned the Minister to a one-on-one meeting,” he said.
The Prime Minister also addressed questions regarding the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC), reiterating that the body operates independently under the Constitution.
“With regard to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption, the 2013 Constitution is clear. Under Section 115(6), FICAC is an independent body, and neither I nor the Government has the authority to direct or control it,” Mr Rabuka said.
