Address at the Launch of the Office of the President New Website.
February 28, 2020 State House, Suva.
The Permanent Secretary for Forests, Pene Baleinabuli;
The Chairperson of the College of Honour, Dr. Akanisi Kedrayate and members of the College of Honour;
Acting Manager ITC Services; Mr. Ponijese Bainimoli and Staff of the Department of Information Technology & Computing Services;
Staff of the Department of Information;
Reverend Raki Tigarea;
Members of the Presidential Staff.
Ni sa bula vinaka, Namaste, Noa’ia ‘mauri and a Very Good Morning to you all.
At the outset, it is such an honour and great pleasure for my wife and I to welcome you to the State House for today’s historic event – The Official Launch of the Office of the President’s Website!
Please allow me to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to you all, especially to those of you present today, for your invaluable contributions in the development of the Office of the President’s website.
This event marks the Office of the President’s commitment and endeavour to promote the Fijian Government’s Digital and Information Technological Transformation Reform Programme and its overall commitment in attaining service excellence and efficient service delivery to all Fijians and in some cases our international friends and clientele.
Today’s launch is indeed historical as it is the first ever website for the Office of the President.
Since assuming office in 2015, I laid out a plan to try and improve the status and image of this prestigious Institution and to date, I am so glad and equally proud to proclaim that together we have accomplished several projects which included the major renovations of the State House, the official changing of its name from Government House to State House in 2017, and a new re-landscaped look to the State House compounds, the transformation of the former Squash Court into a modern-day Wellness Centre/Gymnasium, and now, the launch of This Office’s first ever Website!
The website is a new and revamped Information Technological platform to inform all Fijians and stakeholders of the primary responsibility of The President and the core purpose and functions of the Office of the President.
Amongst its many purposes, The Website now offers both information and access for the general public both in Fiji and abroad the ability as potential employees to apply for vacant positions through the vacancy portal.
It also informs all Fijians and non- residents about Fiji’s Honours System in our collective effort to promote a Culture of Appreciation.
With mobile and tablet friendly functionality it enables individuals and organisations intending to nominate and recognise achievements or meritorious/ selfless service by Fijian citizens and occasionally, as honorary appointments, for non-citizens access to an online nomination portal.
Ladies and gentlemen, the website offers a unique and ideal opportunity for users to learn and appreciate the work and achievements of past Governor-Generals and Presidents and the invaluable contribution of Present and Past Staff Members.
It offers as well a glimpse into both my Constitutional and legislated roles and the advocacy programmes that I participate in and champion as your Head of State.
I have been assured that the Office will ensure the continuous update of information to maintain the relevance and efficient dissemination of accurate information through this means.
Ladies and gentlemen, in conclusion, I would like to once again thank you for your attendance and acknowledge and commend the hard work and efforts of our Administration staff, our colleagues from the Information Technology Services and The Department of Information who had worked tirelessly over the past months to make today’s launch possible.
Vinaka Vakalevu, Thank you, Dhanyavaad, Sukhriya and Fa’eksia!
May Almighty God bless you all!