This isn't self-determination. It's a Ruritanian colonial relic

The Guardian Seumas Milne The vote for British rule in the Falklands referendum dodges the point. It's time for a negotiated settlement with Argentina. by thetiredprop.worldpress.com  by kids.britannica.com Whenever there's a 99.8% yes vote in a referendum, it's a pretty safe bet that something dodgy's going on. And despite David Cameron's insistence that the North Korean-style ballot in the Falkland Islands - or Malvinas as they're known in Argentina - should be treated with "reverence", that rule of thumb clearly fits the bill in this case. Which is not to suggest that the ballot boxes were stuffed. No doubt 1,514 island residents really did vote in favour of continued British rule. The only surprise was that three islanders dared to spoil the rousing choruses of Land of Hope and Glory by voting against. It's that the poll was a foregone conclusion and designed to miss the entire point of Britain's dispute with Argentina over the islands - which began 180 years ago when one of Lord Palmerston's gunboats seized them and expelled the Argentine administration. What other result could conceivably be expected if the future of the islands is put in the hands of the tiny British settler population, most of whom weren't born there but are subsidised to the tune of £44,856 a head to keep them in the Rhodesian retro style to which they are accustomed? By giving the colonists a veto on any change in the islands' status, the British government is trying to pre-empt the issue at the heart of the conflict. But it won't be recognised by Argentina or Latin America, or Africa, or the UN - which regards this relic of empire as a problem of decolonisation - or the US, which is neutral on the dispute. All call for negotiations on sovereignty, which Britain rejects. But surely the islanders have the right to self-determination, it's argued, even if they're 300 miles from Argentina and the other side of the world from Britain. They certainly have a right to have their interests and way of life protected, and to self-government. by coha.org But the right of self-determination depends on who is deciding the future of what territory - and since the dispute is about whether the islands are part of Argentina or not, it's also about who should exercise that right. Self-determination requires a recognised and viably independent people, which is why the UN has rejected its application to the islands. Clearly the residents of, say, the Wallops in Hampshire, with a similar-sized population to the Falklands-Malvinas, can't exercise such a right. Nor can forced colonisation of other people's lands legitimate self-determination - otherwise Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank would have the right to decide the future of Palestinian territory. In fact, British governments only developed a taste for self-determination after they had been forced to abandon the bulk of their empire and saw a way to hold on to colonised enclaves of dependent populations in places like Gibraltar and Northern Ireland. But it's always been a pick and mix affair: there were no self-determination ballots for the people of Hong Kong or the Chagos Islands, expelled by Britain four decades ago to make way for an American air base in Diego Garcia. There are different rules, it seems, for white people. Even so, successive British administrations were quite prepared to negotiate with Argentina over the Falklands-Malvinas - including the islands' sovereignty - from the mid-1960s until 1982. But since the Falklands war, its legacy has entrenched an unsustainable £75m-a-year Ruritanian absurdity in the south Atlantic. The junta's defeat helped free Argentina from a vicious western-backed dictatorship. But military success was a disaster for Britain, rescuing Margaret Thatcher from the depths of unpopularity to unleash devastating neoliberal shock therapy, and rehabilitating overseas military adventures (complete with little-reported war crimes, such as the killing of Argentinian prisoners). The Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges famously dismissed the war as a "fight between two bald men over a comb". A generation on, the discovery of potentially large oil and gas deposits around the islands, development of fisheries and growing importance of the Antarctic sea lanes have changed the picture. Received political wisdom has long been that after the 1982 war, in which more than 900 people were killed, no British politician could afford even to hint at compromise on the Falklands. But Argentina's hand is stronger than might appear. To exploit the islands' hydrocarbon deposits on a significant scale would depend on access to the Argentinian mainland - as would serious development of the islands' economy. Britain's refusal to negotiate with a democratic Argentina - when it was happy to talk to the country's dictators - has no significant international support: least of all in Latin America, which has been booming for a decade, while Britain's and Europe's economies are on their backs. The options for compromise have been canvassed for many years, including joint sovereignty, co-administration and leaseback. A negotiated settlement is in the interests of Britain, Argentina - and the islanders. The sooner time is called on the emperor's new clothes saga of the Falklands, the better for all of us.

Thousands join anti-nuclear rally in French Polynesia

Radio New Zealand International

An estimated 3,000 people have joined an anti-nuclear rally in the French Polynesian capital, Papeete, organised by the ruling pro-independence party.

This followed two marches from the east and west of the city, which met up outside the territorial assembly.

The crew of Japan’s Peace Boat, named after the NGO by the same name, also joined the event, which according to correspondents had fewer participants than expected.

France carried out more than 180 nuclear weapons tests in the South Pacific, the last one in 1996.

The assembly’s president, Jacqui Drollet, says although the tests are over, nuclear waste has been left behind which will be there for thousands of years to come.

In 2010, France acknowledged for the first time that its tests weren’t clean.

