Singh talks about his tenure at the US Embassy

"Singh talks about his tenure at the US Embassy," fijitimes.com

Shalveen Chand
Sunday, September 18, 2016

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Nirmal Singh. Picture: SOPHIE RALULU

ON September 18, 1999, The Fiji Times had a picture of United States naval ships at the Suva Harbour, and pictured with the captain of the ship was the then media liaison officer for the US Embassy in Fiji, Nirmal Singh.

Mr Singh was keen to share his experience when contacted last week.

"My career at the American Embassy in Fiji spanned from 1989 to 2007 — a total of some 17 years of my life given to the Government and people of the United States," Mr Singh said.

"Starting as a librarian in 1989 and rising to the position of Political and Public Affairs Specialist and at the time of my departure from the embassy, I was the most senior local staff and had the privilege of working with five different Ambassadors — both political and career appointees.

"My work at the embassy also required me to oversee trade and investment section of the embassy as well and most ambassadors came with their mandate to increase trade and investment between the two countries and as well as promote democracy, human rights and rule of law.

"With the closure of United States Information Agency in Fiji in 1995 I also assumed the role of public diplomacy specialist and became the embassy spokesman and public affairs adviser to the ambassador and other senior diplomatic staff, which was very challenging as it required me to assist in promoting US foreign policies with the host government and to ensure that US Government has warm and cordial relations with the countries we served.

"For most part of my career at the embassy I was the first point of contact for the people and at times had to deal with very sensitive political issues to ensure that we always sustained good and friendly relations regardless of issues at hand.

"I have gone through two coups in Fiji during my tenure at the embassy and as a political specialist I was always under lot of pressure to make sure I give the right advice to the embassy officials and at times I had to differ with the views of diplomats because I always had to take into consideration the local implications and I am proud to say that, for the most part, various ambassadors appreciated my views and agreed with my approach."