Today, U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella and Fiji Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. James Fong convened U.S. and Fijian government health officials and health, education and business sector leaders for a transparent and candid dialogue on how the United States could support efforts to strengthen health systems in the Indo-Pacific.  The conversation generated ideas and …

SUVA –Today, the United States Embassy in Suva, hosted around 50 Leadership Fiji Alumni members for the annual Leadership Fiji Alumni Summit. U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella spoke to the group along with other local and U.S. speakers. The theme of the summit was ‘Reconnecting and Collaborating’ to encourage the members to rebuild connections during these …

SUVA – U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella and the U.S. Embassy Suva are proud to host the AWEsome Fiji Christmas Fair at Ratu Sukuna Park on December 3 from 4 pm until 8 pm. The purpose of the Fair is to showcase and market the products of women entrepreneurs participating in the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs …

SUVA – U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella hosted Nauruan High Commissioner Michael Aroi at the U.S. Embassy on December 3 to sign the Nauru-United States Investment Incentive Agreement. This new agreement is anticipated to provide access to the full range of investment support offered by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), formerly known as the …

SUVA – On Monday, November 30, U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella hosted Minister for Health Ifereimi Waqainabete, New Zealand High Commissioner Jonathan Curr, other members of the diplomatic community, government officials, and staff of the U.S. Embassy who committed to letting their beards grow in November to promote Men’s Health Awareness Month. The purpose of the …

SUVA – On Sunday, November 29, U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella hosted boxers, trainers, gym owners, boxing enthusiasts, and journalists at U.S. Embassy to watch an exhibition boxing event. The boxing event had six matches in the heavyweight, light heavyweight, cruiserweight, light weight, and featherweight categories. Mike Tyson headlined against Roy Jones Jr. in eight rounds, …

SUVA – In Commemoration of Global Entrepreneurship Week (#GEW2020) which runs from November 16-20, 2020, U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella met with and encouraged emerging entrepreneurs at two Embassy-supported workshops on November 19. The U.S. Embassy hosted an entrepreneurship workshop where Ambassador Cella gave opening remarks. Then he visited local women entrepreneurs participating in the Academy …

SUVA – On Monday, November 16, U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella and Japanese Ambassador Omura Masahiro hosted primary, high school and university students from Fiji, Japan and the United States at the U.S. Embassy to watch the launch of the NASA and SpaceX Crew-1 Mission to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 mission will …

Suva – On Thursday, November 12, U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella hosted high school and university students at the U.S. Embassy to participate in a virtual meeting with the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Deputy Administrator James Morhard to discuss the upcoming NASA and SpaceX Crew-1 launch and other NASA programs. Ambassador Cella …

SUVA – Coinciding with the 2020 election on November 3 in the United States, today, U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella and staff of the Embassy of the United States of America hosted the “USA 2020 – Presidential Election Party”. The embassy welcomed two different groups to watch the election returns and learn about the election process …

SUVA – U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella hosted a panel discussion entitled, ‘Pacific Prosperity: Promoting Mutually Beneficial Trade and Economic Policies in the Pacific’ as part of the Indo-Pacific Business Forum (IPBF) today. Ambassador Cella welcomed Fiji’s Attorney General and Minister of Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Kiribati High Commissioner to Fiji David Teaabo, Nauru High Commissioner to …

SUVA – United States Ambassador Joseph Cella welcomed Tuvaluan High Commissioner Temate Melitiana to the U.S. Embassy on October 28 to sign the Tuvalu-United States Investment Incentive Agreement. This new agreement is anticipated to provide access to full range of investment support offered by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), formerly known as the …

SUVA – Today, the Embassy of the United States of America launched its newest youth initiative with the establishment of the Embassy Youth Council. The council will be part of a larger advisory network to promote and empower the youth of the five countries covered by Embassy Suva, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu. Members …

LABASA – Today, USAID Senior Development Advisor Dr. Alexandria Huerta presented completion certificates to participants who successfully completed the Project Management Practice course supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The course is part of the USAID Ready Project’s partnership with the University of the South Pacific – Pacific Technical and Further …

SUVA – On Monday October 19, 19 leaders from eleven Pacific countries began a virtual exchange program focused on public health leadership. The delegates, selected through a competitive regional process, will gather virtually for three weeks to learn from one another and from their counterparts in the United States. Notably, the group will explore the …

SUVA – Today, U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella led a virtual signing ceremony to establish a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA) between the United States of America and the Republic of Fiji. The TIFA creates a platform on which to further expand and deepen bilateral trade and investment ties between the two countries. Ambassador Cella …

On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer congratulations to the people of Tuvalu as you celebrate the 42nd anniversary of your independence. The United States has enjoyed a close friendship with Tuvalu since its independence in 1978, with our relations built on a foundation of democratic principles and shared …

