Fijian Hospitality, Tradition Welcome Top Kiwi General

The new Multinational Force and Observers (MFO) Force Commander, Major-General Evan Williams of the New Zealand Defence Force, has a soft spot for Fiji.

He grew up here when his father was the Chief of Staff of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces.

“I have many fond memories and they are favourite memories of my time as a child. I still have a vivid memory of my fathers ‘Veiqaraqaravi Vaka Vanua’ 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.”

Major-General Williams was traditionally welcomed by members of the Fiji Infantry Regiment 2nd Battalion at South Camp, Egypt on Thursday (March 12, 2020).

He replaces Australian Defence Force Major-General Simon Stuart who relinquished command in December 2019 after three years.

Working with RFMF soldiers is nothing new for Major-General Williams.

“I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Fijian Military Forces and other agencies both with me and under my command.

“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. I’ve served with Fijians in courses and seminars.”

The MFO Force Commander did not fail to mention the privilege of undertaking the Nabukavesi exercise with members of the RFMF. At the time he was in a strategic relationship appointment working with the Chief of Defence of New Zealand and the line Minister.

“I had the pleasure of meeting some of the most impressive leaders that I had the opportunity to meet such as His Excellency Major General George Konrote, Brigadier General Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, your Minister Inia Seruiratu and your Chief of Defence Admiral Viliame Naupoto.

“All this has meant that throughout my life, I’ve held a soft spot for Fiji and have always enjoyed meeting people from Fiji and enjoyed working with and serving alongside and on the occasion when I had the pleasure and privilege to lead soldiers, sailors, officers, men and women of the RFMF that has left a lasting impression on me”

Major-General William commended Fiji’s efforts and commitment to the MFO since 1982.

He acknowledged that the Fiji contingent were not only members from the RFMF but also the Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Corrections Service.

“You have been able to serve throughout the changing environment that is the MFO, that is the Sinai. There’s been one thing consistent throughout is your professionalism and your dedication and you have added real value and everything that Fiji has contributed to this mission and if you just allow me to summarize my impressions of the Fiji contribution and I summarize it in five words - Personable, Respect, Passion, Pride and Professional.

“You have always and are always smiling, you are always polite, you are always cheerful and you are always respectful. You have true passion and pride in everything you do in the roles you play and the roles you undertake, you have pride and passion in your country and your culture.”

Major-General Williams also told the welcoming party of his brief encounter with Fijian personnel at the camp.

“I always enjoyed the uttermost respect and pleasant nature which you engage in as I enter into and exit camp. I always enjoy the passage of information up and down the ECP (Entry Control Point) “Naba Dua”. It took me a while to work out what it was but I had got it now.”

MFO is the longest standing peacekeeping mission in the region.

“I thank you for not only the contribution to the MFO but to peacekeeping at large and I know that your country is proud of you in your service as is your families and your friends,” Major-General Williams said.

Edited by Naisa Koroi

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