Home Blog Page 452

CARE, SIUP, SIPRA nominate Matthew Wale as Solomon Islands PM candidate

Editor
-
0
CARE, SIUP, SIPRA nominate Matthew Wale as Solomon Islands PM candidate

The Coalition for Accountability, Reform and Empowerment (CARE), Solomon Islands United Party(SIUP) and Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement(SIPRA) has officially nominated former Opposition leader Matthew Cooper Wale as their candidate for Prime Minister.

This decisive move counters widespread rumours of internal divisions.

Matthew Wale was nominated by SIUP’s Peter Kenilorea Jr and Cathy Nori, SIPRA’s Gordon Darcy Lilo, and CARE’s David Gina.

Former Prime Minister Rick Hou commented on the choice. “This isn’t a power grab,” Hou explained. “We chose Matthew Wale as the best solution for the challenges Solomon Islands faces.”

The nation struggles with economic woes, healthcare failures, and soaring unemployment.

Solomon Islands United Party (UP) leader Peter Kenilorea, the MP elect for East Are Are Constituency, was one of the nominators for Wale.

“I believe Wale can be a great PM for Solomon Islands. I throw my full support behind his candidature for PM”.

Kenilorea further added, “the country had spoken loud and clear about the need for change by voting 25 new MPs into Parliament, a show of the great hunger for change”.

The UP wing leader stated that it is now clear that the wish of the people and their expectation is also for a change of government and leadership.

“The We CARE-UP-SIPRA Coalition is the alliance that offers this change that the nation is yearning for,” he said.

“This desire for change in our country is very clear and that is what this Group stands for,” he said.
Kenilorea also called on the public to stay calm and allow the process of PM elections to progress peacefully on Thursday.

“I call on all our people to respect the process and each other as we, your elected representatives, elect the new Prime Minister of our beloved country,” said Kenilorea.

Stephen Kumi, newly elected MP for Temotu Nende, stressed the critical need for change. “The country demands a new direction. It’s time to end business as usual,” Kumi insisted.

Matthew Wale expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their trust and appealed for broader support.

“The people of Solomon Islands have voted overwhelmingly for change from DCGA & OUR party. I therefore urge all newly elected independents, who were voted in on a mandate for change, to join us. This is the people’s clear wish,” Wale asserted.

“The choice is stark. It’s life or death for the sick, education or ignorance for our children, jobs or unemployment for our youths, low or high living costs for our Nation,” Wale continued.

As the PM election approaches, the Coalition reaffirms its commitment to champion the change mandated by the voters, urging Representatives to heed the call for change being demanded by the electorate.

At the closure of nominations at 4pm Tuesday two are the nominated candidates for the Solomon Islands Prime Ministers position to be elected on Thursday.

OUR Party Coalition: Jeremiah Manele.

CARE Coalition: Mathew Cooper. Wale.

Manele is nominated by former Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Manasseh Maelanga, Fredrick Kologeto and Jaimie Lency Vokia.

Wale is nominated by Peter Kenilorea, Gordon Darcy Lilo, Davida Gina and Cathy Nori.

The election of the prime minister will be held at 9.30am local time on Thursday.

It will be presided over by the Governor-General Sir David Vunagi and conducted by secret ballot.

Pacific delegates advocate for a key regional aspiration to be included in the plastic treaty text

Editor
-
0
Pacific delegates advocate for a key regional aspiration to be included in the plastic treaty text

In the final hours of the fourth round of negotiations on the revised zero draft of the global plastics treaty, Pacific delegates remain steadfast in their resolve to have a key regional aspiration on the sustainable production of primary plastic polymer to be included in the treaty text.

The negotiations to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (INC-4) concludes tonight in Ottawa, Canada.

In March 2022, countries adopted UNEA Resolution 5/14 with the mandate to promote sustainable production and consumption of plastics based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic. This includes the initial extraction of fossil fuels for plastics production to the end-of-life disposal of plastic waste.

However, there is still a divergence of views among member states on the issue of the production of primary plastic polymers. For Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS), which are disproportionately affected by global plastic pollution, addressing the issue of unsustainable production is essential for the achievement of the original mandate of ending plastic pollution.