It passed a compensation law for test victims, but to date practically all claims have been rejected.

New Caledonia seeks to control its nickel resources

                                                       Selling nickel to Asia

Islands Business

by Nic Maclellan

Nickel transporter...in New Caledonia. -- Nic Maclellan

New Caledonia’s nickel industry is being transformed as new joint ventures and exports to Asia challenge France’s control of the strategic minerals sector.

New Caledonia holds more than 25 percent of the world’s nickel reserves, as well as other strategic metals. The mining, processing and export of these ores are central to New Caledonia’s political as well as economic future, as the country moves to a new political status after 2014.

The FLNKS independence movement sees the control of the islands’ major industry as a key part of their struggle.

Read full article here.

Nic Maclellan writes that "Politics heats up in New Caledonia"

Independence supporters and opponents gear up 

for next year’s elections

By Nic Maclellan

Islands Business

New Caledonia’s next Congressional elections will not be held until May 2014, but it seems like the electoral campaign has already begun.

In recent months, politics in the French Pacific colony has been hotting up as supporters and opponents of independence prepare for next year’s electoral contest. 

Since the Noumea Accord was signed in May 1998, there has been a gradual transfer of authority from Paris to Noumea. But the Congress elected in 2014 will have a major decision. By 3/5 majority, the Congress can decide whether to proceed to a referendum on the transfer of the remaining sovereign powers (defence, foreign policy, police, courts and currency).

A vote after 2014 to transfer these powers would mean the creation of an independent and sovereign nation.

Young voters learn Kanak history...charismatic Kanak leader Jean-Marie Tjibaou who was assassinated in 1989. -- Nic Maclellan

Read full article here.

CARICOM SG: Chavez a true friend of Caribbean Community

(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana)  Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has described the late President of Venezuela Hugo Chavez as a “true friend” of the Community. In a message of condolence to the Government of Venezuela, the Secretary-General said that the late President Chavez, who died on Tuesday following a battle with cancer, “demonstrated solidarity with the Governments and People of the Caribbean Community throughout his tenure and created avenues for co-operation and strengthening relations with the Governments and improving the lives of the people.” President Chavez with Jamaica Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller photo by Jamaica Gleaner Following is the full text of the Secretary-General’s message: “It is with deep sadness that the Caribbean Community has learnt of the passing of a true friend, His Excellency Hugo Chavez, President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. President Chavez demonstrated solidarity with the Governments and People of the Caribbean Community throughout his tenure and created avenues for co-operation and strengthening relations with the Governments and improving the lives of the people. His vision of bringing together the people of Latin America and the Caribbean was driven by his deep sense of concern for the well-being of the disadvantaged in society, not only in his own country but in the wider region. His struggle with the disease that finally claimed his life epitomised the heart and spirit which he brought to bear in his attempts to raise the standard of living of the less fortunate in his homeland, in the Caribbean and the wider region. I extend, on my own behalf and on that of the Caribbean Community, deepest condolences to the family of President Chavez and to the Government and People of Venezuela. I am confident that the strength and spirit of the Venezuelan people, so strikingly exemplified by President Chavez, will sustain the country in its time of grief. May he rest in peace.”

CARICOM to engage British on Turks & Caicos Islands colonialism

NO: 35/2013                                                                       DATE:  20^th  February 2013

(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana)

COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE

TWENTY-FOURTH INTER-SESSIONAL MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM),

18-19 FEBRUARY 2013,

PORT-AU-PRINCE, REPUBLIC OF HAITI

.....

(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) The Twenty-Fourth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held in Port-au-Prince, Republic of Haiti, from 18-19 February 2013.  His Excellency, Michel Joseph Martelly, President of the Republic of Haiti, presided.

Other Members of the Conference in attendance were:  the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Honourable Winston Baldwin Spencer; the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie; the President of the Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Donald Ramotar; the Premier of Montserrat, Honourable Reuben Meade; the Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas; the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Dr. the Hon. Kenny D. Anthony; the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Hon. Ralph E. Gonsalves; and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

Dominica was represented by Honourable Colin McIntrye, Minister of Employment, Trade, Industry and Diaspora Affairs; Jamaica was represented by Honourable Arnold J. Nicholson, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Suriname was represented by Honourable Gin-Mardo Kromosoeto, Minister of Regional Development, Land and Forestry Management; Barbados was represented by Mr. Charles Burnett, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade; Belize was represented by Ambassador Alexis Rosado, Chief Executive Officer, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Associate Member in attendance was the Premier, Turks and Caicos Islands, Honourable Dr. Rufus Ewing.

Special Guest in attendance was the Attorney-General of the United States of America, Honourable Eric Holder Jr. 

__________________________________

Honourable Dr. Rufus Ewing

TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS

The Conference received with interest the address made by the Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  It was the first meeting of the Community at which the Turks and Caicos Islands had been officially represented by a democratically elected Government since the suspension of its constitution in August 2009, and a three-year period of direct rule by the United Kingdom Government.

