Commentary

For the first time the 2013 PLG summit will include indigenous Polynesian groups with Maori, Hawaiian, and Rapa Nui leaders invited to participate. This is a move that expands the confines of the group from just independent and self-governing island states to include distinct Polynesian peoples.

The recent breakdown of Vodaphone Fiji’s investment in PNG’s BeMobile is just the most recent in a series of missed opportunities in cross-investment that could not only improve small island economies, but mitigate against some of the worst aspects of large-scale development projects in the Pacific.

Pacific nations have little clout in global climate change negotiations, but it would appear that a clear statement will come out of Majuro calling on developed nations for action far beyond what we’ve seen to date to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avert a worst-case climate scenario.

Polynesian countries may have missed the significance of participating at the inaugural Pacific Islands Development Forum. Bainimarama noted that it was unfortunate some countries did not attend, possibly because they regarded the meeting as political instead of focusing on development.

It’s telling, and rather tragic, that even after the lessons of Wikileaks, democratic governments have still not learned how to deal with secrets. Ask a Pacific islander, and he’ll tell you how. Global villagers could learn a thing or two about information security from Pacific island societies.

The decision to send all boat people for processing and resettlement in PNG is a huge bluff - Rudd is calculating that asylum seekers will no longer want to come if they know that there is no hope for resettlement in Australia. It may stop the boats temporarily but is it likely to work long term?