Picture: Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment Hon. Dr Mahendra Reddy with the awardees.

Three Ministry of Agriculture staff were recognized for their 35 years of long service during an Awards Night on Wednesday (22.12.21) in Suva.

In addition, 116 staff were also acknowledged for serving over 20 years with the Ministry.

The Awards Night, held at Damodar Cinemas at Damodar City was attended by the Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Hon. Dr Mahendra Reddy, Assistant Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Hon. Viam Pillay, and Agriculture Permanent Secretary, Vinesh Kumar.

Longest serving Agriculture staff, Mr Sudhakar Prasad, 54, a driver has spent 35 years in the Ministry.

Looking forward to his retirement, which is only two months away, Mr Prasad said even with the little time left in the Ministry he could not help but reflect on his work life.

“I am very proud that I am the oldest staff of the Ministry, in terms of service. I am thankful to the Ministry to have had the opportunity to work here and am very fortunate that we have become a family. I have worked with different levels of authority in the Ministry from ministers to diplomats, to permanent secretaries, directors and my fellow colleagues, the Government Wage Earners (GWEs),” he said.

Mr Prasad said he started in the Ministry in 1987 when it was called the ‘Agriculture Development Project’ until it transitioned to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, to its current form.

“When the younger boys I work with heard of how long I have worked in the Ministry, they started addressing me ‘tamana’. But I am very proud that when I retire next year, I have already built my two-flat house, bought two taxis and two Kia Sorentos, and shortly, I will have paid off my housing mortgage. So I will retire free with no debts.”

The only female officer who scooped two different awards under the Leadership and Job Excellence categories was Senior Economic Planning Officer, Miss Sainiana Kirisitiana who did not expect the recognition.

“I thank God for the opportunity and the Management for the initiative. For me, working with data and planning is a passion. Also being obedient to God’s call and fulfilling the purpose God has for me in this Unit, Division, Ministry, and country,” she said.

“Opportunities like this should also motivate other women and youths in the Ministry and Fiji as a whole that nothing is impossible when we trust God and His calling on us. Quality should always be a subject of our delivery in all situations at all times without any excuse. God answered our prayers in granting us our jobs, therefore, we should provide the best service as well to those we serve.”

Ms Kirisitiana dedicated her win to her family, her colleagues at the Fiji Agriculture Rural and Statistics Unit, the Economic Planning and Statistics Division (EP&S), and all those that supported her and the team throughout the year.

Hon. Dr Reddy congratulated all the awardees for performing well.

He said the Awards Night was to celebrate a successful 2021 despite the many challenges and expectations placed on the Ministry.

“Nothing is given on a silver platter. The performance of the non-sugar agriculture sector in the last two years has been remarkable and you played a part in that. It is a team work within the Ministry of Agriculture that helped boost this particular sector. Credit must also be given to you family members as well for supporting you that enabled you to perform well,” the Minister said.

Five categories of Awards were presented: Best Service Delivery, Leadership, Team Player, Milestones Achieved, and Job Excellence.

Best Service Delivery Award: Irene Chand, Matai Koroivuki, Graziela Ali, Adarshan Kumar, Meli Veikumuni, and Pritika Rischal.

Leadership Award: Amena Banuve, Sikeli Baleisuva, Sainiana Kirisitiana, Sandeep Sharma, and Mohammed Kadir.

Team Player: Shalendra Reddy, Abhelash Chand, Lavenia Lalanabaravi, Achal Kumar, Mohammed Shafeen, and Ranjani Devi.

Milestones Achieved: Dr Rohit Kumar, Wati Ledua, Jone Buatoka, Virisine Lalasava, Saleshni Shafeen, Jasveer Singh, and Adriano Tabualevu.

Job Excellence: Abishek Chand, Venaisi Tudrau, Reijieli Wiliame, Sainiana Kirisitiana, Dr Beato Lenoa, and Isei Namacamaca.

Special Awards that were recognized as well were the; 34 years of service – Deanny Douglas and Setevano Lasei, 35 years of service – Sudhakar Prasad, and EP&S Division Milestone Achieved – Sera Bose, Acting Chief Economist. 

-ENDS-

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