The Conference noted with grave concern that, though the elections of November 2012 had led to the restoration of representative government, the overall state of political affairs remained less than desirable and the restoration of true democracy was still a far way off.  The 2011 constitution, conceived in London and thrust upon the people of the Turks and Caicos Islands when they were without representation, was viewed as a mere by-law for the continuance of direct rule under the pretext of representative democracy.

Of additional concern were the challenges emanating from the workings of the justice system in relation to the criminal investigations that followed the commission of enquiry, and what was portrayed as "constant infractions of democratic principles and insults to the ideals of elected government".

The Conference noted the reaffirmation of the Turks and Caicos Islands Government's commitment to the Caribbean Community as well as the expressed appreciation for the pronouncements of the Community on the situation in TCI.  It was decided to continue to keep the situation under close review and to raise concerns with representatives of the British Government.

‘The State (France) failed to prepare St. Martin for new status’

Daily Herald

MARIGOT--Senator Louis-Constant Fleming plans to take France's Minister of Overseas Territories Victorin Lurel to task over the State's failure to properly establish the Collectivité of St. Martin, whereas it has fulfilled its obligations towards New Caledonia and Mayotte and is about do so again for Martinique and French Guiana, two territories that will become Collectivités in 2015.

On February 13, the Minister submitted to the Council of Ministers two ordinances, organizing and preparing the institutional change of Martinique and French Guiana that will become Collectivités in 2015.

One ordinance determines budgetary rules, financial and accounting that will be applicable to both Collectivités, and the other deals with the transfer of civil servants of the department and the region to each new Collectivité without changing their status, and also the transfer of assets and liabilities of the department and region to each new Collectivité.

According to the terms of the Daily Bulletin of Thursday, February 14, "these orders give the new Collectivités human and material resources, as well as budgetary tools and financial matters necessary for their proper functioning."

"We can rejoice for Martinique and French Guiana to have the preparation of their new Collectivité status in place and taken care of, since this high skills transfer cannot take place without the prior transfer of financial means and human resources," commented Fleming.

"Provision is also required for the time needed to make the transition, by knowledgeable staff assisting in the implementation of the new administration.

"But we cannot help thinking that St. Martin has been paying the price of a municipality's total unpreparedness and a total non-interest of the State, even though the procedures were done previously with Mayotte and New-Caledonia.

"In the case of St. Martin, it was to move from a municipal administration to a real territorial administration with municipal, departmental, regional and some state responsibilities. It is obvious that such a transition should have been prepared, and a single municipal administration is by definition very limited. The State should have provided the new Collectivité employees the necessary tools and time for a serious and successful launch under the new status."

Fleming emphasises the State has not fulfilled its obligations towards St. Martin, but met them towards New Caledonia and Mayotte in their institutional transitions and is about to respect them for Martinique and French Guiana.

"Yet France had enough time to implement the changes for St Martin, given the time that elapsed between the referendum of December 2003 and the Organic Law of February 21, 2007, establishing the new Collectivité," he argued. "It seems to me therefore necessary and appropriate to question the Minister of Overseas, previously Member of Parliament (MP) for St. Martin until June 2012, and to remind him of the State's failure to establish the Collectivité of St. Martin.

"It is also his moral obligation to repair the damages done. The best thing the State could do to start repairing the damages done is to obtain the annulment of the decree of April 22, 2011, fixing an overall budget of negative compensation of 634,126 euros. The Collectivité has made a request to the Council of State on July 2011 for cancellation and has, to this date, not received an answer."

Support grows for U.N. to resume consideration of French Polynesia

Pacific Church Leaders Support Self-Determination For TahitiPacific Conference of Churches calls on Forum Leaders to do the same.

MELBOURNE, Australia (Radio Australia, Feb. 25, 2013) –Pacific church leaders say it's time for the region to support moves towards independence by the indigenous people of Tahiti, or Maohi Nui. 

worldatlas.com

A proposal to endorse the re-inscription of Tahiti on the United Nations Decolonization Committee's list will be on the agenda at the Pacific Conference of Churches' annual General Assembly in Solomon Islands this week, despite opposition from France, New Zealand and Australia. 

PCC Acting General Secretary and Tahiti native, Reverend Francois Pihaate, told Radio Australia's Pacific Beat program that it was time Pacific Island Forum Leaders showed their support for the move. "They should not try to 'play it safe' by dodging the real issue and trying to cover up by inscribing words of encouragement - this brushes aside the human rights struggles of the people of Maohi Nui," Reverend Pihaatae said. 

"For too long Maohi Nui has been fighting for her freedom and it's time we, as a Pacific family, stand up with a united voice to offer our support." 

A delegation from the World Council of Churches will visit the French-held territory in April for talks with authorities, churches and the people to listen to views on self-determination. The council will also send a delegation to the PCC General Assembly.

