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Polynesian Alliance Gathering

Tags:      Posted date:  February 11, 2011  |  2 Comments

Polynesian Alliance on the Horizon: (L-R) Feleti Sevele of Tonga, PM Toke Talagi of Niue, Ulu-o-Tokelau
Kuresa Nasau and former President of French Polynesia Oscar Temaru.

By Tupuola Terry Tavita

Momentum is gathering on the possible forming of a Polynesian Alliance group as opposed to the

Melanesian Spearhead and the Micronesian Partnership Dialogue.

This was sounded off by leaders of Polynesian states and territories during the recent Pacific Islands

leaders’ summit in Port Vila.

“If it’s in the confines and the context of the Forum, then why not,�? said Niue Prime Minister Toke Talagi.

“I wouldn’t say it’ll be political per se. But we already have an alliance, a partnership in terms of fisheries,

tourism and other areas..I think it’s just a matter of formalizing it.�?

Tongan Prime Minister Fred Sevele agrees.

“There are many areas of specific interest to Polynesia that requires cooperation between Polynesian

Island states. I think it’s long overdue and I’m fully supportive of such a move.

French Polynesia – according to former president and current Speaker of the House, Oscar Temaru –

will also benefit.

“I think it promotes our aspirations for an independent Tahiti Nui. Tahiti and its islands cover a huge area

with enormous oceanic resources. To fully develop these resources, we need to work with our Polynesian

partners.�?

Ulu-o-Tokelau Kuresa Nasau also warms to the idea. Especially in assisting territories like French

Polynesia to gain political independence.

“I was saddened at a recent U.N Decolonization meeting in Noumea when I saw people like Oscar

barred from entering and participating. I think there is no place for colonialism in the Pacific and a

Polynesian Alliance group is one big step in assisting these territories achieve independence.�?

But the issue of a Polynesian alliance is not new. It has been brought up and fell off the radar several

times in the recent past. But the growing influence of the Melanesian Spearhead Group, the solidarity

of the Micronesian Partnership at the Forum level and a movement away from the traditional Pacific

consensus to a show of hands on issues there appear to be an onus for Polynesian leaders to start

looking at a possible formation of a common interest group. Of the 14-member Forum, five – Samoa,

Tonga, Cook Islands, Tuvalu and Niue – are Polynesian. Tokelau and Wallis and Futuna have Observer

status while French Polynesia is an Associate Member.

Polynesian leaders are set to meet on the issue in the coming months, possibly in Apia.


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2 Comments for Polynesian Alliance Gathering

Paka

Talofa Lava!

It is with great joy that I read of the discussion of the possible creation of a Polynesian Alliance! Considering all things experienced in Polynesia over the last century, such an aliance is long overdue. All peoples on this planet have a right to decide their futures rather than to have their futures dictated to them by imperialistic nations who care only for enriching themselves at the expense the peoples and islands of Polynesia.

Ku’e! We the peoples of Polynesia must stand strong for what is ours for this is our legacy to our future generations.

Hawaii is a nation under the belligerent occupation of the United States. There was never a Treaty of Annexation between the Hawaiian Kingdom and the United States. The vast majority of Hawaii nationals signed petitions opposing annexation so the United States decided to steal control of our nation through a Joint Resolution of the United States Congress, which had no lawful effect beyond the borders of the United States, which ended at California over 2000 miles from Hawaii.

As we continue to seek remedy to the belligerent occupation of our island nation we also support our Polynesian brothers and sisters in their efforts to find justice. We have sent representatives to various civil society forums held in Polynesia to share our plight as well as to support the efforts of our brothers and sisters. If the Polynesian Alliance becomes a reality I ask those involved to not forget us here in Hawaii for we are Polynesian people not Americans. Please leave the door open to include Hawaii as a member of the Polynesian Alliance. We have had a lonely history of being forgotten by our Polynesian brothers and sisters. Aloha!

    donkaulia

    Aloha e Paka,

    The spirit of our ancestors has and will always be a part of us and all the future generations yet to come for us Kanaka Maoli and our families in the Polynesian circle. The Polynesian Alliance was established by King Kalakaua in 1886 as he sought to develop a Polynesian Empire after touring the world. Kalakaua was the first King in history to tour the world. In 1887, the holy people who call themselves missionaries used their power called the Bayonet Constitution to force King Kalakaua to dissolve his quest in the Polynesian Alliance and limit his power as King of Hawaii.

    These missionaries forget what they preached…’thou shall not steal’ …..’the meek shall inherit the earth’.

    The Polynesian Alliance is alive and well. Hokule’a proved the course of history. But the ‘kaona’ remained ‘hidden’.

    7 Canoes from Polynesia will be in our territory come the weekend of June 17-19th.

    I invite you and all viewers who are reading this to log onto my Face Book Page: Donald Batino Kaulia.

    Stay in tune to the events that will be evolve and watch history in the making.

    The events taken place in this world today is basically telling us to ‘Rise’, ‘Onipaa’, stand up, be recognized, be fair…….unity of the people in tune with God can move mountains.

    Mahalo nui loa, Oni pa’a Kakou!!!! Donald Kauli’a