SUVA – U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu Joseph Cella and Kiribati Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr. Tinte Itinteang formally launched a training program funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC) and Zoll Medical to help Kiribati medical technicians and doctors …

SUVA – The United States Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu Joseph Cella convened more than two dozen key figures in Fiji’s kava industry, including growers, processors, and government officials, to discuss ways to advance trade with the United States. The Fiji Forward Kava Workshop focused on what U.S. consumer want when it …

Suva – United States Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu Joseph Cella announced a new grant of US$20,000 (FJ$42,500) for the Pacific Tourism Association (SPTO) as part of the U.S. Embassy’s Economic Resilience Grants. Ambassador Cella said, “The U.S. Embassy is delighted to celebrate World Tourism Day by supporting local tourism organizations and …

SUVA – Ambassador Joseph Cella hosted over thirty law students from the University of Fiji on Friday, September 25 2020 to launch a public diplomacy engagement known as “Movie-plomacy.” “It is an honor and a great delight to represent the United States of American through public diplomacy events or gatherings with all citizens in the …

SUVA – The United States Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu Joseph Cella announced that the United States officially joined the Pacific Power Association (PPA) as an Affiliate Member. The United States is proud to join the PPA as we have a shared goal to increase energy capacity in the region, including electrification …

SUVA – Today, U.S. Ambassador for Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu, Joseph Cella, launched a Project Management course specifically for Fijian women to equip them with the skills to better manage projects that mitigate the impacts of climate change and natural disasters in the country. Ambassador Cella said, “This project management course is designed …

SUVA – U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu Joseph Cella visited the Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital today to meet with the participants of a training organized by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) an implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC) to help Fijian medical technicians and doctors operate the …

SUVA – U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella last night welcomed hundreds of guests to the U.S. Embassy to celebrate the 244th Anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. Originally scheduled proximate to July 4th, the event was delayed due to uncertainties and restrictions as a result of the plague. The event entitled “The Stars and …

SUVA – Today, the United States Ambassador Joseph Cella presented certificates at a completion event for participants of an Asset Management training in Fiji. The training consisted of four courses designed to provide a solid foundation in asset management and the skills required to ensure its application to community, public and private sector assets. The …

SUVA – Senior military leaders from 29 countries virtually joined the annual Indo-Pacific Chiefs of Defense (CHOD) conference August 24-25. The conference, co-hosted by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, provided a forum for military leaders from throughout the region to address the mutual security challenges of today and tomorrow. U.S. …

Suva, August 26, 2020 Today, the U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella hosted Pacific health officials and clinicians for a dialogue on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of kidney disease.  The conversation generated ideas and inspiration for new ways that the United States, Fiji, and other Pacific island countries can work together to overcome health challenges. Ambassador …

U.S. Embassy, Suva Deputy Chief of Mission Antone Greubel travelled to Nadi International Airport on Monday, August 24 to meet a U.S. government-supported flight carrying critical supplies to help Pacific Island countries fight the COVID-19 pandemic. The flight also carries ten brand-new, state-of-the-art ventilators donated by the U.S. government, through the United States Agency for …

SUVA – The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has donated 50 brand-new, state-of-the-art ventilators to Fiji, Kiribati, and Nauru to assist their fight against COVID-19. U.S. Ambassador to Fiji, Nauru and Kiribati Joseph Cella said, “The United States of America continues to lead the global response to this financially devastating …

Suva – United States Ambassador to Fiji Joseph Cella announced a total of US$155,000 (FJ$330,000) in funding for five beneficiaries of the U.S. Embassy’s Economic Resilience Grants. The goal of these grants is to bolster local organizations and associations that are finding creative solutions to the economic adversities caused by the pandemic, with a focus …

United States Ambassador to Fiji Joseph Cella along with his counterparts from Australia, France, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom shaved their hair tonight as part of a six-week fundraising drive to donate $20,000 for WOWS Kids Fiji, an organization that supports kids with cancer. Ambassador Cella said, “It is a great delight to team …

SUVA – Today the U.S. Embassy welcomed youth, teachers, Fiji government representatives, NGO staff and community leaders to celebrate International Youth Day with a small fair showcasing programs, resources, and opportunities targeting youth as well as food music and sports. United States Ambassador to Fiji Joseph Cella remarked about the day, “The theme of this year’s …

Ambassador Joseph Cella and Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Yogesh Karan signed the Defense Cooperation Agreement which allows the United States to provide defense and security funding and training opportunities for our Fijian counterparts.  The agreement will be utilized immediately with a US$1.75 million package of training and equipment supporting Fiji’s …

