REMARKS: DSG Esala Nayasi at SG Waqa Welcome Ceremony

Excellencies
Ladies and Gentlemen

Bula vinaka to you all

Firstly, I with to take this time to acknowledge the presence of the Prime Minister of Fiji, Hon Sitiveni Rabuka - I thank you Sir for availing yourself to be with us today. It speaks volume of your commitment to the region and the work of your Secretariat.

I acknowledge the presence of our Members, represented here by Heads of Missions and Senior Officials

I also recognize the presence of representatives of our CROP Agencies

I acknowledge the presence of our representatives of the Diplomatic Community

Families of the Forum

Ladies and Gentlemen

Ni sa bula vinaka

On behalf of our team and family here at PIFS, let me take this time to welcome you to the Secretariat and to this event.

Secretary General, and Mrs Waqa

Last week we welcomed you as the Secretariat, today we welcome you as part of the greater Forum Family.

Today we acknowledge your leadership, recognise your achievements, and we congratulate you on your appointment as Secretary General.  

I take this time to thank you all for blessing us with your presence today and we are grateful for the opportunity to be at this special event.

We have a brief but significant program this afternoon and before I ask Reverend Waiena Arebeta to lead us with a word of prayer, I now ask that we take a moment of silence to remember NC and PNG.

Without further ado,  I now ask Reverend Arebeta to Lead us with a word prayer.