By MICHELLE AUAMOROMORO
VANUATU is the new Chairman of the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG).
Papua New Guinea (PNG) handed over the chairmanship to Vanuatu after holding the position for the last three years.
The hand-over was done in a small traditional ceremony at Suva, Fiji where the Pacific leaders had gathered for the 51st Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Meeting.
Present at the occasion were the leaders of the MSG counties- Fiji’s Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama; Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare; Vanuatu Prime Minister, Bob Loughman, Papua New Guinea Prime Minister, James Marape and Head of the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) of New Caledonia, Victor Tutugoro.
Also in attendance were senior officials from the MSG countries.
Prime Minister of PNG, James Marape handed over a traditional spear to Vanuatu Prime Minister, Bob Loughman to signify the occasion.
Marape also presented traditional food items including pigs, taros and betel-nuts to the MSG members.
The incoming chairman, Loughman thanked PNG for holding the chairmanship in the last three years which he said were tough and he also thanked PNG for implementing the objectives of the MSG.
Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Manasseh Sogavare also acknowledged the outgoing chair, Marape, for his outstanding leadership during what he described as ‘region’s darkest chapters in history’.
“Thank you PNG for holding the fort especially in the past few years- our dark days.
“With COVID-19 and other challenges, it was not easy but you were exceptional.
“Thank you,” he said.
Sogarave congratulated the incoming chairman, Loughman and assured him Solomon Islands’ support and confidence during the tenure of his appointment.
He also encouraged MSG to remain united, to uphold its ideals, and to continue to play a central role in pulling the wider pacific together.
