After spending eight years working in Nabua as the Director General for the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, Dr Jimmie Rodgers finally bid goodbye to the place he has now called his "second home".
The outgoing Director General and his wife Elizabeth were officially farewelled by the Fijian Government at Boron House in Suva recently.
Fiji’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, in farewelling Dr Rodgers, highlighted his outstanding contribution as the head of one of the region's largest and oldest regional organisation.
The Minister congratulated and commended Dr Rodgers for his leadership and his contribution within the region in the past eight years.
In response, Dr Rodgers thanked the Fijian Government for their support towards the SPC and towards him during his leadership tenure.
“SPC wouldn’t be what it is without your support,” he said.
In his statement, Dr Rogers requested the Fijian Government to continue rendering their support to his successor and close friend Dr Colin Tukuitonga. Dr Rodgers added he was confident that Dr Tukuitonga would take the SPC to new heights.
Dr Rogers also expressed his gratitude to the Fijian Government for according him an official farewell. He added that he would continue to visit Fiji, as a second home, as his wife Elizabeth is from Lautoka.
His Excellency the President, Ratu Epeli Nailatikau was among senior Government Officials, Ministers, Members of the Diplomatic Corp and those from Regional Organizations who were there to farewell Dr Rodgers.
(Photo Attached. To view the video of this event, click on: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=poH1e35X2Ag&feature=c4-overview&list=UU9Pfc-hXNn3uPINx-U-lcng)
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