12 January, 2026, 9:48 am Central - 26°C Rain

I did not know what a Minister or a PS does when I was first sworn in - Akbar

I did not know what a Minister or a PS does when I was first sworn in - Akbar

By Shanil Singh
08/11/2021

Minister for Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation Rosy Akbar has revealed that she did not even know what a Permanent Secretary or a Minister does when she was first sworn in.

While speaking at the Fiji National University Leadership Workshop today, she says back then she was experienced as a teacher but not as a national leader.

Akbar says contesting the elections is a big thing and she did not know what she was going to do if she lost.

The Minister says her family did not support her in this and often asked her what she knew about politics.

Akbar says growing up in a really poor family in Ba, she had never even dreamt that she would become one of the leaders of the country.

She says a number of students these days have not experienced the hard life where they had to go to school barefoot which is why the current generation is perhaps not very tough.

Akbar adds they grew up learning to fend for themselves and struggling to survive from one meal to another.

She says this is the pinnacle of her career and she does not wish for anything more.

FEATURE NEWS
Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for Fiji
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the whole of Fiji.The Nadi Weather Office says a slow-moving trough of low pressure lies over the country.It i...
2 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
Lautoka City Council acts on illegal dumping in Wairabetia and Saweni Top
Following successful enforcement action against illegal dumping along Savu Street in Lautoka, Litter Prevention Officers have once again identified ...
21 minutes ago

Trump tells Cuba to make a deal, before it is too late
Donald Trump has urged Cuba to make a deal or face consequences, warning that the flow of Venezuelan oil and money would now stop.The BBC reports ...
38 minutes ago

Poetry and culture take centre stage during World Hindi Day celebrations
The Indian High Commission in Fiji hosted a vibrant poetry recital, essay awards, and cultural programs to mark World Hindi Day, celebrating the ...
56 minutes ago

Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for Fiji
A Heavy Rain Alert remains in force for the whole of Fiji.The Nadi Weather Office says a slow-moving trough of low pressure lies over the country.It ...
2 hours ago

Two women to appear in court over alleged burglary and theft
Two women arrested in connection with alleged burglary and theft offences in Nadi and Lautoka last week have been charged with one count of burglary ...
2 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Electricity tariff increase for users consuming more than 100 units
There is an increase in the electricity tariff rate for consumers using more than 100 units from 1 January next year.Fijian Competition and Consumer ...
10 days ago

Fiji needs to act on human trafficking indicators associated with Grace Road Group
The United States remains deeply concerned about indicators of trans-national organised crime and human trafficking in Fiji associated with the Grace ...
21 days ago

Cheap seed oils are not good for our health - O'Neill
With over 80 percent of deaths in Fiji caused by cardiovascular disease based on the 2011 report, naturopath and nutritionist Barbara O’Neill is ...
21 days ago

TOP