CDI Deputy Director Visits Fiji & Samoa
CDI Deputy Director, Quinton Clements, visited Fiji and Samoa from 21 to 25 November 2006. The primary purpose of Mr Clements' visit was to prepare for CDI's 8th annual Pacific Parliamentary Dialogue to be held in Samoa from 11 to 13 December 2006 and to discuss future co-operation with regional agencies.
In Suva, Mr Clements held discussions with the Secretary-General of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS), Mr Greg Urwin, and his staff on CDI's work in the region and the forthcoming Pacific Parliamentary Dialogue in Samoa. Mr Clements discussed the Dialogue with Ms Samantha Hung and Mr Lawrie Cremin of the PIFS, both of whom will be participating in the Dialogue. Mr Clements met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Pita Kewa Nacuva MP, and the Secretary-General to Parliament, Ms Mary Chapman, and discussed the Pacific Parliamentary Dialogue in Samoa, the CDI Responsible Parliamentary Government course and other possible areas in which CDI could support the Parliament of Fiji Islands. Mr Clements held a meeting with the two members of parliament nominated by the Speaker to attend the Pacific Parliamentary Dialogue, Hon. Asaeli Masilaca MP and Hon. Monica Raghwan MP. Mr Clements also met with Mr Garry Wiseman of the UNDP Pacific Sub Regional Centre and discussed areas for cooperation between CDI and the UNDP in strengthening parliaments in the region.
In Apia, Mr Clements met with the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Dr FETUAO Toia Alama, to discuss preparations for the Pacific Parliamentary Dialogue. Mr Clements also met with the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, Hon. TOLOFUAIVALELEI Falemoe Leiataua MP, and briefed him on the program and other arrangements for the Dialogue. Mr Clements met with and briefed the Hon. FIAME Naomi Mataáfa MP, Minister for Women, Community and Social Development, on this CDI activity and her keynote address to the Dialogue. Mr Clements also met with and briefed H.E. Phillip Allars, Australian High Commissioner to Samoa.
