Consuming kava at public service workplaces during working hours is not allowed – Chand

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Service Parmesh Chand has made it clear that consuming kava at Public Service workplaces during working hours is not allowed.

This comes after concerns were raised by members of the public about some civil servants consuming kava at their workplaces during working hours.

While speaking during the Ministry of Civil Service Mini Careers Expo in Suva, Chand says there is a policy on this through circular instructions.

He says having said that, there are ceremonial occasions that do take place, and for that, permission is required, but by policy, consuming of kava by civil servants is not allowed during working hours.

He adds should there be a need in any way of fundraising or any preparations for any social events, the department that is holding these events will need to raise it to their Permanent Secretaries and get permission, firstly to drink kava and secondly to drink kava at public service premises.

Chand says Heads of Departments and Permanent Secretaries of respective public service departments are required to oversee and monitor the behaviour of their staff and should they spot any breach of the policy, they are required to take disciplinary actions.

He says each PS has powers by statutory and constitutional powers to take disciplinary actions on their own staff.

Chand says the Ministry of Civil Service provides policy guidelines and they expect actions to be taken if any policy is breached.