At least 60 Fijian men and women are employed as fire marshals at the UN COP26 Scottish Exhibition Campus complex.
Over the past two weeks, anyone with Fijian roots could easily identify the Fijian smile – even behind the mandatory face mask.
The ‘Bula’ greeting that often follow is a giveaway.
Most of the 60 are former British Army soldiers based in England, Ireland and some from as far as Wales.
The opportunity to be part of the biggest climate change meeting in the world emerged through established networks.
Timoci Lacanidakuiviti of Yanuca, Moturiki (left), Kameli Ramasima from Naiserelagi, Ra, and Ilimotama Torau who hails from
Vanuadina, Tailevu. Photo: Rosi Doviverata
Ilimotama Torau from Vanuadina, Tokatoka, Tailevu resides in Edinburgh with his wife and two children. He joined the British Army in 2001, but left the Force in 2012.
“Working in this COP 26 is history for us, working in a historic event like this – where we get to see and meet some world leaders.
“Most of them we only see on telly. But to meet them face to face was an honour.”
As fire marshals, the team ensures that the environment within the Scottish Exhibition Campus are safe and secure for delegates.
“Without the safety and without the fire checks we have to do, I believe this event will not go ahead. We have to do the checks every morning,” he said.
“We start from Zone 1 all the way up to VVIP.”
Mr Torau said the main focus was in the Blue Zone area where the plenaries and meeting rooms are located. Also a key area is the media room, VVIP and the UK UNFCCC area.
“If an alarm goes off, it goes up to the control board and they know exactly where the alarm came from and the team are delegated, in particular whoever is in charge of that zone.
“That’s why every zone has two to three personnel each.
“It makes it easy, easy for us and easy for those who are running the show to ensure the whole environment is a safe working area.”
The 60 fire marshals work closely with the local fire authorities.