Rabuka stands by MSG appointment

Local News, News, Uncategorized | Published: 7 hours ago | Last Updated: 7 hours ago | By NACANIELI TUILEVUKA

Anna Naupa, left has been appointed as the new Melanesian Spearhead Group director-general. She becomes the first female to be appointed to the role since the sub-regional group was established in 1986.Photo credit:Facebook / Ministry of the Prime Minister – Vanuatu

THE appointment of Dr Anna Naupa as the new Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) director-general was made through an independent selection process.

These were the words of Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka who said she was the best applicant.

Mr Rabuka made the comments in response to criticism from Vanuatu chiefs who said the regional position should have been held by a man rather than a woman.

He told this newspaper the recruitment process was merit-based.

“She came out as the preferred candidate. In fact, she came out top of the list,” he said.

Asked whether the comments from Vanuatu could create instability within the MSG, Mr Rabuka declined to comment on the country’s position.

“I will not speak on what Vanuatu has said and their views on that particular issue. But in general, we pick the best candidate, and we’re still going with our gender-positive policies.

“We have to be considerate. I know culturally the Melanesians are new to the culture of gender equality, but it’s something that we have to grasp and go with.”

Dr Naupa became the first woman to be appointed director-general of the MSG Secretariat following a regional recruitment process involving all MSG member countries.

PM RABUKA CONGRATULATES DR. ANNA NAUPA ON HER APPOINTMENT AS DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE MSG

Prime Minister and Chair of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Hon. Sitiveni Rabuka, has extended his warm congratulations to Dr. Anna Naupa of Vanuatu on her appointment as the new Director General of the MSG Secretariat.

Prime Minister Rabuka welcomed the appointment as a significant milestone for both Vanuatu and the wider Melanesian family, noting that Dr. Naupa brings a wealth of experience, strong leadership credentials, and a deep understanding of the region’s development priorities.

“As Chair of the MSG, I congratulate Dr. Anna Naupa on her appointment and wish her every success as she assumes this important leadership role,” Hon. Rabuka said.

“Her appointment reflects the confidence of MSG members in her ability to guide the Secretariat and advance our shared vision for a stronger and more prosperous Melanesia.”

The Prime Minister acknowledged the historic nature of the appointment, marking the first time a ni-Vanuatu has been selected to lead the MSG Secretariat since the organisation’s establishment in 1986.

“Dr. Naupa’s appointment is also an important achievement for women across Melanesia and the Pacific. Her success demonstrates the growing contribution of women in leadership and serves as an inspiration to future generations throughout our region.”

Prime Minister Rabuka reaffirmed the MSG’s enduring commitment to the principles upon which it was founded — solidarity, cooperation, respect, and support for the aspirations of Melanesian peoples.

“Under Dr. Naupa’s leadership, we look forward to building on these achievements while remaining true to the values and vision that have guided the MSG for four decades.”

Dr. Naupa thanked the MSG and secretariat for her appointment, saying she is ready to serve and fulfill her duties for the benefit of Melanesia.

𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐎𝐖𝐄𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆 I𝐓𝐀𝐔𝐊𝐄𝐈 𝐋𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍𝐄𝐑𝐒: $𝟏.𝟔 𝐌𝐈𝐋𝐋𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐍𝐕𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐅𝐔𝐄𝐋 𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐖𝐓𝐇 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐈𝐍𝐀𝐁𝐈𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐘

The political change in late December 2022 was historical for the country in terms of social and political development, changes, and leadership, generating many other changes in direction, policies, and strategies in many organisations and institutions.

Changes also occurred at the ITaukei Land Trust Board, and in the face of increasing poverty and low participation in commerce by iTaukei, the Board of Trustees endorsed lowering its operating poundage to 8% from 10% and set aside 10% as the iTaukei Wealth Fund.

Through the iTaukei Development Fund, three landowning units and companies and cooperatives received equipment worth $1.6 million in a handing-over ceremony officiated by Prime Minister Hon. Sitiveni Ligamamada Rabuka today in Suva.

Addressing the recipients, guests, and Government ministers, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka stated that the TLTB has taken bold steps to implement initiatives addressing landowners' need for capital or access to capital.

“To the three landowning units, companies, and cooperatives who are beneficiaries in this facility today, Government is looking forward to seeing that your businesses thrive and contribute economically to the nation with tangible social impacts to your well-being and your welfare. The business must grow strong and sustainable; you must change the game, ensuring governance is played well and transformed," said the Prime Minister.

The iTaukei businesses that received equipment today include:

1. Infinity Pacific PTE Limited from Tokotoko Nasautoro, Korovuto, Nadi, which received assistance of $193,900 for the purchase of two vehicles.

2. Nativi Cooperative from Nativi Village in Saivou, Ra, which is leasing a total area of 119 acres for cane farming. They received a total of $62,000, with $59,000 allocated for the purchase of a new tractor and $3,000 designated as working capital.

3. The Dreketi Mahogany Landowners Cooperative from the province of Macuata, consisting of 10 landowning units that will harvest and cart Mahogany logs from their land, has been granted a total of $1.3 million to purchase a 10-wheeler truck, a loader, and an excavator.

4. Additionally, Tui Labasa Ratu Jone Qomate, who has 115 acres of sugarcane farm, received assistance for a tractor valued at $47,000.

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4glS8nb

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