U.N. Decolonisation Committee opens 2013 session

21 February 2013

General Assembly GA/COL/3245

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

Special Committee on Decolonization

1^st Meeting (AM)

SECRETARY-GENERAL, AT OPENING MEETING OF SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON DECOLONIZATION,

URGES ‘FRESH AND CREATIVE’ APPROACH TO ENDING COLONIALISM

Members Elect Bureau, Approve Holding Regional Seminar in Ecuador, 25-31 May

Opening the 2013 substantive session of the Special Committee on Decolonization, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on that body to devise “fresh and creative” approaches in mobilizing the political will needed to eradicate colonialism, saying it had no place in the modern world.

“It is time for a new kind of fully inclusive dialogue about decolonization,” he said, adding:  “We no longer have the luxury of indulging in rhetoric and rituals.”  The risk of movement, while sometimes frightening, was preferable to the stagnation of the status quo.

Urging the Special Committee to review its practices so as to “maximize its effectiveness”, the Secretary-General said the common endeavour of eradicating colonialism required its “constructive involvement” with the Non-Self Governing Territories under its purview and with their respective administering Powers.

The Special Committee reviews the political, social and economic conditions in the 16 United Nations-listed Non-Self Governing Territories, organizes regional seminars to discuss the challenges of decolonization and works to ensure that the United Nations aids their development.

Echoing the Secretary-General, Special Committee Chair Diego Morejón (Ecuador) said that, well into the Third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism, the body must create a “new momentum” and review each Territory to determine which should remain on its list and which should be removed.

Direct, constructive contact must be maintained with New Caledonia, which would enter a critical phase of self-determination in 2014, Mr. Morejón said.  He noted that the General Assembly had commended the positive steps taken by New Caledonian and French authorities since their signing of the 1998 Nouméa Accord giving the Territory transitional status until the holding of a referendum between 2014 and 2018.

Similarly, Papua New Guinea’s representative praised the active involvement of the Melanesian Spearhead Group and all parties under the Nouméa Accord.  Urging the Special Committee to break from “business as usual”, he called for concrete ways to help the remaining Non-Self-Governing Territories achieve their respective aspirations, and for the Special Committee to liaise closely with each of the administering Powers in a holistic manner.  In that regard, he applauded the cooperation between Tokelau and New Zealand.

Mr. Morejón spoke after having been elected by acclamation as Chair for the current session.  Also elected were Rodolfo Reyes Rodríguez (Cuba) and Shekou M. Touray (Sierra Leone) as Vice-Chairs, and Bashar Ja’afari (Syria) as Rapporteur.

The Chair proposed that the Special Committee’s annual seminar, scheduled for Latin America this year, be held in Ecuador during the last week of May, to coincide with the Week of Solidarity with the Peoples of Non-Self Governing Territories (25-31 May).

Cuba’s representative thanked Ecuador for its commitment to the Special Committee’s work.

The Special Committee approved the Chair’s proposal, as well as its proposed organization of work for 2013 (document A/AC.109/2013/L.2).  It invited Argentina, Costa Rica, Spain, Cyprus, Ghana, Mauritania, Namibia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates to participate in the session as observers.

Remaining on the list of Non-Self-Governing Territories are the Falkland Islands (Malvinas), Gibraltar, New Caledonia and Western Sahara, as well as American Samoa, Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Guam, Montserrat, Pitcairn, Saint Helena, Tokelau, Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States Virgin Islands.

The Special Committee will reconvene at a date and time to be announced.

21 February 2013

Secretary-General SG/SM/14827 GA/COL/3246

Department of Public Information • News and Media Division • New York

RISK OF MOVEMENT PREFERABLE TO STATUS QUO STAGNATION, SECRETARY-GENERAL

TELLS SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON DECOLONIZATION AS IT BEGINS 2013 SESSION

Following are UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s remarks at the opening of the 2013 session of the Special Committee on Decolonization in New York on 21 February:

Thank you for this opportunity to address the Special Committee at the start of its annual programme of work.  We are now well into the third International Decade for the Eradication of Colonialism.

Against the backdrop of ongoing financial crises and growing budgetary pressures, we must all strive to work with a results-oriented approach.  I have recently invited the General Assembly to consider reviewing mandated activities.  I would also appeal to this Committee to review its practices to maximize its effectiveness.

The international community is more convinced than ever that colonialism has no place in the modern world.  The eradication of colonialism, in keeping with the principles of the Charter and the relevant United Nations resolutions, is our common endeavour.  This requires the constructive involvement of all concerned — the Special Committee, the administering Powers and the Non-Self-Governing Territories — working on a case-by-case basis.

The Special Committee should be at the forefront in identifying possibilities for change and in promoting priorities in the decolonization process for the benefit of all.  As the intergovernmental body exclusively devoted to decolonization, the Special Committee is expected to devise fresh and creative approaches to mobilize the political will to advance its agenda.

As we know, the world is in a great transition.  Many old structures are breaking down.  New arrangements are taking shape.  In the area of decolonization, 16 Non-Self-Governing Territories require our attention.  As we look ahead, the narrative cannot again be portrayed as “decolonization deferred”.

