A strong Melanesia for a progressive Pacific

The next bi-annual Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders Summit (MSG) in 2013 to be held in Kanaky/New Caledonia provides the opportunity for Leaders to reaffirm their obligation towards MSG values and aspirations. This includes the inaugural opening of the first ever Melanesia Games in Kanaky and will complement the struggle towards self-determination and independence for the Kanak people.

The Special meeting of MSG Leaders in Nadi also announced the appointment of Mr Peter Forau from the Solomon Islands as the new Director General (DG) of the MSG Secretariat.
Mr Forau holds a Masters Degree in Development Assistance from the Australian National University (ANU).
Prior to his appointment, Forau worked with the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) and also served as Deputy Secretary General of the PIFS for five years.
He also served as Permanent Secretary for three Ministries in Solomon Islands, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs & External Trade.
Mr Forau replaces Mr Rima Ravusiro of Papua New Guinea whose contract expired on July 9, 2011.

Leaders also unanimously nominated Kaliopate Tavola of Fiji as their common candidate for the position of the PIFS Secretary General to replace Samoan Tuiloma Neroni Slade.

Mr Tavola was chosen even though Fiji is suspended of the Pacific Island Forum because of his experience as a regional trouble shooter.

He was a former minister of Foreign Affairs from 2000 to 2006 in the Qarase Government and the ambassador for Fiji to the European Union based in Brussels. He’s an economist, diplomat and politician by profession and is widely appreciated for his humble qualities and professionalism.

This nomination reflects the strong commitment by MSG Leaders to bring all Pacific Islands Nations together. His experience in the wide international arena will be a credit not only for MSG countries but the Pacific family of Nations.

MSG members countries also signed the MSG Framework Treaty on the Protection of Traditional Knowledge and Expression of Culture. A historical and symbolic document for MSG countries because it is founded on the principles of respect for and promotion of its Melanesian cultures, traditions and values and for its defence and promotion of independence as the inalienable right of indigenous peoples of Melanesia. 

The recent “Engaging with the Pacific” (EWTP) meeting clearly demonstrated that Pacific Islanders with a clear determination and aggressive undertaking can make changes. That week alone Leaders from eleven Pacific countries (from the PSIDS) endorsed a list of commitments.

EWTP also expressed full support for French Polynesia / Tahiti Nui on the UN Decolonisation Committee’s list as the first step of the process of self determination at the international level.

Magaly TINGAL

Suva Fiji

September 2011