SUVA – United States Ambassador to Fiji Joseph Cella continued the momentum of the Fiji Forward series of workshops and seminars this morning with a dialogue focused on women entrepreneurs. This was the third Fiji Forward event since the launch in May. Ambassador Cella welcomed 50 emerging and established Fijian businesswomen along with industry stakeholders …

SUVA – The United States Ambassador Joseph Cella welcomed over 70 Fijian women entrepreneurs today at the U.S. Embassy to celebrate the launch of the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE), a program designed to further enhance their business prowess. Six groups of 16 women throughout Viti Levu, will start workshops on July 29th consisting of online …

To date the United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), has provided a total of $24.2 million to support efforts to prevent and respond to the spread of COVID-19 in Pacific island nations.  This funding includes support for humanitarian partners, including Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and UN World Food Program (WFP), to …

In 1776 on this day, our founding fathers created, in Abraham Lincoln’s words, “a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.”  For the first time in human history, a nation was brought into being recognizing, as our Declaration of Independence affirms, that all persons “are endowed …

U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella officially launched the English Access Microscholarship Program (Access) on Thursday, July 2, 2020.  VisionFiji, a local NGO focused on children’s welfare, received a grant of FJ$70,328 (US$32,409) to manage the two-year program for 24 teenagers residing in the settlement of Wakanisila, on the outskirts of Suva.  This is the first Access …

Heads of Mission from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and the United States left Suva this week to explore the Western Division and hold ‘Friends Talanoa’ sessions with Fijians from all walks of life. During the two-day trip, the Japanese and United States Ambassadors and the New Zealand and Australian High Commissioners visited faith-based groups, civil …

The U.S. Embassy signed a grant with the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) to run the Academy of Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) for 60 to 90 Fijian women business owners.  The US$17,360 AWE grant will allow for trained facilitators from WEBC and the Makoi Women’s Vocational Center to guide women business owners through a training program.  …

Suva – On Sunday, May 31, U.S. Ambassador Joseph Cella hosted primary, high school and university students at the U.S. Embassy to watch the historic launch of the NASA and SpaceX Demo Mission 2 to the International Space Station (ISS).  This launch (#LaunchAmerica) from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida is …

The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing nearly $1.1 million to boost the capacity of Tongan communities to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters, particularly for the most vulnerable members of the community. Implemented by Act for Peace, USAID’s new two-year disaster risk reduction project …

On May 26th, Ambassador Joseph Cella commemorated Memorial Day with a short ceremony at the United States Embassy in Suva.  In addition to Embassy personnel, attendees included senior officers of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF), members of the diplomatic corps, and military representatives of Australia, Indonesia, Japan, and New Zealand.  Memorial Day is …

Suva, Fiji – The U.S. Government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an additional US$9.9 million to help Pacific island countries respond to COVID-19, bringing the total USAID assistance for the region to nearly US$12.2 million. USAID has also provided Papua New Guinea with US$3.5 million for COVID-19 response, while …

On May 19, U.S. Ambassador Joseph J. Cella announced the official launch of the United States, Allies, and Partners Fiji Forward – Business and Economic Development Roundtables.  Ambassador Cella said, “Today’s very successful inaugural roundtable sets the stage for future gatherings and side bars in the near future.  This event, and those to come, advance …

SUVA – Today the United States Ambassador donated over FJD 175,000 worth of locally-sourced COVID-19 relief supplies to the government of Fiji at the Strategic Headquarters for the Republic of Fiji Military Forces. Ambassador Cella said, “It is a joy to be able to help the people and government of Fiji fight COVID-19. I am …

SUVA – The U.S. Embassy is pleased to announce that The Asia Foundation has donated 2,384 books to educational and government institutions in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu as part of its Books for Asia program.  The books arrived in Fiji in March and on May 6, the U.S. Embassy in Suva began distributing them.  …

The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing US$400,000 in immediate assistance to support the response to Tropical Cyclone Harold, which unleashed severe destruction during its week-long path across the southern Pacific Islands. With this funding, USAID is working with partners on the ground in Fiji, the Solomon Islands, Tonga, …

The U.S. Embassy Suva announced the U.S. government’s $2.3 million commitment to mitigate the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Pacific Islands region. The United States Government, through USAID, is coordinating with the governments of 12 Pacific Island countries, namely Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, Republic of Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Fiji, Tonga, …

The U.S. government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in partnership with the Fiji Business Disaster Resilience Council and Fiji Commerce and Employer’s Federation, concluded a week-long training-of-trainer program, last week that will help businesses in Fiji prepare for and recover from natural disasters.  The training is part of USAID’s Ready project, …

Suva, Fiji: To highlight the deep and historic ties between our countries, the U.S. Embassy Suva launched a year-long celebration commemorating 75 years of peace in the Pacific and Europe following the end of World War II, as well as 50 years of building bridges between the United States and the Republic of Fiji since …

