Letters

Paradise Journalism

Apropos of Michael Field’s article “Paradise journalism is a farce” in your January 2000 issue.

I believe Michael Field misses the point.

To illustrate: A young Tongan man enters a kava party without noticing that he has stood on some dog waste.

In the kava circle there is a local village chief, the village “faifekau” (church minister), a young “tou’a” (unmarried woman who mixes the kava), and a good mix of male villagers.

As soon as it is determined that the source of the stink is the young man with dog waste on his foot, he will be addressed thus: “Young man.

It seems that in your haste to join our kava circle, you failed to notice that your foot is injured.

“Please go and have it treated.”

Being a sharp young man he immediately replies. “Please forgive me.

In my eagerness to get here and drink from the hands of the beautiful “tou’a” I failed to notice the broken glass.

“I shall leave immediately for the hospital for treatment.”

He makes a swift exit.

It is not that islanders avoid reality. Only we address reality in a way that, in the final analysis, is conducive to a society that is tolerant and is respectful of each individual’s “face”.

In that context I am not surprised that His Majesty the King of Tonga has not invited Mr Field to his kava circle.

Then again, I am surprised that His Majesty has not put a “fatwa” on Mr Field’s nose!

Lopeti Senituli Suva Fiji Whol lies ahead for Ihe Pacific

region?

I refer to the article by Noel Levi, secretary general of the South Pacific Forum in your January issue.

As one who is actively involved in attempting to attract overseas investments to Forum Group countries, one has to be realistic as to what these countries have to offer potential investors who require a safe and reasonable return on their investment.

Without doubt the greatest potential for each and every country in the group is the tourism industry, with some countries better

situated than others to take advantage of this. Other major industries such as garment manufacturing and fish canning also have the ability to attract investment and provide opportunities for local workers.

However, most countries in the group do not know how to correctly promote themselves or attract overseas investment and until they do, they will not advance their economies or provide meaningful employment for their people at the rates they desire.

Philip M Levy

Management consultant

Brisbane Australia

Media symbolism ... Pacific journalism differs from its western counterpart