An expensive affair

While there was much said at the Melanesian Spearhead Group meeting, there was also a lot said about the meeting. For example, what many expected would be a time of intense and constructive discussion and delib eration, was perceived by many as an excuse for a very expensive holiday, if the programme was anything to go by. Of the three full and two half days the 11th MSG summit was scheduled over, only two hours and 55 minutes was allocated to for mal talks, according to the programme. The meeting, according to official figures, is costing the Fiji government a whooping $F252,054 ($U5175,000) although only $F50,000 ($U534,500) was initially budgeted for. This was estimated in the 1997 bud get estimates.

The organising committee approached government seeking an additional $F70,151 ($U548,500) from parliament, which was approved. Flowever, this was still short of the $F252,054. It is expected the remaining costs will be absorbed by other ministries and departments. Last-minute events saw a reduction in numbers of the parliament secre tarial team assigend to cover the meeting because of escalating costs.

According to newspaper reports, this became necessary after their budget was reduced from $F20,000 (SUS 13,800) to SFBOOO (SUSSSOO). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Suva, Fiji, however, said it was glad with the outcome of the meeting, rejecting claims that the event was little more than a picnic for leaders. It was a chance, a ministry spokesperson said, for Fiji to display its hospitality. ■

A moment of relaxation