“With less than 7 months remaining, members are still divided on many aspects, which for us is quite concerning. We cannot afford to indulge the interests of a select few because they have nothing to lose, and we have everything to lose,” said Dr Sivendra Michael, Fiji’s Permanent Secretary for Environment and Climate Change while addressing the plenary.

“We journeyed thousands of miles with the hope to leave here with some progress. Each day, most of us reflect on how to communicate progress to our leaders and communities that we represent on behalf of our nation and region,” he added.

Fiji along with 14 Pacific SIDS is supporting the obligation to prevent and minimise impacts from the production and consumption of primary plastic polymers, including information on imports and exports.

Plastic polymers are large synthetic molecules composed of smaller units called monomers. They are bonded together with the help of chemicals. These polymers, as well as the monomers and other chemicals used in their production, are manufactured from either fossil-based or bio-based feedstocks.

In the last seven days, over 2000 delegates from more than 170 countries have worked throughout the day and into the evenings to streamline the revised zero draft treaty text. Delegates have been conducting specific and technical textual negotiations in contact and sub-groups and later validating the streamlined text, so that the Committee can finalise, at its fifth session (INC-5) in November, the text of the future instrument.

The Chair of INC has proposed intersessional work to allow for further discussions ahead of INC 5, including modalities and timelines, which will be discussed later tonight in the closing plenary.

“There is too much to resolve before INC 5, that’s why these intersessional are critical. As it stands, it’s clear that the production of primary plastic polymer is still a work in progress,” Dr Michael said.

“We know the intersessional need to be focused and we support the items proposed by the Chair. However, this does not preclude the discussion of primary plastic polymer at INC-5 and ” he said.

Pacific SIDS also supported a Conference Room Paper on behalf of Rwanda and Peru on global target for the production of primary plastic polymers.

The fourth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment was held in Ottawa, Canada, from 23-29 April 2024.

The Pacific Islands are represented by the Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu through the support of the Government of Australia and the United Nations.

Fiji and Australia bilateral meeting signals stronger cooperation

Editor
-
0
Fiji and Australia bilateral meeting signals stronger cooperation

Fiji’s Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka and Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy MP met in Nadi on Tuesday, where they reaffirmed their two Governments’ commitment to further advance the bilateral relationship between Fiji and Australia, through their renewed and elevated Vuvale Partnership.

During the meeting Prime Minister Rabuka and Minister Conroy also discussed Australia’s recent investment of AUD10 million to fund a Colonial War Memorial (CWMH) infrastructure master plan – a critical step in moving towards a new national referral hospital for the people of Fiji.

The bilateral meeting coincided with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOUs) to formalise Australia’s assistance in the development of Fiji’s port infrastructure and services.

The MOU outlines a framework to cooperate on future investments into Fiji’s port infrastructure and services. It demonstrates Australia’s commitment to work with Fiji as it develops a pipeline of sustainable, quality infrastructure investments.

Prime Minister Rabuka and Minister Conroy also signed an MOU on cyber security cooperation.

The MOU sets out how Fiji and Australia will strengthen their work together to respond to the increase in cyber threats against their citizens, businesses and critical infrastructure.

Prime Minister Rabuka reaffirmed the Government of Fiji’s commitment to further advance the bilateral relations with Australia, including through the two MOUs signed during Minister Conroy’s visit.

He noted that Fiji and Australia would work in partnership to strengthen their response to cyber incidents, including through improving information sharing, upskilling Fiji’s workforce and enhancing governance arrangements.

Prime Minister Rabuka and Minister Conroy also discussed the announcement of a new five-year AUD$100 million (US$64 million) Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation Programme (P4A).

The programme, to commence later this year, will work with Pacific countries to build a safer, more resilient and sustainable aviation sector.

The P4A programme will also invest in improving aviation skills, capability and knowledge, through targeted education and vocational skills initiatives for Pacific students at Fiji National University in Nadi and Griffith University in Brisbane.

Prime Minister Rabuka welcomed Australia’s commitment to quadruple the number of Australia Award Pacific Scholarships offered annually to Fijian students (up to 50 students in 2025), focusing on courses that address critical skills gaps in the Fiji economy, including health care, engineering and technical trades.

These courses will be delivered through an ongoing partnership with Fiji National University.

