Kalaveti Ravu has resigned as Minister for Fisheries and Forests while Assistant Minister for Tourism, Alitia Bainivalu will be appointed as the new Minister for Fisheries and Forests.
According to FICAC, it is alleged that between 25th July to 31st August 2023, Kalaveti Ravu interfered in the lawful process of a Ministry of Fisheries and Forests investigation into the illegal trade of banned species of Beche-de-mer.
He is facing one count of abuse of office and appeared in court yesterday.
Speaking in a press conference, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka says in keeping with the conventions of Cabinet, Ravu has tendered his resignation as Minister, in order to comply with due process.
Ravu will remain a backbencher as a Member of Parliament and Rabuka thanks him for his loyalty and for respecting the conventions of Cabinet and upholding the integrity of Government.
Rabuka says by law, he is entitled to the presumption of innocence.
The Prime Minister says the resignation in no way implies guilt or innocence.
He says that is a matter for the courts to determine.
Rabuka says he respects the legal process and the independence of our Judiciary.
The Prime Minister says Alitia Bainivalu has extensive experience in the fisheries sector as a former senior Fisheries Officer.
He says she is also highly qualified, as a Bachelor of Science graduate from the University of the South Pacific.
She attained a Masters in Marine Science from the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology.
