Democracy gets boost in Pacific meeting

APIA (Samoa Observer/PINA Nius Online) –- Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon has vowed to uphold Commonwealth principles in terms of promoting democracy and good governance within the Pacific region. His statement came during the official opening of the Commonwealth’s Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), held at the Kitano Tusitala Hotel.

Attended by some 150 senior officials from 54 Commonwealth Countries, the meeting is assessing a number of key issues in politics, economy, globalization, social and human development. More importantly for the region, senior officials will be assessing the recent political unrest in Fiji and other Commonwealth countries.

These issues will be given prominent attention to prepare the Commonwealth for future events of the same nature. “As you know, this senior officials meeting serves a vital function as the watchdog body to review progress made in implementing decisions taken by Heads of government,” Mr. McKinnon said. “The promotion of democracy and good governance of course remains a defining feature of the Commonwealth and continues to be high on our agenda.

“This is why for those of us who have been so closely acquainted with this region, (Pacific) the overthrow of the democratically elected government in Fiji last May and the recent tensions in the Solomon Islands have been of particular concern.”

Mr. McKinnon believes such a concern needs to be addressed to better prepare the Commonwealth for the future.

Although the Fiji crisis has had a devastating affect on the region’s social and economic developments, Mr. McKinnon pointed out that it only strengthened the Commonwealth’s stance towards democracy and fair electoral choice societies.

“The work of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has shown the Commonwealth’s readiness to hold fast to democratic principles and to send a clear message that governments which do not stem from the free and fair electoral choice of their peoples lack legitimacy.”

On the other hand, Commonwealth leaders will discuss how the Commonwealth could assist smaller island states with their “integration into a more globalized economy.” Mr. McKinnon revealed the Commonwealth’s dependency on it youth for future development. This, he believed was the future and therefore the youth’s concerns would be one “major priority” for the meeting.

In conclusion, Mr. McKinnon urged leaders to be proactive in encouraging the practice of proper principles of democracy. “The only thing you take with you when you’re gone is what you leave behind.”

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi conceded that education and youth development carried the region’s hope for a brighter future.

Speaking in his capacity as PM, Tuilaepa voiced Samoa’s disapproval of what had happened in Fiji. He said George Speight and his rebels’ actions had tarnished the Pacific’s reputation as peaceful and tranquil paradise. He also believed the situation exposed the “political fragile” side of governments nowadays, despite modernization and technology.

Despite this, Tuilaepa felt the meeting was an encouraging sign, particularly with the Commonwealth leading the way in improving the region. He urged officials and delegations to prioritize Education in the region.

Leader of Delegation for Cameroon, Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute spoke on behalf of all the delegations. He expressed his sincere thanks to the Samoan government for being such excellent hosts.

Originally, the meeting was supposed to be held in Fiji. Unfortunately, the ugly circumstances prevailed and now Samoa has been chosen as the best host nation. This is the 15th meeting of Commonwealth Senior officials.