Minister Conroy said that Australia was committed to growing the Vuvale Partnership between Australia and Fiji, including in infrastructure, cyber security, skills development and sport.

Australia will continue to support Fiji’s nation-building priorities, including through quality, sustainable and transformative infrastructure development, with a focus on local jobs and local materials.

Minister Conroy also took the opportunity to congratulate the Prime Minister on the incredible success of the Fijiana Drua, following their win over the weekend.

This marks their third consecutive Super W championship. Australia is proud to support the Fiji Drua teams through the PacificAus Sports programme.

Chinese influence lingers in Solomons despite Sogavare ouster

Editor
-
0
Chinese influence lingers in Solomons despite Sogavare ouster

The Albanese government expects China will remain undeterred from trying to duchess Pacific political leaders despite the pro-Beijing Solomon Islands Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare relinquishing his grip on power.

Canberra is privately relieved Sogavare has been ousted as prime minister and believes his designated successor, Foreign Minister Jeremiah Manele, is not overtly anti-Australian if he prevails to become PM.

However,Sogavare will remain a key player in the coalition that his party has negotiated to try to form government. That alliance declared on Tuesday it had support from 29 MPs, three more than the 26 required for a majority in the 50-seat parliament.

Opposition Leader Matthew Wale has been nominated as the candidate for the rival political coalition.

MPs will vote on Thursday to select the new prime minister, but Lowy Institute Pacific Islands research fellow Mihai Sora said there would still be two days of fierce lobbying and negotiations, during which some could peel off from the respective coalitions.

“People will be grandstanding and showing confidence in their numbers,” said Sora, a former Australian diplomat to Honiara.

“It’s in the interest of MPs to leave their positions unclear, hoping to raise the stakes for their support. In this environment, it is still anybody’s game.”

Sogavare has emerged over the past five years as the Pacific’s most pro-Beijing leader after he abandoned Taiwan and diplomatically recognised China.

In 2022, he signed a secret security pact with Beijing, sparking fears it would pave the way for China to establish a permanent military presence in the South Pacific, less than 2000 kilometres from the Australian mainland.

Sogavare has long had a prickly relationship with Australia, and claimed the electoral backlash against him had been fermented by the U.S and its “Western allies”.

Despite the tensions, Canberra has continued to support Solomon Islands with aid to maintain influence with Honiara.

The Albanese government believes Manele will be a much less bombastic figure to deal with than Sogavare. However, given China’s unrelenting efforts, it is expecting Beijing will turn its attention to other politicians to build influence. Nor does it anticipate Honiara rupturing ties with China.

Defence Minister Richard Marles would not be drawn on whether Sogavare had paid a political price for his support for Beijing, saying the outcome of the election was for Solomon Islanders.

“No matter who forms government in Solomon Islands going forward, we will do everything within our power to seek to be the natural partner of choice, and we know we need to work hard to earn that trust,” Marles said.

“They are a deeply critical country to the region and Australia’s national security.”

Sora said Sogavare would remain influential behind the scenes if Manele became prime minister, although he expected managing the relationship with Solomon Islands should become easier for Canberra, with less “strident rhetoric” from the new government.

“But it won’t affect China’s strategic intent in the Pacific and it’s very hard to roll back those gains without tearing agreements up, which would have consequences for Solomon Islands,” he said.

Fiji and Australia signs MOUs for Ports and Infrastructure services and cybersecurity cooperation

Editor
-
0
Fiji and Australia signs MOUs for Ports and Infrastructure services and cybersecurity cooperation

Fiji’s Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sitiveni Rabuka and the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, and Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) on Port infrastructure and Services and Cyber Security Cooperation.

The MOUs were signed by the two Governments through our Vuvale Partnership.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Port Infrastructure and Services will provide the framework for cooperation on future investments to support Fiji’s current and future maritime needs.

Bringing immediate effect to this MoU, Fiji Ports Corporation Limited and Australia also signed a grant agreement on the development of a Lautoka Port Masterplan. This will upgrade Lautoka port and enhance the international and domestic port operations, to meet ongoing and changing customer needs.

Australia will also support Fiji’s ambitions to revitalise its shipbuilding and ship repair sector through the MOU signed by Prime Minister Rabuka and Minister Conroy on Tuesday.

They also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Cyber Security.

