More Polynesian groups keen to join PLG

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More Polynesian groups keen to join PLG

Tags: Polynesian Leaders Group Posted date: August 27, 2012 | No comment

By Tupuola Terry Tavita

Less than a year after it was launched in Apia, the fledgling Polynesian Leaders Group could soon expand from its core eight members.

Three Polynesian communities on Saturday presented practical and emotional submissions for membership of the PLG at only its second meeting ever at the Muri Resort, here in Rarotonga.

Persuasive among them was a presentation by the Maori of Aotearoa – representing 56 iwi – who impressed upon the leaders the growing economic and commercial strength of the Tangata Whenua of New Zealand.

Maori, they claimed, now have NZ$36 billion worth of assets and are keen to engage in a myriad of economic and commercial ventures with “our Polynesian brothers and sisters.�?

“They gave us a very long presentation today which illustrated their vast experience in terms of managing the affairs for such a large group of 56 tribes,�? said Prime Minister Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi, credited as the archtect of the PLG.

“And we are looking at that kind of experience which would be extremely valuable in the sense of looking at possible, practical ways of utilizing that experience in the development of our PLG group.�?

“So can I say that this evening that we have the addition of the Hawaiian community, the Maori of New Zealand, as well as the Rapa Nui, Easter Island, and we will be addressing this finally in the final communiqué.�?

The three submissions have been referred to officials to research and report back to the leaders with recommendations before the end of the Forum meeting this week.

Tuilaepa said the group expect a jump in interest from other Polynesian communities in Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and even the Torres Straits.

“The group now seems to be perceived as a revival of Polynesian heritage, Polynesian pride and what can be achieved by us Polynesians – a Polynesian nation.

“Of course, we provided in our MOU for membership of countries and minority populations of Polynesians within a bigger grouping.�?

The leaders also discussed at length the expansion of telecommunications services in the Polynesian region, the development of shipping cooperation, economic investment, alternative energy generation, education, sports and culture.

“ICT development is very important to our group, to our region It is the only means to eliminate the isolation. ICT development contributes enormously to health and medicine, distance education, development of tourism, commerce, tourism and shipping.�?

He said the recent cancellation of two marine cable connections to the islands of Polynesia meant combined action was required.

“So we are now moving to another, other alternatives like a connection of a marine cable between Fiji, Tonga and Samoa. These are one of the examples of projects that are so important to the development of the Polynesian Leaders Group which requires a more intensive focus in our discussion with our donor partners and other possible sources of funding.�?

Tuilaepa said funding agencies have been slow to include sports in their assistance packages.

“Sports development not only poses a secure income for young athletes who progress on to the professional ranks but also keeps young people positively and meaningfully occupied without turning into antisocial behavior and habits that youth often get up to.�?

PLG members comprises of the Cook islands, French Polynesia, Tonga, Samoa, Tuvalu, Niue, American Samoa and Tokelau.

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