Alitia Bainivalu Explained

Alitia Vakatai Bavou Cirikiyasawa Bainivalu (born) is a Fijian politician and Cabinet Minister. She is a member of the People's Alliance.

Bainivalu is from Nabalabalain Ra Province.^[1] She was educated at the University of the South Pacific, graduating with a bachelor of science. She worked as a civil servant for the Ministry of Fisheries for eight years, before studying at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology for a master's degree in marine science.^[1] After returning to Fiji in 2022 she worked for the office of the opposition in parliament.^[1] She was one of six opposition staff laid off by the Social Democratic Liberal Party in the leadup to the 2022 election.^[2]

She was selected as a PA candidate in the 2022 Fijian general election,^[3] and was elected to Parliament, winning 1649 votes.^{[4] [5]}

In June 2024 she was appointed as Minister for Fisheries and Forestry following the resignation of Kalaveti Ravu.^[6]

Notes and References

1. Web site: New MP thanks voters and family. Fiji Sun . 21 December 2022 . 4 January 2023 . Press reader.
2. Web site: Ro Filipe questions termination of 6 opposition parliamentary staff & funds paid into SODELPA account . Fiji Village . Dhanjay Deo . 23 August 2022 . 4 January 2023.
3. Web site: 7 Women And 48 Men For The Peoples Alliance . Fiji Sun . Jone Salusalu . 11 November 2022 . 4 January 2023.
4. News: Singh . Indira . 18 December 2022 . Top 55 confirmed . FBC . live . 24 December 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221218063858/https://www.fbcnews.com.fj/news/fijian-elections/top-55-confirmed/ . 18 December 2022.
5. Web site: Alitia Vakatai Bavou Cirikiyasawa Bainivalu (173) . Fijian Elections Office . 4 January 2023.
6. Web site: Ravu resigns as Minister, Bainivalu new Minister for Fisheries and Forests - PM . Fiji Village . Vijay Narayan . 28 June 2024 . 28 June 2024.