This will strengthen our cyber security cooperation and support a more cyber-resilient region.

Fiji and Australia share a commitment to a rules-based cyberspace and strong cyber standards.

These rules and standards provide stability for our countries to protect our sovereignty whilst harnessing the economic benefits to be derived from the digital economy.

Our increased connectedness and the introduction of critical technology present opportunities and challenges that require us to work more closely together than ever.

Both countries have experienced a series of significant cyber incidents in recent times, which impact our governments, our economies, and our communities.

The areas of cooperation identified in the MOU include support for Fiji’s computer emergency response team capability, support for combatting cyber incidents, workforce upskilling, and strengthening governance arrangements.

The MOU also affirms our joint commitment to promote international law and norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.

At the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Rabuka reaffirmed Fiji’s unwavering commitment to work closely with Australia to achieve tangible outcomes for the improvement of livelihoods for the people of Fiji.

Prime Minister Rabuka said that Australia’s commitment to assist in upgrading of Fiji’s ports is in line with the Ocean of Peace concept proposed as a vision for the Pacific region.

The Prime Minister acknowledged the tremendous support provided by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), to help Fiji revitalise its shipbuilding industry and realise his vision for Fiji to become the hub of the Pacific as a major port of entry and transshipment, with the potential for increased job opportunities, specialised skillsets and ultimately stimulation of investment and economic activities.

Additionally, the Prime Minister said the impact of Australia’s assistance will advance shipping services for Fiji as a major port of entry and thereby enhance the overall regional shipping service, an initiative we all are proud to undertake with our Vuvale.

On the Cyber Security MOU, Prime Minister Rabuka acknowledged that the MOU establishes a critical framework of cooperation on existing cybersecurity and critical technologies.

The MOU will facilitate the identification and protection of critical infrastructure and information infrastructure. This MOU is a stepping stone to protecting Fiji’s information systems.

Minister Conroy remarked that under the Vuvale Partnership, Fiji and Australia were working together to deliver on their shared priorities.

He said he was delighted to join Prime Minister Rabuka in signing an MOU on Port Infrastructure and Services.

The MOU will enhance cooperation in the maritime sector and demonstrate Australia’s commitment to work together on port infrastructure and services, including in shipbuilding and ship repair. Australia understands that this is of great importance to Prime Minister Rabuka and the Government of Fiji.

Minister Conroy noted that Fiji and Australia’s cooperation under the MOU for Cyber Security Cooperation will help Fiji harness opportunities associated with improved digital access and increase cyber resilience.

The MOU also affirms Fiji and Australia’s joint commitment to promote international law and norms of responsible state behavior in cyberspace.

Minister Conroy remarked that these are tangible examples of what we can achieve – Australia is committed to supporting Fiji’s nation-building priorities under the Vuvale Partnership.

France sabotages Kanaky New Caledonia Decolonisation Process under Macron leadership

Editor
-
0
France sabotages Kanaky New Caledonia Decolonisation Process under Macron leadership

The Pacific Regional Non-Governmental Organisations (PRNGOs) Alliance reaffirm its solidarity with the indigenous peoples of Kanaky New Caledonia to expose ongoing efforts by the French Government to deny their right to self-determination and derail a decolonisation process painstakingly pursued in this Pacific Island territory for the last 30 years.

France, especially under the Macron Government, as the colonial power administering this United Nations (UN) sanctioned process of decolonisation, has repeatedly shown that it cannot remain a neutral party to the Noumea Accords (1998) designed specifically to hand sovereignty back to the people of Kanaky New Caledonia and end French colonial rule.

In recent months, the Macron Government forced through proposed constitutional amendments, aimed at changing voting eligibility rules for local elections in the French territory. These eligibility provisions have been preserved and protected under the Accords as a safeguard for indigenous peoples against demographic changes that could make them a minority in their own land and block the path to freedom.

The electoral amendments have already been passed by the French Senate in early April and will be voted on in Parliament on 13 May, 2024.

The Macron Government has, in a parallel move, also managed to defer local elections, initially scheduled for mid-May, to mid-December at the latest, to allow voting under new provisions that would favour pro-French parties.

In 2021, President Macron unilaterally called for the third independence referendum to be held in December, 2021, amidst the turmoil of a COVID19 outbreak that heavily affected the ability of indigenous communities to organise and participate. Only 43.87 percent of the 184,364 registered voters exercised their right to vote.

