USIS in Suva closes

The US Embassy announced in October that the US Information Service (USIS) will end programmes from its Suva office effective November 1, 1995, because of US Government budget reductions this fiscal year. USIS Suva serviced Fiji, Tonga, Tuvalu, Nauru and the French South Pacific territories.

USIS activities in Suva and around the world are being curtailed as a result of

efforts in Washington to reduce deficit spending and make progress toward a balanced budget. Many other US Government agencies and programmes, foreign and domestic, are facing cutbacks. USIS Port Moresby is not affected by this announcement. To minimise inconvenience, participants in ongoing USIS educational and cultural exchanges will be authorised to complete their programmes, but no new

applications will be considered.

USIS Suva staff members have been advised of the closure. They are covered by the embassy’s standard redundancy

plan.

The closure affects USIS programmes only. Other offices at the embassy remain in operation and will continue to maintain close US relations with Fiji and other South Pacific nations.