{"id":57922,"date":"2015-06-15T02:05:04","date_gmt":"2015-06-15T02:05:04","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?guid=f9dc41237b0d591969055b040b5a6ec6"},"modified":"2015-06-15T02:05:04","modified_gmt":"2015-06-15T02:05:04","slug":"speech-high-commissioners-speech-at-the-queens-birthday-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/?p=57922","title":{"rendered":"Speech: High Commissioner’s speech at the Queen’s Birthday Party"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n
\n

Your Excellency the President of the Republic of Fiji, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau. Hon Acting
\nPrime Minister. Hon Chief Justice. Hon Government Ministers, Hon Members of Parliament,
\nCommander RFMF, Police Commissioner, diplomatic colleagues, Heads of Regional
\nOrganisations and UN Agencies, leaders of civil society and the business community. Ladies
\nand Gentlemen, Friends, welcome to our Queen\u2019s Birthday Party, celebrating the 89th
\nBirthday of Her Majesty the Queen.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Ni sa bula vinaka. Namaaste. As salaam alaikum.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

My wife Yasmin and I would like to thank you all for joining us tonight to help us celebrate this
\nspecial occasion, for us it is our second QBP in Fiji. We look forward to at least one more.
\nWe look back at an extremely positive year in the UK-Fiji relationship, with many events to
\ncelebrate together. My year was punctuated by important elections. I followed closely the
\nelections in Tonga, Tuvalu and FSM. But two elections stood out, those in Fiji and the UK. I
\nwas amused to compare the opinion polls in both contests. In the UK there were hundreds of
\npolls, and all the pollsters got their predictions wrong. In Fiji I recall only one opinion poll,
\nwhich called the result correctly. Perhaps they used more scientific polling techniques from
\nwhich the UK should learn? Anyway, congratulations to the Fiji Sun for predicting the result!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

The 2014 general election in Fiji was more important than most, since it has enabled Fiji to reengage
\nwith its friends overseas in a new spirit, and to take forward economic and political
\nreforms. The UK is playing a full part in this process: we supported last year\u2019s election and we
\ncontinue to support reforms in many fields, in a spirit of genuine partnership with the Fijian
\ngovernment, institutions and civil society. We do not have all the answers, and do not push
\nsolutions on Fiji, since the government and people of Fiji have to make their own decisions and
\nfind their own way.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

However, the UK has a rich experience on which you can draw. For example, I hope that the
\nOverseas Development Institute will soon second analysts to work in some of Fiji\u2019s economic
\nministries, to help support reforms. I know that UK parliamentarians are keen to build on the
\nlinks established by Madame Speaker\u2019s recent visit to the UK, as Fiji strengthens its democratic
\ninstitutions. There are other examples.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

In Britain\u2019s general election Prime Minister Cameron won an overall majority, after 5 years of
\nleading a coalition. The new government is refreshing its approach, setting out its views on
\nBritain in the World, conducting a new National Security and Defence Review, seeking major
\nreforms in the European Union, and devolving new powers to our regions. We remain
\nengaged in all regions of the world, on all major issues, as a responsible member of the UN
\nSecurity Council with global interests befitting the 6th largest economy in the world – and the
\nfastest growing major economy in Europe.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

In Asia-Pacific the UK election result means continuity in foreign policy, with Mr Hammond reappointed
\nForeign Secretary and Mr Swire Minister of State for Asia-Pacific. The British
\ngovernment certainly looks forward to building on its relationship with Fiji and other Pacific
\nNations from the solid foundation we have now, and working together in international fora on
\nissues of mutual interest, above all Climate Change. I hope Mr Swire will be able to visit Fiji
\nsoon, to follow up his London meeting with Prime Minister Bainimarama last November. The
\nUK is closely engaged with Pacific regional organisations. And we are a supportive and active
\npartner of the EU Delegation as it takes forward our shared objectives in the Pacific.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