Express reservations and requests by Kanak leaders and representatives for a later date were ignored, casting serious doubt on genuine representation and participation.

Consequently, a Pacific Islands Forum Mission sent to observe proceedings concluded in its report that “The self-determination referendum that took place 12 December 2021 did so with the non-participation of the overwhelming majority of the indigenous people of New Caledonia. The result of the referendum is an inaccurate representation of the will of registered voters…”

In all of these actions, the French government has shown no interest at all in respecting the Noumea Accords nor in granting the Kanaky people their most fundamental rights, particularly the right to be free.

On the contrary, Macron’s allies and pro-French voices claim that these initiatives by the French government are in fact more consistent with democratic principles and the rule of law.In recent weeks, the aspirations of the Kanaky people for self-determination have been mischaracterised as being ethno-nationalistic, akin to the ‘far-right’, and racist.

Should the vote on May 13th, 2024 to remove electoral roll restrictions succeed, this will be seen as a direct move by a coloniser to maintain the status quo of colonialism and a direct attack on the principle of the right to self-determination enshrined in the UN Charter and its Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People.

The evil of colonialism can continue unchecked in this manner, and in this 21st Century is not only an insult to the Pacific Region but to the international system.

The Pacific is not distracted by French false narratives. The Kanak, as people, are the rightful inhabitants of what is present day New Caledonia still under enduring French colonial rule.

We remind the French President, Emmanuel Macron, and the French government that decolonising its territories is an obligation under the international legal norms and is France’s responsibility to Kanaky New Caledonia under the Noumea Accords.

The Kanak people and New Caledonias destiny should not be decided in Europe, they are Pacific people who are rightfully asking for their freedom.

We, therefore strongly support calls for self-determination and decolonisation by the Kanaky people as well as their calls for:

● President Macron to withdraw the constitutional reforms on electoral roll provisions protecting the rights of the indigenous people of Kanaky;

● France to send a neutral high-level mission to resume dialogue between pro-independence parties and local anti-independence groups towards a new political
agreement.

● The Melanesian Spearhead Group and the Pacific Islands Forum to support all efforts for the resumption of peaceful negotiations amongst parties to the Noumea Accord for a new political agreement and the overarching self-determination process as a matter of political stability and regional security;

● France to organise another independence referendum that genuinely reflects their will;

● On the UN to maintain Kanaky New Caledonia on the UN Committee of 24 list of non-self-governing territories to be decolonised.

Endorsed By:
● Alliance For Future Generations.
● DIVA- Diverse Voices and Action for Equality.
● FWCC- Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre.
● FWRM – Fiji Women’s Rights Movement.
● FCC- Fiji Council of Churches.
● LLCTC- Lauru Land Conference of Tribal Communities.
● MILDA- Melanesian Indigenous Land Defense Alliance.
● NTP- Nuclear Truth Project.
● PCC- Pacific Conference of Churches – Oikoumene Pasifika.
● Peace Movement Aotearoa.
● PIANGO- Pacific Islands Association of Non-governmental Organisations.
● PANG- Pacific Network on Globalisation.
● Pacific Women Mediators Networks.
● YS- Youngsolwara Pacific.
● YWCA- Fiji Young Women’s Christian Association

No brotherly love lost: Valetinis face Super showdown

Editor
-
0
No brotherly love lost: Valetinis face Super showdown

ACT Brumbies back-rower Rob Valetini is relishing the chance to line up against his older brother Kemu for the first time, even if it means losing support from the family faithful.

The bruised Brumbies are already expecting a physical encounter when they host the Fijian Drua on Saturday night, and the prospect of sibling rivalry will sprinkle in a little extra spice.

Winger Corey Toole (ankle) and forward Blake Schoupp (shoulder) were casualties of the Brumbies’ upset win over league leaders the Hurricanes in round 10.

But taking the foot off the accelerator is no option with the finals looming and a Super Rugby Pacific top-two berth up for grabs.

“I’ve enjoyed playing the Drua over the last two years,” Valetini said on Tuesday.

“They bring something different. They’re all big men and powerful, so I’ll be keen to rip into them.”