The crews of the USCGC Stratton (WMSL 752) and the RKS Teanoai (301) conducted a passenger and training exchange in the Pacific Ocean, Nov. 7. “The U.S. and its allies are trusted partners in the region, and we were pleased to work with them building familiarity and experience,” said Capt. Bob Little, commanding officer of …

The USNS MATTHEW PERRY (T-AKE-9) is a Lewis and Clark class dry cargo ship of the United States Navy, named in honor of Commodore Matthew C. Perry, who led the effort to open Japan to trade with the West. The ship is expected anchor in the Suva Harbor October 25-27 for a routine port visit …

On October 7, 2019, the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened the inaugural Pacific Islands Dialogue. This important new forum will serve as a mechanism for the United States, Taiwan, and our likeminded partners in the Pacific to explore ways to increase our cooperation to meet the …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I extend my sincerest congratulations to the people of Tuvalu in recognition of the 41st anniversary of your independence on October 1. The United States has been a friend of Tuvalu since your independence in 1978, and our close ties extend back …

U.S. State Department enlists 49ers EDU director Jesse Lovejoy as a Sports Envoy to develop and deliver innovative STEAM education lessons with Fijian teachers and youth SANTA CLARA, Calif., –The Sports Diplomacy Division of the United States Department of State has called on the San Francisco 49ers Foundation’s 49ers EDU program and its  director Jesse …

Suva – Today, U.S. Embassy Charge d’Affaires (CDA) Michael Goldman launched a Project Management course for Fijian leaders as part of the U.S. government’s commitment to boost the resilience of Fiji against extreme weather events and natural disasters. The course is part of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) partnership with the University …

Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) for the U.S. Embassy in Suva, Michael Goldman, visited the 32 Peace Corps Trainees who arrived in Tonga two weeks ago.  He visited community-based training site for group 84 in Malapo.  Currently in the second week of their nine week pre-service training, CDA Goldman welcomed the 84th group of Peace Corps Trainees …

Senior telecommunications and cyber policy makers from six countries across the Pacific attended a two-day conference in Nadi to discuss best practices in establishing long-term national cyber strategies and implementing cybersecurity best practices.  The conference, held August 19-20 at the Sheraton Fiji Resort, was sponsored under the United States’ Digital Connectivity and Cyber Partnership (Digital …

SUVA – The United States Embassy in Suva organized a four-day regional workshop focused on ‘New Media and Multimedia Reporting’ from August 13-16.  The Embassy brought U.S. expert Dr. Debora Wenger who ran the workshop that included about thirty journalists, editors and media administrators from Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu.  Dr. Wenger has extensive experience …

On the southern peninsula of Vanua Levu, U.S. and Fijian Soldiers performed a military tactics display during a cadet graduation at the Napuka Secondary School, Aug. 7, 2019.  The display showcased a culmination of training both armies have engaged in over a two-week period during Pacific Pathways’ Exercise Cartwheel 2019.  Three platoons from 1st Battalion, …

Suva – Today the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy, Fiji, Mr. Ron Perkel, launched the Project Preparation training conducted by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Fiji. This Project Preparation training is designed to further develop the skills of government and non-government stakeholders from Fiji in prioritizing areas that align with …

LABASA, Fiji – Soldiers of 1st Battalion, 27th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Inf. Combat Brigade, 25th Inf. Division from, Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, arrived at Nadi International Airport July 27, 2019 to partner with the 3rd Fijian Infantry Regiment (RFMF) for a series of bilateral military-to-military exercises, collectively named Exercise Cartwheel 2019. The U.S. Army Pacific Command …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE JULY 10, 2019 On behalf of the Government of the United States of America, I offer congratulations to the people of the Republic of Kiribati as you celebrate the 40th year of your nation’s independence this July 12. The deep ties our two nations forged during the …

Source: The University of the South Pacific Wansolwara Staff  Two USP staff are among a group of international recipients of the prestigious Study of the U.S. Institute for Scholars (SUSI) fellowship this year. USP Journalism Program coordinator Dr. Shailendra Singh and USP counsellor Mr. Saimone Tuni will participate in separate six-week fellowships in the United …

By Sgt. Walter H. Lowell Nevada National Guard Public Affairs CARSON CITY – The Nevada National Guard and the Republic of Fiji are set to host a signing ceremony Thursday at the country’s capital of Suva to officially enter the island country into the state’s partnership program. This new partnership was formally announced by U.S. …

SUVA, Fiji – The Nevada National Guard will team with the Republic of Fiji in the National Guard’s State Partnership Program in 2019, said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Defense for Asian and Pacific Security Affairs Randall Schriver Friday. Fiji is the second country currently teaming with the Nevada Guard under the auspice of the State …