MSG CELEBRATES 37TH ANNIVERSARY IN PORT VILA, VANUATU

Chief Guest, Chairman of the MSG and Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Honourable Jotham Napat stated, “we have come a long way and proven many sceptics wrong in thinking that our Organisation would not last long”.

He reiterated a comment by one of the founders of the MSG, Rt Hon. Ezekiel Alebua of Solomon Islands, who had said, “no one could have imagined, then, that what had started off as a small pressure group within the Pacific Islands Forum, could transform into an important and strategic regional grouping with an established Secretariat in the region”.

“Historically, the original issues that galvanized the idea to establish the MSG was to help crusade for the emancipation of the Kanaks in New Caledonia from colonialism and their push to re-enlist New Caledonia on the UN Committee on Decolonization List of Non Self Governing Territories, denouncement of nuclear testing and pushing for the establishment of the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone Treaty, promotion and protection of our Melanesian culture and tradition and, against all odds, nurture the belief that free trade among all MSG Members through the Melanesian Tree Trade Agreement was possible.

“In Trade, no one could have imagined then, that what had started off in the Melanesian Free Trade Agreement with only three (3) items; Tea from Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands Canned Tuna and Vanuatu Beef, could now have more than a thousand trading tariff items,” he said.

Hon. Napat said, “I can proudly state that the MSG Free Trade Agreement is the only successful free trading agreement, amongst members of a sub-region, in the entire Pacific Region to date”.

This trade-in-goods only agreement he said, will soon be succeeded with a Melanesian Free Trade Agreement (MFTA) that includes the services sector, to allow for such things as Skills Movement, sharing of educational services, and cross border investments.

“However, its needs total commitment by the Membership. Fellow Melanesians, we should be proud that the MSG Trade Agreement is the only Trade Arrangement that is currently operational in the region.”

Acting Director General of the MSG Secretariat, Ilan Kiloe said today is a day to celebrate the vision set forth by the founding fathers of Melanesia, who recognised that despite diverse cultures, traditions, and languages, it is possible to unite for a common destiny, ignited by the passion to safeguard, protect, empower and to serve the people of Melanesia.

“With the fitting theme of the MSG Day this year, which is “Empowering Melanesia”, we at the Secretariat continue to firmly believe in our Leaders’ vision, as encapsulated in the ‘Six Agreed Principles of Cooperation’.

“The MSG 2038 Prosperity for All Plan’ approved by the Leaders in 2016, perfectly summarised our vision in the following manner, and I quote, An MSG community that is strong, integrated, Enlighted, happy, prosperous, secure and caring.’”

He noted that currently, without a permanent office due to the earthquake damage, the Secretariat Staff have been quietly working from various locations, including from the MSG Official residence at Bellevue and the “Nasara” next to the MSG Office.

This predicament he said, presents a perfect time to show our spirit of Melanesian resilience that had carried MSG over the years, and rise to the challenge, to make a difference.

ADG Kiloe also announced the concept of the “Haos blong Melanesia” that is currently being worked on by the Secretariat, which will be the new home of the MSG Secretariat – the embodiment of the MSG Vision.

“We look forward to combining efforts with the Membership and the Host Government on its reconstruction and if successful, it is envisaged that similar projects could also be implemented in strategic locations, including in member states where land is accorded by member governments,” he added.

The event was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation & External Trade, Hon Marc Ati; Speaker of Parliament, Stephen Dorrick; Australian High Commissioner, H.E. Max Willis, former President of Vanuatu, Kalkot Mataskelekele, senior Government officials and other dignitaries.