A Valetini family contingent is expected to flock to Canberra if Kemu is selected by the visitors.

After his brother slotted a golden-point field goal to secure a famous win for the Drua against the NSW Waratahs earlier this season, Rob is under no illusions about who has family bragging rights – despite boasting a John Eales Medal himself.

“Back in Fiji (the Drua’s Waratahs triumph) might be better than what I won,” he said.

“He has been playing some good rugby over there and he’s had some clutch moments as well.”

In good news for the Brumbies, centre Ben O’Donnell is nearing a return to first-team action after 12 months out with an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while back-rower Rory Scott is feeling no ill-effects from last weekend’s first outing in five weeks after injuring his ankle.

The back-rower is eager to cement his place back in the side after watching Tom Hooper and Luke Reimer perform admirably in his absence.

“It’s a very competitive back row, lots of quality players,” Scott said.
“It’s hard (to force your way back in) and whoever gets the job on the weekend, you know they’ll do their job and play really hard,” he said.

Time to snap away losses: Fijian Drua coach

Editor
-
0
Time to snap away losses: Fijian Drua coach

The target of winning away games must start in Canberra, Australia this weekend in round 11 of the Super Rugby Pacific.

Swire Shipping Fijian Drua head coach Mick Byrne and his men start their preparation for two oncoming away games, starting with the Brumbies on Saturday in cold Canberra.

The Drua’s playoff’s dream is still alive and getting the desired results on the road will strengthen their position in the top eight.

“We had three home games and three away games to finish the season, our target was to win all our home games and pick up a couple on the road. I think the first chance we get to do that is this week in Canberra and we are looking forward to that,” Byrne said.

After the 43-28 loss to the Brumbies at GIO Stadium last season, the Drua understands the tough task at hand but they’re up for the challenge.

“I think its a big challenge for us, we are going in against Brumbies in Canberra. We know for a long time they have been Australia’s best side. I thought we did well last year, we crossed their line with about eight minutes to go which would’ve put us in front. We are going to go there with a real understanding that we’ve got to be physical with them on their home ground,” the Flying Fijians new head coach explained.

With the target set and intentions clear, factors like the current chilly weather in Canberra will not be a factor of discussion.

“Canberra is always a tough one to visit, I think it was 9 degrees there on Saturday morning so, our boys will get used to that. We certainly won’t be complaining to anyone about how cold it is, we’ll just get on and play the game,” Byrne added.

The Drua is seventh on the ladder with 17 points while the Brumbies are third with 31 points.

They meet at GIO Stadium on Saturday at 9.35pm.

Defence recruitment plan to join the Australian military: PNG PM Marape

Editor
-
0
Defence recruitment plan to join the Australian military: PNG PM Marape

Papua New Guineans have a chance to be recruited to join the Australian military, said Prime Minister James Marape.

Returning to Port Moresby from the Kokoda Track, Northern Province, with his Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese, Marape appeared in good spirits as he spoke on the walk he and Albanese completed.

He said the walk was a good opportunity to discuss the recruitment processes planned.

“They indicated to me in February after my address in their Parliament that they would need up to 10,000 personnel in their Defence Force,” he said.

“I was asked: ‘are you willing to supply us personnel in the Defence Force’, and I replied by all means. “You can come and select from my grade 12 graduates.

“They are coming from curriculums you helped us develop so now the line between Australia and PNG are opening.

“My whole idea is to synergise our people and their people, especially the ease of access for Papua New Guineans for education and employment in Australia.”

The walk only expounded what was discussed in a big way, the defence of PNG was the defence of Australia, he reiterated.

“Whether it is in the Defence Force or other industries at least we assist in a big way,” Marape said.

Meanwhile, the PNG Defence Force have been praised for their assistance in the protection of Prime Ministers James Marape and Anthony Albanese.

The work they did was so tremendous even Albanese thanked them for their assistance, Marape said.

He added that the help was “recognised by Albanese who said he knew the level of protection he would get so he didn’t bring too many people to walk with him knowing that the PNGDF would be there every step of the way”.

“Albanese said that if your ancestors took care of our people, they would take care of him, and he didn’t need to come with the extra hands of their military to support him.”

Marape told the acting Commander of the PNGDF Commodore Philip Polewara that “you should be very proud of your men; they cooked our breakfast this morning”.

