TUVALU’S Minister of Infrastructure, Ampelosa Tehulu, has delivered an urgent appeal for support for the disability community amidst the escalating climate crisis.
Acknowledging the Pacific Disability Forum’s voice, he shared personal experiences to emphasise the importance of inclusivity in discussions about the Pacific plan.
“It reminds me of the Marshall Islands, where my friend comes from. It emphasises how difficult it can be to live with a disability, and I want to share this experience with my colleagues,’’ he said.
“My younger sister has a disability, but as I mentioned before, it’s hard to grasp truly. We may understand the theory, but experiencing the reality with our hearts is a completely different matter altogether.
“This leads me to question this blueprint or the Pacific plan we have. Does this plan genuinely address the key points? I greatly respect the effort, the ideas, and the conviction that we need a plan to progress in the context of Tuvalu.’’
Tehulu said the effects of climate change had gone beyond dangerous levels.
“I am concerned about the entire idea. I’m not saying we lack time, because we do have time, but I worry that we may not by tomorrow,’’ he said.
“Instead of waiting for our plan to be implemented, I think we should start working on ourselves. We shouldn’t wait for anyone else.”
Tehulu said Tuvalu and the Pacific were running out of time.
“But we will be here to support the entire Pacific region,” he shared.
“It’s truly touching when we have someone genuinely on the ground representing our people with disabilities and sharing my experience of how difficult life can be. There’s nothing humorous about it, so I have the right to speak on behalf of my sister.”
Tehulu encouraged all Pacific people to remain committed to inclusivity.
“I’m sorry. I might not use words that are either convenient or convincing. But I would rather be a simple, plain, and realistic person rather than pretending that everything’s normal at home,’’ he said.
“I must stand up for all the people I have met. We need to establish better communication for everyone.”