Tongan National Becomes First Pacific Fulbright Scholar in over a decade

27 year old Tongan national Mr. Siale Bain-Vete has been chosen as the Pacific’s first Fulbright scholar in more than a decade. He was chosen after a competitive process for the Fulbright Scholarship program announced by the U.S. Embassy in Suva in 2008.  Three more South Pacific Islanders will also receive Fulbright Scholarships for study this academic year. (more)

Closing Dates for Consular Section

This is to inform the public that the Consular Section will be closed on the following dates/day:  Therefore, no Consular/Visa services will be rendered to the public on these days.

June 19 (Friday - 1:00-3:00pm)
July 1 (Wednesday - 2:00-5:00pm)
July 17 (Friday)
August 4 & 5 (Tuesday & Wednesday)
August 21 (Friday)

United States Views on Democracy and Fiji

On June 4, in a speech broadcast to the world from Cairo, President Barack Obama said:

"No system of government can or should be imposed upon one nation by any other...each nation gives life to this principle in its own way, grounded in the traditions of its own people. America does not presume to know what is best for everyone, just as we would not presume to pick the outcome of a peaceful election...all people yearn for certain things: the ability to speak your mind and have a say in how you are governed; confidence in the rule of law and the equal administration of justice; government that is transparent and doesn’t steal from the people; the freedom to live as you choose. Those are not just American ideas, they are human rights, and that is why we will support them everywhere... (more)

United States implements WCPFC tuna conservation commitments

The United States Government has published in The Federal Register Proposed Rules with respect to its fishing fleet that implement recent decisions of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC).  The regulation (Western and Central Pacific Fisheries for Highly Migratory Species: Fishing Restrictions and Observer Requirements in Purse Seine Fisheries for 2009-2011 and Turtle Mitigation Requirements in Purse Seine Fisheries) covers the use of fish aggregation devices, high seas pocket closure, 100 percent observer coverage and other important conservation measures that WCPFC members, including the United States, agreed to at the most recent meeting of the Commission in Busan, South Korea in December 2008. (more)

Notice to Americans on H1N1 Influenza:

The US Centers for Disease Control is presently assisting the World Health Organization and Mexican Ministry of Health in responding to this public health concern.  Information concerning swine flu and the epidemiological investigation underway can be found at www.cdc.gov/swineflu.  Additional information on swine flu and pandemic influenza can be accessed through www.pandemicflu.gov. (more)