Put People First, says Regional Leaders

A people-centered approach will remain a key area of focus for Pacific Islands Forum leaders.

This was the crux of a talanoa session by Pacific leaders, President of Palau Surangel Whipps Jr, Tonga’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Fakitamoeloa Utoikamanu, Vanuatu Prime Minister Bob Loughman and Australian Foreign Minister Senator Penny Wong.

The talanoa session took place at the Civic Centre on Tuesday.

Mr Whipps Jr said it was key to always put people first instead of programmes. He spoke at length about the challenges Palau faced with the increase in suicide cases.

“For the past 10 years, 41 young men have taken their lives and for a population of only 20,000 people,” he said.

“I think many at times in public service, we lose focus on what is important."

“Whether it’s making sure everyone has decent education so that they can take care of their families or ensuring we have a good health care system, we must make sure to put people first."

“Let me give you one example, back at home there was a slogan at one time which was, ‘I wish I was a fish.’ It was because we were taking more time and spending a lot of money on protecting the fish rather than the people."

“We spent $10 million in protecting our Economic Exclusive Zone and for our education it was only $2 million,” Mr Whipps Jr said.

“One of the biggest challenges that we have at home is the high rate of suicide,” he said.

“For the first six months alone this year, five young men committed suicide.

“This tells us that there is a lack of hope and people still feel left out.”

In terms of cultural and traditional frameworks that operate in our Pacific countries, Mr Whipps Jr said that a lot of the responsibilities of the clans have eroded.

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