Page 9 - IB May 2025

Whispers

Bird down By this time, it was obvious to all who
Apparently, it’s now official that Air were approached that they were not
Tuvalu is no more! the first choice.
In one short year, the airline was The celebrations eventually went off
resurrected, its country’s airstrips were without any further hitch, and a host of
slated for development of around US$23 Pasifika dignitaries attended. Front Page Pte Limited
million and then, just as soon as it And where was the leader otherwise GPO Box 12718, Suva, Fiji Islands.
arrived, the single aircraft was gone. occupied? In Asia! Tel: +679 9209375
Questions will, of course, arise. What Sales & Advertising
happens to the airstrip development On the lookout marketing@islandsbusiness.com
and repair plans? There’s a Pasifika community on the
What happens to the US$7 million United States’ West Coast where the Circulation & Distribution
aircraft? latest trend is to report social media subs@islandsbusiness.com
Perhaps it’s time Tuvalu invited their enemies to the immigration authorities. Finance
closest neighbours to provide charted With a large number of overstayers, finance@islandsbusiness.com
flights around their atolls? everyone tries to be on their best
behaviour for the slightest mistake Fiji stockists
Leo or Leone? could lead to a knock on the door from Baka Books - 23 McGregor Rd, Suva
Once the cardinals have returned unwanted government visitors. Bulaccino - Nadi Plaza, Nadi
home from selecting Cardinal Robert With the recent threat by Donald Dominion Bookshop - BSP Life Building Arcade, Suva
Prevost as Pope and head of the Trump to remove illegal residents, Ginger Kitchen - Fiji Museum
universal Catholic church, their jobs will social media behaviour has improved Malo Cafe - Garden City, Raiwai
be done. drastically. But behind the scenes, Maui Bay TOTAL Service Station - Lot 15, Maui Bay Estates
But in Tonga, the debate on a name the knives are out, tongues have been
Palm Court Bistro - QBE Arcade, Victoria Parade, Suva
for the Bishop of Rome will have only sharpened, and the off-line bickering
Raiwaqa Bakery - Flagstaff & Nausori
started. The choice of the Papal name, continues.
The Projects Collective - Coral Coast, Korolevu
Leo XIV, seems simple enough. But not It’s a matter of time before fingers
USP Book Centre - USP Laucala Campus, Suva
in the Friendly Islands where he may be wag again.
known as Leo or, perhaps, Leone. Vuda Marina General Store - Vuda Marina, Lautoka
The late Pope Francis was known No to the women Vuetibau Kiosk - Nausori International Airport, Nausori
to non-Catholic Tongans as Felenisisi – Despite the millions of dollars spent Yees Xpressmart - Unit S22, Port Denarau, Nadi
simple enough. on gender relations and empowerment Regional
But Tongan Catholics used the name of women, there is one institution which ASCC Le Bookstore - Pago Pago, American Samoa
Falakiko, from the Latin version of continues to resist change. Friendly Islands Bookshop – Nuku’alofa, Tonga
Francis’ name – Franciscus. Sometimes the institution points to Heritage Park Hotel – Honiara, Solomon Islands
In Tonga, it’s likely Leo XIV will be God; at others, it claims culture is the Naoero Postal Service Corporation (Nauru Post) – Civic
known as Leone to Catholics and Leo to reason it need not make any changes Centre, Aiwo District, Nauru
everyone else. of appointing women to positions of Belau National Museum - Koror, Palau
leadership. The same reasons are used Samoa Stationery and Books - Apia, Samoa
Regional champion to silence young people and sideline Tuvalu Post - Funafuti, Tuvalu
Which Pacific leader who attempts to members of the LGBTQI+ community. Vanuatu Post - Port Vila, Vanuatu
be the region’s elder statesman turned At a recent regional meeting, it Yap Cooperative Association – Colonia, YAP, FSM
his back on huge Pasifika celebrations in was obvious how out of touch the
his own country? institution’s members were with the
Despite being invited to attend changing times. And many of their
the event with six months’ notice, donors, who champion equality, were
the politician failed to indicate his present at the event and saw how
unavailability until the last moment, differently women were treated.
forcing organisers to scramble for a But did their elders care? What do you
replacement chief guest. think?

Islands Business May 2025 9