We no longer have the luxury of indulging in rhetoric and rituals.  Concrete action and tangible results are essential.  It is time for a new kind of fully inclusive dialogue about decolonization.  The risk of movement, while sometimes frightening, is far more preferable to the stagnation of the status quo. (emphasis added - OTR)

As you begin your work, I assure you that the Secretariat will continue to provide the necessary assistance to the Special Committee.

I wish you every possible success in your efforts.

* *** *

---

See:  A Conversation on the Challenges to Contemporary Decolonisation

See also: Innovative Plan for International Decolonisation Proposed to UN

British Governor, Attorney General and CFO must go, says Turks & Caicos Islands Premier

In a new letter to Britain’s Foreign Secretary, William Hague, Premier Rufus Ewing has said that Governor Ric Todd, Attorney General Huw Shepheard and Chief Financial Officer Hugh McGarel-Groves must be recalled and replaced by persons who will better accommodate Ewing’s government.

Premier Rufus Ewing

It is unclear what caused the letter of February 10 to be written, while Ewing was at the same time conducting press conferences, not mentioning the strong messages in the letter.

One of the principal complaints of Ewing’s letter was that the prosecution of the former PNP cabinet members was “a farce”. This, Ewing said, was because British and other expatriates who took part in corrupt dealings had opted to pay millions in fines to escape prosecution by the special investigation and prosecution team (SIPT). 

Ewing did not explain in his letter why he felt the prosecution of former ministers Floyd Hall, McAllister Hanchell, Lillian Boyce and Jeffrey Hall was not justified.

Ewing seemed to associate Governor Todd with the interim government, saying that, when Todd arrived to run the direct rule government, he acted as a dictator. However, the interim government came into being in August 2009 under then Governor Gordon Wetherell. Todd arrived two years later in mid 2011 and within little over a year called for elections to return local rule. 

Ewing did say in his letter that Todd had promised that actions by the House of Assembly would be respected. It appears this portion of the letter anticipates the governor’s veto of the VAT repeal bill, which was brought by opposition leader Sharlene Cartwright-Robinson and which received overwhelming support. Only the two parliamentary members appointed by the governor, Lillian Misick and John Phillips, voted against the bill.

This also has raised questions about the letter because, at a press conference held the day after the letter is dated, Ewing acknowledged that it was the governor’s constitutional right to veto the legislation.

West Papua Coalition Applies For Melanesian Spearhead Group Membership

Delegation hopeful move will encourage Indonesia to resolve issues

 By Ricky Binihi
Vanuatu Daily Post

PORT VILA, Vanuatu  The Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat has received the application from the West Papua Coalition for Liberation for West Papua to become full member of the MSG.

Director General of MSG Peter Forau will now send the application to the Chairman of the MSG, Fiji's Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama, and he along with other Melanesian Leaders will make a decision on the request.

Daily Post contacted the office of the Director General of the MSG to ask when that decision will be made but Mr. Forau could not be contacted as he was at a meeting Friday morning.

A press statement from the West Papua office in Port Vila said Mr. Forau’s role is only facilitating the process, but he has no decision on the issue but still wished the WPNCL well in its pursuit of membership.

WPNCL submitted the application for membership at the MSG headquarters on Wednesday.

The Delegation consisted of Vice Chairman, Secretary General, Head of the Vanuatu Mission, a Women Representative and Students and Youth Representative.

They were accompanied by former Prime Minister and staunch advocate for West Papuan independence, Barak Sope and a Representative from the FLNKS of Kanaky/New Caledonia.

Vice Chairman of WPNCL Dr. John Ondawame said that this was a historic occasion that also marks the beginning of our concerted efforts this year to advance the cause.

"We hope this will encourage Indonesia to take necessary steps to resolve the issue. Being a member is also natural because we are an inseparable part of the Melanesian family. For years our efforts to take the issue back to the UN was hindered by lack of official support by the Independent States in Melanesia," Dr. Ondawame said.

Head of the Vanuatu Mission of WPNCL, Mr. Andy Ayamiseba added that being a member is a confirmation of our identity as Melanesian people.

"We cannot deny this fact to our future generations," Mr. Ayamiseba said in the statement.

Women Representative, Bernarda Edoway Douw made a compassionate plea for West Papuan women, mothers and children who she said had suffered in silence year after year.

"The Papuan women are discriminated against in the market place in the employment sector and in education opportunities. Being a member will raise the profile of West Papua especially for the women," the Papuan women representative who was here too for the MSG Silver Jubilee celebrations.

Mr. Amatus Douw speaking on behalf of the West Papua students and youths highlighted the real life experience of marginalization in West Papua. He stated that population decline is caused by a deliberate policy of the Indonesian government.

Mr. Sope elaborated on the historical facts of the creation of the MSG.

