President of the Republic of Fiji, His Excellency Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, officiated at the commissioning of Fiji’s High Commissioner Designate to the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Jackson Bernard Nato Evans, at the State House today.
President Katonivere congratulated High Commissioner Evans on his diplomatic appointment and wished him well in the new role.
Mr. Evans, a decorated military officer with over 35 years of service, brings significant experience to this position.
Before his current appointment, he was reappointed in 2011 as the Director of Force Development and Strategic Command at the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF). He also served as the Commanding Officer (Battalion Commander) of the 1st Battalion, Fiji Infantry Regiment, in Iraq in May 2007.
His distinguished military career includes serving as the Chief Staff Officer for Force Development at RFMF Headquarters in 2006, and he was promoted to Colonel in 2008.
Among his achievements, Mr. Evans has been awarded the MFO Peacekeeping Medal for his service in Egypt, as well as the Multinational Forces Commanders Command Medal for Exemplary Leadership on two occasions—in November 1999 and May 2000.
The ceremony was attended by the Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Lesikimacuata Korovavala, and his close family.