“Good job Defence, and many reached out in prayer.”

The PNG Defence Force provided air support for the travel to Kokoda and provided security and catering for the travelling PMs.

“This is them recruiting Papua New Guineans to work in the Australian army,” Marape said.

‘No negative militarisation’: Palau, Guam national guard sign historic Partnership

Editor
-
0
‘No negative militarisation’: Palau, Guam national guard sign historic Partnership

The Guam National Guard will help Palau prepare for and respond to future disasters, with both governments announcing a newly signed state partnership Monday.

The U.S has been making efforts to strengthen security ties with Palau and other strategically important nations across Micronesia amid Chinese efforts to influence the region and tensions over Taiwan.

“We are stronger together is what I like to say, and that’s really what this partnership is about,” Whipps said.

On Monday, a ceremony was held where President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr., Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero, Guam, and The Adjutant General Colonel Mike Cruz, Guam National Guard, signed a historic declaration, marking Palau as a new partner in the Department of Defence National Guard Bureau State Partnership Programme.

President Whipps expressed his gratitude to Governor Leon Guerrero for proposing the partnership during a meeting held on the sidelines of the Joint Committee Meeting in Guam in 2021.

In February, President Whipps received a letter from General Daniel Hokanson, Chief of the National Guard Bureau, informing him that Palau and the Guam National Guard would be the program’s newest partners.

The ceremony took place at the Ngarachamayong Cultural Centre in Koror, Palau. During the event, President Whipps spoke about Guam and Palau’s shared history, including familial ties and centuries-old cultural and economic exchanges.

“We firmly believe that we Islanders must support each other, whether in defending freedom, during natural disasters, or facing any other challenges,” the President stated. “This partnership is crucial as it strengthens our existing relationship.”

President Whipps thanked SEA Tony Whitehead, Senior Enlisted Advisor to Chief of the National Guard Bureau, for making the journey from Washington D.C to participate in the signing ceremony that further solidifies the relationship between Palau and the U.S.

The Department of Defence National Guard Bureau State Partnership Programme fosters a cooperative and mutually beneficial relationship by connecting a state or territory’s National Guard with a partner nation.

Palau, a close ally in Free Association with the United States of America, joined the Trust Territories in 1947 and achieved full sovereignty in 1994. Palau and Guam have been geographic, economic, and cultural neighbors for over three thousand years, both being members of the Micronesian Island family.

President Whipps also acknowledged the members of the U.S Armed Forces Veterans Association of Palau.

He praised these veterans for their role in defending freedom and their ongoing efforts to bring Veterans services to Palau after returning home and integrating into the community. The recently signed Compact Review Agreement reflects some of these efforts. While there is still a long way to go, the President stated that it is an excellent first step.

Members of the Olbiil Era Kelulau (Congress), Rubekul Belau (Traditional Leaders), State Governors, personnel from the Guam National Guard, National Guard Bureau, and local residents attended the event. Emceeing the event were Major Marvin Yamada a son of Palau serving with the Washington Air National Guard, and Colonel Sheila Compton-Rivo, chief of joint staff, Guam National Guard.

Staff Sergeant Christina Adelbai, a daughter of Palau serving with the Guam National Guard, read the declaration: “The Guam National Guard and the Republic of Palau are bound in friendship, history, culture, and cooperation through the National Guard State Partnership Programme.”

The president, who is running for re-election this year, said the partnership will help to ensure a “free and open Indo-Pacific” and help Palau and Guam to “be prosperous and live in peace.”

According to Leon Guerrero, the partnership has been in talks for about three years now, with her envisioning Palau as the first of other nations in Micronesia that Guam could make similar partnerships with.

It made sense given the proximity of the islands and their shared history, she said.

National Guard advisor Whitehead said the security partnership is not just about military involvement.

“We talk about things like law enforcement, working with the hospitals, working with the infrastructure of the cities,” Whitehead said.

Guam already has similar partnerships with the Philippines and Hawaii, Cruz said.

The agreement comes on the heels of the renewal of the Compacts of Free Association between Palau and the U.S.

1...451452453...1,246Page 452 of 1,246

Stay connected

529FansLike
172FollowersFollow
156SubscribersSubscribe
- Advertisement -