Tribute to valued SPC colleague Losana McGowan

Suva

The staff of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) are shocked and saddened by the sudden loss of a valued Fijian colleague and friend, Ms Losana McGowan.

SPC extends its deepest condolences and sorrow to the family and close friends of Ms McGowan, an accomplished journalist, event manager and communications specialist.

Ms McGowan joined SPC in Suva in September 2014 to lead communications for the Building Safety and Resilience in the Pacific Project, a partnership initiative with the European Union covering 15 Pacific countries and territories.

In a short time, she earned the respect of her SPC colleagues, in particular within the Geoscience Division and SPC’s North Pacific Regional Office, as well as winning the trust of partners at the European Union and at the country-level.

While the circumstances of her death are being investigated by the police, Ms McGowan is understood to have passed away tragically over Easter following a violent incident.

Ms McGowan will be remembered as a dedicated and talented SPC staff member with a strong team spirit who regularly shared ideas, including as a valued member of an SPC-wide communication working group on climate change and disaster risk management.

Known for her generous and outgoing nature, Losana was someone who enjoyed helping people. A popular colleague, she was voted as the President of SPC’s Talanoa Social Club and recently led fundraising to support the people of Vanuatu affected by tropical cyclone Pam.

Losana will be greatly missed by everyone at SPC who knew her and had the pleasure of working closely with her.

She was 37.

SPC is in close contact with the McGowan family and has offered to assist with the funeral arrangements.

Media contact: Julie Marks, SPC Communications Director,  [email protected], +687 807 495

Photo: Akanisi Caginitoba

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