He said it was created at the time when there was bloody resistance in Kanaky and our efforts to address the issue did not receive a desired resolve by many governments. For the Melanesian countries it is a serious issue and the only way to find a solution is by members discussing it together and decide on the best way forward. He reiterated that the former New Hebrides had to seek help from another independent Melanesia country in this case Fiji to facilitate our efforts at the UN Decolonization Committee.

"Now we have more independent Melanesian countries that can do more for West Papua" Mr. Sope said.

Mr. Sope added that even the UN Decolonization Committee was specifically established for the independency struggles.

"Countries who are members in the Committee are there because they support self-determination for colonized peoples. If a member is against these objectives they must be in the wrong Committee," the former Vanuatu PM Sope said.

The Secretary General, Mr. Rex Rumakiek stated that being a member of this sub regional institution carries heavy responsibilities which WPNCL fully understands.

"Even though not on the same level as governments, given the opportunity WPNCL will do its best to shoulder the same responsibilities with the other members to protect Melanesia against harmful external threats such as terrorism, illegal trade, distortion of social ecology and bio diversity, economic domination and unfair trade practices," the WPNCL Secretary said.

Bermuda elected as Chair of the UK Overseas Territories Association

Premier Cannonier takes over 

UK Overseas Territories Association presidency


Royal Gazette

By Owain Johnston-Barnes

Bermuda has for the first time been elected to lead the United Kingdom Overseas Territories Association (UKOTA) in the UK.

During a meeting on Thursday, Bermuda, through representative Kimberly Durrant, was elected to the role of Chairman in the organisation which was created to promote cooperation among the overseas territories.

In accordance with the UKOTA Constitution Premier Craig Cannonier will assume the position as President of the Political Council.

The Political Council is the highest body of the Association which consists of Leaders or Representatives of each Member Government.

Revealing the news in a statement yesterday, the Premier said: “I am delighted with the regard in which Bermuda is held within UKOTA.

“There are many areas of mutual interest in which we can share knowledge and experience to our collective benefit.

“I look forward to my tenure as President of the Political Council and in particular how it seeks to shape the nature of engagement with the United Kingdom Government in matters of importance to the OTs.”

Ms Durrant, the Director of the Island’s London Office, said the organisation has always taken pride in giving all participating nation equal representation, regardless of size.

“I am honoured to have been elected to the position of Chairman and to have gained the respect and confidence of my fellow colleagues and Governments of the Overseas Territories,” she said.

Governor of Northern Marianas Islands resigns amid impeachment process

Marianas Variety

UPDATE (3): Governor Fitial resigns, effective today; (Lieutenant Governor) Inos will be sworn in at 1:30 p.m., at the multi-purpose center

The (Northern Marianas) Senate will hold a session at 12:30 noon. Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider will be sworn in as the new lt. governor at the multi-purpose center at 1:30 p.m. with the new governor, Eloy S. Inos. Ralph DLG. Torres will be the new Senate president.

U.S. Congressman (Non-voting delegate - OTR) Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan issued the following statement: 

"I want to thank Governor Fitial for deciding to save all of us the trouble from what would have been a lengthy trial at the Senate. I know this was not an easy decision for him to make but he decided that stepping down was the right thing to do. And for that, I am grateful.

"I wish Governor Inos and Lieutenant Governor Hofschneider the best as they take on their new positions. And I give them my personal assurance that I will help where I can."

See full text here.

Also see:

CNMI Gov. Benigno Fitial resigns from office

Marshall Islands draws attention of climate change as threat to international peace and security

RMI To UN, Climate Change Is ‘Security Issue’

Minister deBrum hopes appeal to Security Council is convincing

MAJURO, Marshall Islands (Yokwe, Feb. 15, 2013) – The Security Council should consider climate change as a threat to international peace and security, particularly for such low-lying nations as the Marshall Islands whose "very existence" was at risk, a Government minister from that country said at a Headquarters press conference today. "This organization [the Council] that we put faith in to provide the security of our country is saying that that is not a security matter," said Tony deBrum, Minister in Assistance to the President of the Marshall Islands, as he briefed journalists on today’s so-called "Arria Formula" meeting on security implications of climate change.

Initiated in 1992 by Ambassador Diego Arria, the representative of Venezuela on the Security Council, such informal gatherings do not constitute an activity of the Council and are convened at the initiative of a member or members of the Council.

Mr. deBrum said he had participated as a panelist and reminded the Council that 35 years ago, he had come to the United Nations to petition for the independence of the Marshall Islands. Between 1976 and 1986, his delegation had annually visited the United Nations. In 1986, the Security Council finally approved the termination of the trusteeship and the establishment of an independent Government for the Marshall Islands, he added.

"We are very grateful for that, but it is hard to be excited about the independent Government seeking prosperity, progress and good life for its people to be faced with the situation where its very existence is threatened through climate change," he said.

