British welcome their new Deputy High Commissioner

The British High Commission in Fiji introduced their newly appointed Deputy High Commissioner to Fiji, Paul Welsh to their partners yesterday. The Manchester gentleman from North England has been in the foreign service for 34 years to date and brings much experience and empowerment to the embassy. Prior to coming to Fiji, Mr Welsh served in Dublin, Ireland, as the head of its political team.

His first engagement yesterday was with the women’s group, ‘Soqosoqo vaka Marama’ in Suva. “I feel so much excitement and enthusiasm just being here,

“All though I have a lot of experience in political trade, consular, across the range of work of Deputy High Commission, I am very new to the Pacific and that’s just a reminder that we are all learning and I am very keen to learn about the Fijian culture and Fijian history,” Mr Welsh said.

“Engaging with women’s groups is going to be a big priority for me as it is for this high commission. You don’t have to be a woman to be interested in women’s empowerment, women’s rights and gender equality. It has to be a priority for all of us,”

Among the many strengths that Mr Welsh brings to the table; defence issues, management of the High Commission as the deputy high commission’s role will be his utmost responsibilities

Mr Welsh is optimistic and looks forward to plans of engagement with outer island communities. He is married and has two children. “In my experience it usually takes you four years to start to understand a country and then it’s time to leave,” he said.

“I see this as a tremulously exciting professional opportunity and a tremendously exciting personal opportunity for me and my family to grow up in a country like this.