Page 5 - Islands Business October 2024 edition

A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Time to walk the talk
IN 2014, Pacific leaders agreed to a framework to encourage and provide
increased market opportunities, service delivery, and good governance for
the region’s people.
At the time, leaders noted that support, commitment, and ownership Publisher & Editor
of the framework by all Pacific people would lead to the success of the Netani Rika
initiative. General Manager
Governments and administrations, civil society organisations, private Samantha Magick
sector representatives, regional organisations, development partners,
media, and other key stakeholders were acknowledged as participants in the Sales, Marketing & Subscriptions
implementation process. Waisale Rokotuiveikau
Yet where do we stand as a region, 10 years after this framework was
pieced together by Pacific leaders? Reporters
How far has their vision of a region of peace, harmony, security, social Aisha Azeemah
Kite Pareti
inclusion, and prosperity been translated into development projects which Prerna Priyanka
allow Pacific people to lead free, healthy, and productive lives?
The increase in drug-related crimes in Fiji and Tonga points to a clear
disconnect between the framework and reality.
In West Papua, Kanaky (New Caledonia), and Maohi Nui (French
Polynesia), indigenous people continue to cry for freedom and political self- Designer
determination, yet few regional leaders dare speak on their behalf on the Dick Lee
international stage.
This, perhaps, is the type of regionalism the Pacific people can expect. A Contributors
regionalism which consists of a multiplicity of agreements, declarations and Gordon Feller
statements made at regional meetings by leaders who have no intention of Alipate Pareti
taking concrete action on issues which weigh on the hearts of the people. Nic Maclellan
The Pacific as a region comprises independent nation states, islands in
compact with larger countries, and territories which remain colonised.
For two centuries, the region has been made to believe that it is small,
insignificant, unable to compete with the industrialised world. Islands Business is published monthly by
The focus has always been on the size of the islands, the reliance on Front Page Pte Limited
development partners, and the supposed absence of resources. Editorial & Advertising Offices
But the Pacific scholar, Epeli Hau’ofa, correctly described the region as GPO Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands
Tel: +679 9719660
a sea of islands, recognising the vastness of the ocean which surrounds and
connects us. Our past, present and future are also connected. Emails
When Pacific leaders identified the need for a common regional purpose, Editorial: editor@islandsbusiness.com
sharing of institutions, resources, and markets, they were correct. For it is richard@islandsbusiness.com
through the sharing of resources and mutual care for our neighbors that a Subscriptions: subs@islandsbusiness.com
Advertising: marketing@islandsbusiness.com
stronger region can be built.
But regionalism will not succeed until leaders walk the talk. They must
bring this framework to life by putting words into action. Printing:
Printhouse Pacific Pte Limited, Suva, Fiji Islands
Netani Rika

July-August 2023 FJD $8
www.islandsbusiness.com www.islandsbusiness.com
netani.rika@yahoo.com December 2023 FJD $8

THE BEAUTY AND PACIFIC PERSON
BUSINESS OF BILAS MANASSEH SOGAVARE
OF THE YEAR
Copyright © 2024 Front Page Pte Limited.
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
www.islandsbusiness.com reproduced without the written permission of the
publisher.

Islands Business, October 2024 5