Permanent Representative of Fiji to the United Nations, H.E. Peter Thomson, and his wife Marijcke, visited Utah as guests of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Utah Valley University (UVU) on 5-8 December, 2015.
Ambassador Thomson and his wife met with Latter-day Saint leader Elder David S. Baxter of the First Quorum of the Seventy, a former president of the Church in the Pacific Area. The couple also met with Utah’s Lt. Governor, Spencer Cox.
Their visit included tours of Church sites such as Welfare Square, Temple Square, and the 21,000-seat Conference Centre. They were also welcomed by members of Utah’s Fiji community.
Associate Vice President of Utah Valley University, Rusty Butler, said, “They bonded immediately with students, Church and government leaders, as well as with the community. What a delightful experience for us in Utah to know them and learn more about Fiji.”
During their visit, Ambassador Thomson lectured at the university, for which he was appointed “Honorary Professor” by the Provost.
Ambassador Thomson’s university lecture highlighted the history of Fiji and the challenges of Small Island Developing States (SIDS, a UN term).
At the Fiji community welcome reception and dinner held at the university, the Ambassador and Mrs Thomson were warmly greeted by UVU president, Matthew Holland, and many Utah residents with Pacific connections. President Holland is the son of Latter-day Saint Apostle, Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.
During the event, cultural performances were presented by Pacific Islander and other students.
After the visit, Butler said, “Ambassador Thomson and his lovely wife are among the most gracious and loving dignitaries Utah has hosted.”