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18 July 2010 : The Tri Service Fiji Support Network is Up and Running

A Tri Service Fiji Support Network (FSN) has been launched. Its aim is to act as a conduit on policy, information delivery and dialogue between the MoD and Fijians serving in the UK Armed Forces.

Specifically the FSN would be the signpost for the Fijian community on policies, information and regulations that affect them as Foreign & Commonwealth (F&C) Servicemen. The organisation is also willingly ready to offer advice to existing welfare organisations such as the Families Federation, SSAFA, Community Support, Unit Welfare Offices and the Chain of Command with regards to any specific Fijian cultural and protocol issues.

It is a social network which can be used effectively by Fijian Servicemen and their families in exchanging best practice and allowing the community to be particularly expressive, taking away any ambiguity about welfare issues that directly affect them in order to seek advice on the appropriate way forward. In essence the FSN will be the sounding board for the Community and the Chain of Command. It will not replicate the functions of the existing Welfare Organisations but is there to assist wherever possible and seek to work hand in hand with any organisation in addressing Fijian issues.

The FSN is led by Maj Mike Nawaqaliva and representatives from the three Services who effectively make up the FSN Committee. Plans over the next few months include briefing the Fijian Service Communities in the UK and Germany and a setting up a website which will be the main medium of communication in spreading the word to the Fijian Community.

President of the FSN, Major Mike Nawaqaliva RLC said,

     "The launch was a historic event in the sense it formalised the dream that some of us have in ensuring that Fijian Servicemen and their families are fully aware of what is made available to them and what is currently being planned for the future.

      "We are at an era where some of our children are following our footsteps into the Armed Forces or going on for higher education at University level and beyond. We have come to a gap where the older generation need to build bridges for those that will follow us."

The points of contact are:

Major Maikali (Mike) Nawaqaliva RLC

Tel: 94873 2773 (Mil) +49 (0) 5241 732773 (Civ),

Email: 24RLC-98-OC@mod.uk

Flight Lieutenant Toga Loco RAF

Tel: 95561 4636 (Mil) 01902 704636 (Civ)

Email: 30008287@cosford.raf.mod.uk

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