“I LOVE Fiji because of the way Fijians have embraced us into their family.”
This was the sentiment shared by newly-appointed United States ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga and Tuvalu, Joseph Cella.
“From the moment that we stepped off the aircraft with the Fijian singers at the airport and all the smiles of the staff, right through to the traditional welcome we were afforded by the US Embassy staff, we are so overwhelmed with the warmth, kindness and generosity of the people,” Mr Cella said.
Ambassador Cella said the first four weeks of his appointment would be spent getting to know the stakeholders and the people of Fiji.
“Being a very active and aggressive bridge-builder and public engager — the first 30 days will be very active public diplomacy with me, my wife Kristen and our children.
“It would include interlocutions with my counterparts in the Fijian Government and other colleagues that are here.
“There are some unique challenges but I think with those challenges come opportunities — whether its climate change to expanding trade and especially in the tourism industry.
“In the meantime — listening, learning and engaging and leading on the immediate priorities like climate change and drug and human trafficking would be the primary focus.”
Mr Cella arrived in the country last week together with his wife Kristen and children — Francesca, John Paul, Dominic, Rita Rose, Mariana, Anthony and Joseph.
He was sworn-in as Ambassador to Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Tonga, and Tuvalu on November 25.
He has more than 25 years of experience in public service, the private sector, and non-profit work.
