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.
Magalie TINGAL
Suva - September 2011
