Countries lack understanding on role of Commonwealth

THERE is a low level of understanding in countries of what the Commonwealth does.

British High Commissioner to Fiji Melanie Hopkins made the comments in Nadi last week during celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of the Commonwealth.

“There is a low level of understanding of the Commonwealth in all our countries. I’ve talked about efforts on climate change, oceans and human rights but explaining what the Commonwealth is and how it benefits its members is an ongoing challenge,” she said.

Ms Hopkins said the doubling of staff members at the British High Commission in Suva and the opening of three new missions in the Pacific allowed for Commonwealth family of nations to be connected.

New missions have been opened in Tonga, Vanuatu, Samoa and a new regional development counsellor has been appointed, based out of Suva.

“The UK wants to play an active role in this connected Commonwealth.”