A top UK priority in this region and globally is Climate Change. Like Fiji and other Pacific Island
\nNations, we are pressing for an ambitious, legally binding deal at the Paris Conference in
\nDecember. With our EU partners we have committed to 40% emission reductions by 2020. At
\nthe G7 this week we pledged to even higher emission reductions by 2050 and to work towards
\na zero-carbon world by the end of the century. The UK has committed \u00a3720 million to the
\nGreen Climate Fund, to help developing countries adapt to climate change and go low-carbon.
\nAs my Prime Minister said last year, \u201cman-made climate change is one of the most serious
\nthreats that our country and the world faces. It is our duty to act.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Her Majesty\u2019s Government is pleased that Fiji has resumed its links with the Commonwealth,
\nin which we want Fiji to play a leading role. I am glad that the Prime Minister plans to travel to
\nMalta in November for the CHOGM, and I am excited about the opportunities available to Fiji.
\nThe Attorney General recently travelled to London for the Commonwealth Cyber Forum, Fijian
\njudges attended the Commonwealth Law Conference, and I hope that Fiji will rejoin the
\nCommonwealth Parliamentary Association soon.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

In the security field, I welcome my new Defence Advisor, Commander Burlingham, who will
\nhelp take our defence and security relationship forward. In November we brought instructors
\nfrom the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to deliver courses here. We recently organized in
\nNadi a regional course on Economic Exclusion Zones, and we are working with the RFMF and
\nFiji Police on various new projects. Military sporting ties have resumed \u2013 two British forces
\nnetball teams visited recently, and found the Fijian ladies to be formidably strong! In the
\nother direction, an RFMF team will head to England for a military rugby competition in
\nOctober. I know that the British Army and Royal Navy teams include some Fijian boys, so
\nperhaps those games will be more even!<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Ties created by those who serve and have served the Crown in the British armed forces remain
\nvery special – ties of honour, and blood. I was pleased that a few months ago the Prime
\nMinister opened the British Forces Welfare Centre, which benefits current and ex-servicemen
\nand women, and their families. My thanks to Royal British Legion Fiji and BRISFAF for their
\nsupport through the year – and to Major Jim Hall \u2013 who is working in the UK this week.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

I wanted to touch on a few points with a cultural theme. In the UK we believe that culture is
\nintegral to our society, and to our success in the world. It feeds our education system, our
\ntalent for creativity, our innovation in science, our entrepreneurial spirit, and our love of sport.
\nYou will see some of our GREAT campaign banners around the room picking up those themes.
\nI would argue that cultural creativity is equally vital for the Pacific Nations including Fiji. You
\nhave rich traditions that support your tourism and your fashion industry. Your culture could
\nbe channelled in other ways too.
\n.
\nIn honour of tonight\u2019s cultural theme I would like to recognise Alice Hill, of Hot Glass Fiji, who
\ncreated the glass art work \u2013 the driftwood lamp – in the hallway. Alice is a British artist living
\nand working in Sigatoka. Her work, inspired by the colours and beauty of Fiji, is certified Fijian
\nMade \u2013 and contributes to the tourism and fashion industries. She also mentors a young Fijian
\nartist, Pita Vibose, a real talent for the future. Alice is a living example of the value of cultural
\nindustries. As well as featuring her work tonight, we were glad to host a successful public
\nexhibition of her work last week.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Continuing the cultural theme I salute the recent winner of an award for Commonwealth Short
\nStories \u2013 Mary Rokonadravu from Fiji. Her work is thought-provoking, relevant and finally
\ngetting the recognition that Pacific authors deserve.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Some of you were at USP on Monday, to see the Globe Theatre company perform Hamlet. I
\nthought it was amazing, full of energy and very moving. To celebrate Shakespeare\u2019s 400th
\nAnniversary they are taking Hamlet to every country in the world. Fiji was country #105 on
\ntheir tour, Tuvalu yesterday was #106. If you missed them in Suva, they will be in Samoa,
\nSolomon Islands, Kiribati and Tonga this month. [My thanks to Fiji Police for the loan of four
\nswords \u2013 which were thankfully undamaged after the climactic fight scene].
\nThis month Fiji\u2019s own Oceania Dance Group is in Norway, Scotland, and then Belgium to
\nperform for the European Parliament and Commission. Their performance of Ala Moana: The
\nRising of the Seas, will amaze and delight audiences, and help galvanize opinion to take action
\non Climate Change. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Today marks 100 days to the start of the Rugby World Cup 2015. Fiji will of course play a
\nstarring role in the first match against hosts England. I hope you have cleared your diaries and
\nthat some of you have secured tickets. I would like to mention a young Fijian lad who will be
\nthere at Twickenham on 18 September. His name is Manueli Rauqeuqe. Manueli won a DHL
\ncompetition, and he will carry onto the pitch the first matchball \u2013 and then watch the match
\nwith his mother. As most of you know, I will struggle to remain neutral on 18 September \u2013 for
\nobvious reasons. Toso Viti.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

