26 May 2020

Former MSG head now Fiji's Ambassador to US

5:12 am on 26 May 2020

The former Director General of the Melanesian Spearhead Group has been appointed Fiji's Ambassador to the United States.

Outgoing MSG director-general Amena Yauvoli, right.

Amena Yauvoli, (right) just before he left the MSG Photo: Fiji govt/Facebook

The government said Amena Yauvoli, who was also permanent secretary for Foreign Affairs, was waiting for flights to resume before he can take up his new posting in Washington.

Mr Yauvoli replaced Solo Mara, who is under investigation on charges of giving false information and disobeying a lawful order.

The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption also accused Mr Mara of obtaining a financial advantage and causing a loss under the Crimes Act 2009.

FICAC alleged Mr Mara made payments to himself from the Fiji Embassy funds in Washington which amounted to over $US17,000 between September 2016 and October 2017.

Mr Mara was expected back in court this week.