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Fiji is 'Johnny Come Lately' to the MSG

June 20, 2019 6:58 am

Fiji is Johnny come lately in the Melanesian Spearhead Group.

This was highlighted by Chair of the Committee of Parliament Ratu Epeli Nailatikau while speaking on a motion to reduce MSG contributions by $120,000.

It’s unusual for the Chair to make an explanation on this we should have been there at its initiation and we weren’t and we have always been treated as the Johnny come lately to the MSG. now it is starting to wear off because we are playing its part, We should have been there earlier.

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Opposition MP, Anare Jale also spoke on his motion that the MSG Contribution of $1,120,000 be reduced by $120,000 as the MSG has lost its way and intent.

Melanesian Forum was meant to look after the interest of the Melanesians and the complaints and cry of the people of the region particularly the Melanesians have been neglected by the MSG with West Papua an example.

Responding to the motion, Minister for Foreign Affairs Inia Seruiratu refuted the Opposition’s claims.

The MSG, of course, gaining momentum and there will always be differences within the MSG. They have come a long way since the establishment of the MSG and this is the time where they need to come together. When you look at the MSG and in terms of its strategic advantage we are the mass of this region in terms of strengths of the economy, we now have our trade agreements we just need to strengthen the MSG and it’s the leadership of the MSG that will make it work. And it was the leader of the Opposition that made Fiji join the MSG.”

The Oppositions motion to reduce MSG contributions by $120,000 was defeated during the 2019/2020 National Budget debate.