"It seems ironic that the very same agency whose approval was needed for my country to become a country again would consider my coming back to ask for help […] is not relevant to their work," he said. There was no outcome document or a running record from that meeting, but he expected that his appeal had convinced some or more of the participants that climate change "is in fact a security issue, not just an economic/social/political issue".

When asked which countries opposed treating climate change as the Council’s prerogative, he said China, Russian Federation and Guatemala were among them. "Surprisingly", the "Group of 77" developing countries and China, of which the Marshall Islands was a member, had taken a position that the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was the appropriate venue for deliberations on that issue. That revealed that "many of our own friends throughout the world do not realize the urgency of the problem," he said.

Describing the situation, he said rising tides had started severely impacting the islands, with roads inundated every 14 days in keeping with the moon cycle. In southern parts of the nation, where there used to be a military base in the Second World War, ordnances were being exposed by the tides, presenting a clear danger to the life and welfare of people there. Even the nation’s capital was required to ration water. In the northern part, emergency kits for making drinking water were being distributed as well water was inundated with salt.

"It became unsuitable for human consumption, and dangerous even to our staple food and citrus," he said. He said he was not predicting a looming crisis — it was already happening, affecting not just his own country but also Kiribati, Tuvalu and some of the other low-lying islands of the Pacific. He hoped that "logic will prevail and people see it as a just cause".

In September, there will be a Pacific Islands Forum meeting to be held in his country, he said. He wished to invite the most significant players in the politics of climate change to visit the Marshall Islands to see the situation first hand. "We are not just sitting under coconut trees and waiting for coconuts to fall," he said, stressing the need for proactive measures.

To an inquiry about Palau’s bid to bring the climate change issue before the International Court of Justice as a security and human rights violation, he said it was an interesting effort, but was not moving anywhere.

Yokwe: http://www.yokwe.net/

Statia civil society organisations petition for political status referendum on options of full political equality

Present partially integrated status of 'public entity' is seen as insufficient for the island's future evolution.

Call for constitutional referendum in Statia

Daily Herald

ST. EUSTATIUS--Brighter Path Foundation, Statia Roots Foundation and St. Eustatius Awareness and Development Movement have joined forces to petition the Island Government of St. Eustatius to organize a constitutional referendum before the evaluation of the island's public-entity status in 2015.

In the early 1990s, there were discussions within the former Netherlands Antilles regarding the constitutional future of the country. Referendums were then held on all five islands of the former Netherlands Antilles. The people of St. Eustatius opted to remain in the Netherlands Antilles.

 

However, discussions among the islands flared up once again, as the intended restructuring of the Netherlands Antilles did not take place. St. Maarten was the first to have its referendum in June 2000, which sparked the other islands to also have their referendum in 2005.

Voters in Statia again chose to maintain in The Netherlands Antilles. However, due to the fact that Statia was the only island that opted to remain within the Netherlands Antilles -a choice viewed by many as impossible- it was decided that Statia also would have direct constitutional ties with The Netherlands, as Saba and Bonaire had opted for.

The people of Statia did not have the opportunity to freely decide if they were in favour of direct constitutional ties with the Netherlands, the petitioners for a referendum stated in a press release.

To substantiate the need for a constitutional referendum, at least 1.5 per cent of the local population was recently interviewed regarding the status change. According to the preliminary results, two per cent of those surveyed indicated they would opt for the current status of public entity. Five per cent of those surveyed indicated that they would opt for full integration, while 29 per cent of those surveyed would opt for a country within the Dutch Kingdom. Eight per cent of those surveyed would opt for independence; 28 per cent of those surveyed indicated that they do not have enough information to make a conscious choice and 11 per cent of those surveyed would opt for another status, which was not defined in the survey, it was stated.

 

"In light of the abovementioned results, we have decided to petition the local government of St. Eustatius to organize a constitutional referendum. In addition to this, various constitutional experts have indicated that, due to the planned anchoring of the public-entity status within the Dutch constitution, the possibility exists that during the evaluation of the island's public-entity status in 2015, there might be but two constitutional options to choose from, namely to maintain the current status or become fully integrated within The Netherlands. We therefore believe that the time for action is now," stated Brighter Path Foundation President Xiomara Balentina.

Integration with full political rights, independence and free association are the three legitimate alternatives which constitute the internationally-recognized options of political equality under the United Nations' General Assembly Resolution 1541 (XV). These options should be among the choices for the people of Statia to vote upon during a constitutional referendum, the proponents of a referendum stated.

Statians who want to support the call for a referendum can sign an online petition to be found at www.change.org/organizations/the_statian_community. The online petition can also be accessed via the How do you know you are a Statian Facebook page. The petition can also be signed at Lyn's Dream bakery and Peso's Supermarket.

