Fourth of July – Reminder of USA Friendship to the Pacific
The fourth of July is a day that serves to remind its citizens about the Declaration of Independence that was adopted on July 4, 1776.
The United States Embassy in Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu observe this day to also celebrate its partnership with Fiji and the Pacific.
Last year, the USA Embassy hosted the 244th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence with Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama and the President of Fiji Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote.
The “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” title event highlighted the significance of the stars and stripes of the American flag.
This year due to COVID restrictions, staff and families of the USA Embassy in Fiji will mark USA independence day at their individual homes.
The United States and Fiji have a very special bond, based on partnership, peace and friendship.
COVID fight
USA Embassy in Suva have also made contributions towards Fiji’s fight with this COVID-19 pandemic.They have made several donations to help the Fijian Government battle with the virus.
They donated over FJ$50,000 (US$25,000) worth of locally sourced cold storage to the Government of Fiji to assist with the COVID-19
vaccination effort.
The vaccine donation was welcomed at Nadi International Airport by Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama.
Charge d’Affaires to United States Embassy in Suva, Tony Greubel said: “Fiji has done an admirable job keeping its population safe from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The United States is pleased to assist in this next phase of vaccinating Fiji’s adult population to allow for economic recovery as well.”
On May 20, the USA Government through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) responded to the Government of Fiji’s request for critical assistance needed to confront the evolving COVID-19 situation in Fiji.
These are some of several donations the USA Embassy has made towards Fiji’s fight with this COVID pandemic.
Education and Culture
The USA Government through the U.S Embassy
in Fiji also provides education and cultural programmes that allow individuals from the Pacific to participate.
One such successful programme is the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) which has helped provide trainings to women in the Pacific who run a small business.
Last year, USA Embassy Suva granted US$17,360 (FJ$36047.17) to the Women Entrepreneurs Business Council (WEBC) and Makoi Women’s Vocational Centre to implement AWE.
AWE graduation
This year in March, 92 women graduated from AWE showcasing Fiji’s diversity and strength.
Charge d’Affaires to United States Embassy in Suva, Tony Greubel said: “These entrepreneurs showcase Fiji’s diversity and strength. They represent a mix of ages, locations around Fiji, and business experience, but all made the most of this opportunity.
“The participants and facilitators have spent the last several months working together to learn vital business principals such as planning, marketing, and financial literacy.
“They made the time to invest in themselves. This investment will yield dividends for their businesses, families, and communities for years to come.”
The women who took part in AWE came from a range of backgrounds and levels of business expertise.