Founding Members

David Downes was a Volunteer in the first Peace Corps Fiji group (1967-1969). He taught English at Navua High School and edited “SA!”, the PCV newsletter. He was then on the PC staff from 1970 to 1985 as a trainer, recruiter, selection/placement officer, South Pacific Regional Program Officer (based in Suva), policy/planning and program analyst, and senior management staff member. David, a founding member and former president of the Friends of Fiji board of directors, is retired and lives with his wife Willa (also a Fiji 1 RPCV) in Fairfax, VA.

Jim Reierson was a Fiji PCV in Group XVII. He taught Physics in the School of Natural Resources at the University of the South Pacific in Suva from 1973 to 1975 and helped set up satellite communications for USP distance learning. At close of service in 1975 Jim and Polly were married in Suva and then settled in Arlington, VA. Jim is a founding member of Friends of Fiji. He is a retired physicist/engineer.

Cynthia Grant was a Fiji IX volunteer from 1971-1975. Cynthia was assigned to Koro Junior Secondary School, Lelean Memorial School, Nuasori as a Math teacher. She is currently residing in Washington, DC. Cynthia is a founding member of Friends of Fiji.