 Also see: http://www.change.org

New Caledonia FLNKS opens office at Melanesian Spearhead Group Office Headquarters

Vanuatu Daily Post

 

 

FLNKS delegation members grateful for realization of goal

PORT VILA, Vanuatu – Members of the Front de Liberation Nationale Kanak Socialiste (FLNKS) Political Bureau of New Caledonia, the Kanak Community from Vanuatu and New Caledonia and the staff of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat witnessed the official Opening of the FLNKS Unit at the MSG Secretariat headquarters in Port Vila, Vanuatu by the Spokesperson of the FLNKS to the MSG, Mr. Victor Tutugoro and the Director General of the MSG Secretariat, Mr. Peter Forau last Tuesday.

Mr. Forau explained among other functions this Unit will allow the MSG Secretariat to provide policy advice on political developments in Kanaky/New Caledonia; monitor the implementation of the Noumea Accord; liaise with the FLNKS Political Bureau on MSG issues; coordinate and manage MSG constituent body meetings on FLNKS matters; manage high level technical and Ministerial Missions to New Caledonia; and network with member governments in developing work programs and other activities requiring participation by FLNKS officials.

It will also pave the way for some Kanaks to participate in the secondment program at the Secretariat and in member countries.

In response, the FLNKS representatives with great emotion expressed joy and happiness over the realization of the having a unit within the MSG Secretariat specifically to further work towards the full emancipation of the Kanak people.

Mr. Roch Wamytan, 1st Vice President of the Congress of New Caledonia who witnessed the unveiling of the new office at the MSG Secretariat stated that this gesture by the Leaders and the MSG Secretariat demonstrates the support by our MSG member countries and Secretariat.

"This is a test of our historical link and solidarity of our Melanesia and we thank the Leaders of the MSG and the Secretariat on behalf of the Kanak people," said Mr. Wamytan.

MSG DG Forau hailed the opening of the FLNKS unit a proud moment for Leaders and the membership of the MSG as the grouping continues to show its continuous partnership with the FLNKS.

He said the history of FLNKS joining MSG began with the formation of the organization which was established for the sole purpose of helping the Kanaks in their quest for political emancipation.

Consequently, the FLNKS joined the MSG. The second major development for FLNKS was when the MSG Secretariat recruited two Kanaks to work at the Secretariat, Mr. Jimmy Naouna and Ms. Rose Wete.

The Unit is manned by the FLNKS Political Officer, Mr. Naouna and located within the Governance and Sustainable Development Division of the Secretariat.

The MSG DG said the third major development for the MSG membership and FLNKS was through the raising of the FLNKS flags at all MSG Capitals at all MSG Leaders’ Summit, Foreign Ministers Meetings (FMM) and Senior Officials Meetings (SOM).

He said this visibility by the members of the MSG reflects the determination and support the members have for the full emancipation of the Kanak people, adding the formal opening of the Unit follows a decision by the MSG Special Leaders’ Summit in August 2012 to formally establish the Unit which was set up immediately in September 2012.

The FLNKS Unit is fully funded by contributions from member countries including additional assistance by the Government of the Independent State of Papua New Guinea (PNG) through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) currently being finalized by the Secretariat and the PNG Government. The assistance will include AU$300,000 [US$312,300] for the Unit as well as provision of scholarships for young Kanaks to study in PNG; job attachments for Kanaks in the PNG Public Service and training for Kanaks in the PNG Public Service and Mining Sector.

The immediate priority for the Unit is to organize a joint United Nations/MSG Officials Mission to New Caledonia in 2013 and through the Government of New Caledonia, facilitating a meeting with UN Regional agencies based in the region.

Caribbean Rum Wars: Brewing Tax Battle Stirs Frustration With U.S.

By Larry Luxner

Photo: Lawrence Ruggeri

Caribbean ambassadors to the United States sat down with The Washington Diplomat at the Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago to discuss an ongoing row with Washington over rum. Pictured from top row left are Duly Brutus, permanent representative of Haiti to the Organization of American States; Ambassadors Deborah Mae Lovell of Antigua and Barbuda, Paul Altidor of Haiti, Sonia M. Johnny of St. Lucia, Hubert Charles of Dominica, Jacinth Lorna Henry-Martin of St. Kitts and Nevis, Nestor Mendez of Belize, La Celia A. Prince of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and from bottom row left, Bayney Karran of Guyana, Stephen Vasciannie of Jamaica, Neil Parsan of Trinidad and Tobago, Anibal de Castro of the Dominican Republic, and John Beale of Barbados.

Arguing about who bottles the best rum in the Caribbean is sort of like debating which country produces the tastiest gourmet coffee, or who exports the finest cigars.

Ever since the 17th century, when slaves on West Indies sugar plantations began fermenting molasses into rum, connoisseurs have pondered that question — with modern contenders for the "best rum" title ranging from Jamaica's award-winning Appleton Estate and Haiti's legendary Rhum Barbancourt to pricey Mount Gay Rum from Barbados and the three Bs of the Dominican Republic: Bermudez, Brugal and Barceló.

 

Within the 15-member Caribbean Community (CARICOM), however, few would dispute the biggest threat facing the rum industry today: Washington's generous excise-tax rebates that are used to subsidize rum production in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Read full article here.