HISTORY

Counterstroke Fiji was the brainchild of the late Commander Stanley Brown (First Commander of the Fiji Navy, and himself a stroke survivor), the late Dr Jona Baravilala Senilagakali, the late Dr Macu Salato, and Phillippa McGowan (a Scottish Occupational Therapist). Counterstroke Fiji was registered under the Charitable Trusts Act (Cap. 67) through a “Certificate of Incorporation” on 5 December, 1988. Commander Brown, Dr Jona, and Phillippa McGowan were the first Trustees. Former Presidents of Counterstroke Fiji include the late Dr Jona, the late Sr Molly O’Connor and the late Mrs Chris Saumaiwai. We salute them for their dedication and commitment to volunteerism through Counterstroke Fiji.

Counterstroke Fiji, until 1995, was housed in rented accommodation, which used up funds that could have been used to support stroke survivors, and advocate for prevention. In 1994 the Fiji Government adopted the “Fiji National Council for Persons with Disabilities Act” and the Fiji National Council for Persons with Disabilities was established. In 2005 a Complex at 3 Brown St was inaugurated by the then Prime Minister, Mr Laisenia Qarase to house Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and Disability Service Providers (DSPs), who were members of the Fiji National Council for Persons with Disabilities (FNCDP). On 10 January 2010 the name was changed from “Qarase House” to “FNCDP Complex”, and after the 1994 FNCDP Act was repealed and replaced in 2018, with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, it became and remains the “National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) Complex”.

Over the decades Counterstroke Fiji has been beholden to the many volunteers who have committed their time and resources to providing stroke survivors, their families, and especially their carers, with advice, training, and other services. Its most consistent and appreciated service has been the weekly “Talkshop” session which runs from 10am to 12 noon every Thursday from February to November. At present it is convened at the NCPD Complex Conference Room. We always welcome volunteers to help us on Thursdays, and of course financial support to provide attendees with testing for blood sugar, blood pressure, and weight management, along with a small, healthy plate of refreshments and a cup of tea or coffee at the end. Please do feel free to donate (through our bank account or MPAISA).