Traditional ceremony performed for force commander
A FIJIAN traditional welcome ceremony was accorded to the Multinational Force and Observers force commander, New Zealand Defence Force Major General Evan Williams by Fijian soldiers at South Camp, Egypt last week.
Maj-Gen Williams has replaced Australian Defence Force Major General Simon Stuart after three years of distinguished leadership.
He said he was honoured to be welcomed with the veiqaraqaravi vakavanua.
“A very poignant special moment for me,” he said.
“I’m deeply privileged, deeply honoured and deeply touched.
“As many of you know I spent a number of my best years in Fiji growing up in your beautiful country.”
He said his father was a former chief of staff of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.
“I have many fond memories and they are favourite memories of my time there as a child.
“I still have a vivid memory of my father’s veiqaraqaravi vakavanua in the old Silver Dragon shed in Queen Elizabeth Barracks.
“It was 1978, and I was 12 years old and never did I feel or did I ever think that many years later that I would be welcomed in such a moving and privileged fashion.”
Maj-Gen Williams has also had the pleasure of working alongside members of the RFMF and other agencies.
“When I was a company commander in East Timor, I had a Fijian platoon working with me for the bulk of my tour and obviously now I have the privilege and pleasure of commanding a force that includes a Fijian contingent.”
He said Fiji had proudly contributed to the MFO since 1982.
“I would like to acknowledge that this contingent is made up by members from not only the army but also navy and as we have seen we have members from the police force and the Fijian corrections service.
“You have been able to serve throughout the changing environment that is the MFO, that is the Sinai.”