Face of Nation : An Australian woman has allegedly been murdered in Fiji and her husband is reportedly in hospital. Local media has reported that mother-of-three Jennifer Downes, who worked for the United Nations’ World Food Program (WFP) in the Fijian capital of Suva, was found dead in her home on Tuesday.
Her husband Henry Lusaka John, an Australian citizen originally from Congo, is being treated at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital after he was found seriously injured at the home. Police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro told the Fiji Sun newspaper they were treating the case as an alleged murder.
An Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman has confirmed consular assistance was being provided to the family of an Australian woman who died in Fiji.
The United Nations (UN) said it was aware of the “tragic death”. “The UN closely collaborates with national law enforcement authorities in Fiji in following up on this case,” a deputy spokesperson for the secretary-general said.
Ms Downes, who was known professionally as Jenna Lusaka, had worked as a logistics officer for the WFP in the Pacific since 2017 after beginning her career in Congo.A spokesperson said the WFP was “saddened by the sudden passing of our dear colleague”.
“Jenna and her team had worked tirelessly to bring logistics tools and knowledge to the communities in the Pacific islands, helping them prepare for and respond to natural disasters,” the spokesperson said.
“For Jenna, logistics was more than just a job. It was a passion that she pursued with unmatched dedication and professionalism.
“She will be forever missed by our WFP family. Our thoughts are with Jenna’s children and loved ones during this difficult time.” Ms Downes was described as having a “good-humoured nature” and zest for her role as logistics officer in a World Food Programme interview from 2018.
She pursued logistics in the humanitarian sector after being involved in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games and spent half a decade working in Congo.
“I’ve worked in humanitarian logistics in both Vanuatu and Australia, while also giving birth to my three beautiful children,” she said in the interview.”Being a mum to three kids under four has only enhanced my logistics capacities … They’re really proud of their mamma which makes it even more worthwhile.”
She said that, despite the challenges, working across countries was “amazing” and she loved her job.
