Directors commended amidst sanctions
Directors serving on Boards of State-owned Enterprises were commended for their contribution and sacrifice in serving
the country in the face of travel bans.
Acting Prime Minister, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau made this statement while closing the two-day Seminar on Good Governance
held in Suva on Friday, attended by Board Chairmen, directors and senior management staff of Government Commercial
Companies and Commercial Statutory Authorities.
"The personal sacrifice that you and your families have made in these difficult times are indeed truly and deeply
appreciated by Government," said Ratu Epeli.
Commending the successful conclusion of the seminar, he said, "I am confident that the issues discussed in the seminar
have broadened your understanding of the critical and important role you play as company directors and senior managers
in promoting and implementing good corporate governance policies within your respective organizations.
"I note that your deliberations over the last two days have covered a broad range of issues and topics in regard to good
corporate governance.
"The challenge is now laid clearly before you, that is, to start implementing what you have learned first at the board
and managers level, before introducing them at all the levels within your organizations," he said.
On ridding corruption in some State-owned entities, Ratu Epeli added that the renewed emphasis on good corporate
governance by Government is an effort to reduce corrupt practices that have been prevalent in some of our organizations
over the last few years.
"More importantly, we must ensure that Government Commercial Companies and Commercial Statutory Authorities are
operating in an open and transparent manner in line with the policies of the Government," he said.
The Acting Prime Minister also called on the directors to continue to strive towards improving shareholders returns from
their investments, and at all times, ensure that good corporate governance and transparency and accountability are not
compromised.
The two-day meet was organised by the Ministry of Public Service, Public Enterprises and Public Sector Reform and funded
by the Asian Development Bank.
ENDS