MSG’s future on agenda

MELANESIAN Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit will expect to deliberate on the future of the MSG Secretariat and its member countries for a stronger and vibrant sub-region. This is envisioned in what has been documented as the MSG 2038 Prosperity for All Plan, a report produced by the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) and adopted by…

Be fair, MSG told

SOLOMON Islands is calling for a fair and level playing field when admitting members into the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG). The country’s head of delegation and Minister of Police, Peter Shanel, stated that since the criteria of five years period to consider an observer to associate membership is being ‘relaxed’ for Indonesia’s case, the same…

Call to review MSG constitution

THE Melanesian Spearhead Group(MSG) constitution should be reviewed immediately to make way for West Papua membership, says the spokesman for Solomon Islands for Free West Papua, Ian Roni. A prominent musician, Mr Roni said the aim of MSG is to uphold and maintain the cultural values of Melanesian countries only. He said it would be…

Indonesian minister here for summit

INDONESIA’S vice Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdurrahman arrived on Tuesday afternoon in the country to attend the Melanesian Spearhead Group’s (MSG) summit. His low-key arrival raised a few eye brows and the police was kept busy as he was led Heritage Park Hotel where he’ll be staying for the summit, which opens today. Mr Abdurrahman was…

Fiji urged to champion West Papua MSG bid

AS the Fiji government seeks international support to be on the United Nations Human Rights Council, Civil Society Organisation in the region together with Fiji will make West Papua one of several key issues in which Fiji needs to demonstrate its credibility as a fair advocate on human rights violations.  “As part of Fiji’s bid…

Fiji backs MSG Peace-Keeping

FIJI supports a Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Peacekeeping Unit. Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama confirmed this to the Fiji Sun before leaving for Honiara on Tuesday. He suggested Black Rock in Nadi as the best place to train the proposed peacekeeping force. Mr Bainimarama said this had been a topic discussed by the MSG Police Commissioners.…

20th MSG meet opens

THE 20th Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Leaders’ Summit opens today with an elaborate welcome and gift-giving ceremony in Honiara. Fiji’s Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, FLNKS head of delegation Victor Tutugoro, and Indonesia’s vice Foreign Minister Mohamed Abdurrahman arrived on Tuesday. Papua New Guinea’s Peter O’Neill will arrive this morning ahead of the opening ceremony. Vanuatu’s…

Mae: Lack of awareness stops development

AN elderly men in east Kwara’ae says lack of proper awareness in rural areas has resulted in no development in Malaita province. Andrew Mae revealed this following concern by leaders and investors questioning why there is lack of development in Malaita province. In an interview last week he said, many people in the country have…

Archbishop Vunagi highlights youth issues

ENCOURAGE youths to engage in some meaningful activities in the communities says the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) Most Reverend David Vunagi. The Archbishop highlighted this in his address during the opening of the ACOM Youth Convention at the Saint Nicholas College Hall on Monday. “We should always remember with gratitude that…