I also salute tonight a winner of the Queen\u2019s Young Leaders Award \u2013 Alzima Elisha Bano. Her
\ncommunity leadership in Fiji has been recognized and she heads to London soon to undertake
\na programme of training, mentoring and networking. She will also collect her award from Her
\nMajesty the Queen.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Almost 20,000 Britons visit Fiji every year. Amongst them I would highlight the several
\nhundred British volunteers who give their time and energy to communities in Fiji, working in
\nthe most remote areas and islands for months at a time. I have seen for myself, in Rewa and
\nKoro Island, the tremendous impact they have on local schools and communities, and I am
\nencouraging more UK universities to send volunteers here. Some of our volunteering
\norganisations are represented here tonight: Think Pacific, Projects Abroad UK and Lattitude.
\nI also commend the work of other British universities, civil society groups and charities for
\neverything they do in Fiji. Physionet UK continue to send equipment for disabled people,
\nworking with their partners in the Fiji Spinal Injuries Association. Margaret and David Long at
\nChildren of Fiji continue to support kindergartens and other educational projects. Top British
\nUniversities like UCL and Imperial College are collaborating with USP and other partners to
\ndevelop technologies and approaches to fight climate change. Pacific specialists from St
\nAndrews and East Anglia are working on EU programmes to develop more joint research
\nbetween Europe and the Pacific.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

These are just a few examples of the cultural ties that sustain vital people-to-people links
\nbetween Britain and Fiji. There are many more.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

I am pleased to say the British Government is doing more to support exchanges in education.
\nOur official scholarship scheme, Chevening, has tripled in size for the Pacific. My team
\nrecently completed interviews in Suva and 17 young Pacifikers will go to the UK in September
\nto start Masters Studies in various fields. 7 of the 17 are young Fijians, the others hail from
\nPapua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. We believe this is the best investment we
\ncan make in the future leadership of the Pacific \u2013 just as past scholars have gone on to become
\nleaders in their fields.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

A quick plug for Social Media. If you want to know more about what we are doing, check us
\nout on Facebook – ukinthesouthpacific. Or follow me on Twitter – @RoddyDrummond. We
\ntry to show we are doing across 10 countries – and we will reply to comments or questions.
\nYasmin and I owe a real debt of gratitude to all Suva High Commission staff for their support
\nover the year – and for the preparations for tonight\u2019s event. Thank you all, and a welcome to 3
\nnew members of the team, for whom this is their first QBP.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Before offering you the Toast, and to give you time to charge your glasses, I must mention our
\nevent sponsors. There are three, each important members of the private sector in Fiji \u2013 and
\noutstanding examples of the kind of world class companies that I want to see more of
\noperating in Fiji.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

Firstly, thanks to Vodafone, the leading British telecom provider. The UK\u2019s most recognizable
\nbrand, the 2nd largest telecom company in the world, and No1 in Fiji. I was impressed this
\nyear to see them expand in this region, and sustain the highest levels of service in Fiji. They
\nare also key sponsors of Fiji sport, with an active community programme.
\nSecondly, DHL, with whom Rugby World Cup are working very closely to help deliver – excuse
\nthe pun – the spectacle of sport in England and Wales later this year.
\nLastly, Landrover. An iconic British product. You can see parked on my lawn a stylish Range
\nRover Evoque, alongside my Discovery flag car. Bob Niranjan tells me that the new Discovery
\nSport is coming soon \u2013 I myself will visit JLR\u2019s world class factory near Liverpool in July, to see
\nthe Disco Sport and Evoque being made.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

My thanks again to all three sponsors, fine examples of GREAT British businesses, innovation
\nand world class service.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\n

And vinaka vaka levu to the Fiji Shangri La Resort for their very fine cake.
\nTo conclude, I would ask you to join me in the Toast.
\nI give you, the President, the Government and the People of the Republic of Fiji.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

High Commissioner Roderick Drummond’s speech at the Queen’s Birthday Party<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[13],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57922"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=57922"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/57922\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=57922"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=57922"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mostafa.openonline.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=57922"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}