Action, not

Editorial

Action, not mere words

May saw a gathering in Fiji of Melanesian leaders for the 11th sum mit of the MSG. Overriding all other

issues affecting the region, of primary

concern at the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting was the need to turn

the region into an important and viable economic force.

Much was made of the words “solidari ty”, “unity” and “cooperation” - of the need for these small island states to put up a joint front in tackling the region’s dwin dling economy. And much was said about common misconceptions about the region.

According to Fiji’s minister for foreign

affairs, Filipe Bole, perceptions that we are small, isolated and lacking in natural resources are nothing more than fallacies and do not stand in the way of attaining economic success.

Any steps that are taken towards gen uinely achieving this end would be most commendable. However, mere rhetoric will not see results. The MSG meeting was a chance for Melanesian leaders to put

their heads together and, through construc tive discussion, to identify the problems and solutions in this area of the Pacific. It was not a time for picknicking.

Yet, at least according to the itinerary for the summit, just under three hours was allocated to formal talks over the four-day event. The rest of the time was taken up with travelling and receptions, with an entire day spent visiting the Fijian prime minister’s home village.

In his speech to foreign ministers before the MSG proper, Bole was very vocal in his optimism about the region. But the proof of the pudding is, after all, in the tastmg.

It is all very well to expound the virtues of trade over aid, to reject criticism as ignorant because it comes from outside the

region. But, let’s face it, the Pacific is not doing so well economically.

As Fiji Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said, with the end of the Cold War,' the Pacific is no longer strategi cally important to the powers that be.

What does the Pacific have to offer?

Tourism? Asia offers better beaches and more cultural variety at a cheaper cost.

Labour? We cannot boast large popula tions and cheap manpower.

It is not good enough merely to say there is potential in the region. Sweeping statements are not enough. We must iden tify exactly what our advantages are and work on them. And island leaders must

lead by example.

What hope is there if our leaders dis play the height of poor planning and inef ficiency? It was, after all, Bole’s foreign affairs department which went way over the $F50,000 budget in organising the MSG summit in Fiji, spending over $F250,000. ■

• Special Report on page 12