Reasons For Optimism

Samantha Magick

So another Pacific Islands Forum is over. It was short on controversy (apart from the vote for the Pacific candidate for ACP Secretary-General) and slow but steady in its progress towards new Forum priorities, plus commitments to assistance for troubled states (Nauru, Niue, Solomon Islands).

For all the drama over his appointment a year ago, Forum Secretary-General Greg Urwin should take much credit for the smooth running of this meeting, and the Secretariat. The morale among secretariat staff is noticeably better, and the results of quality leadership are starting to be seen.

There are some issues that seem to be generating little more than wads of paper to be sure-the regional aviation policy for one-but others, such as the HIV/AIDs strategy are clearly a step in the right direction. It makes sense that the Forum look beyond its current membership then, and find ways of engaging on truly regional issues with Guam and the Commonwealth of Northern Marianas, so these strategies don't stop at artificial boundaries.

The ability of Samoa to host the Forum so effectively, and on short notice, is a reflection of good things happening in the country.

This month's Pacific Magazine features a profile on KVAConsult, a company making its mark in Samoa and other Pacific Island nations, and taking on the sort of strategic work that is still too often outsourced right out of the region. They have a confidence found in many Samoans, confidence that isn't blind to the challenges that quick growth without infrastructure can pose, but confidence and ability that offers some relief from problematic economic management in other island nations, and the perception held by some outside the region that we are part of one big "arc of instability."

This spirit can also be felt to some degree in Guam, where as we reported last month, the economy appears to be recovering-although there are still questions around exactly at what level U.S. military spending will contribute to that recovery.

And in Fiji, despite a still tumultuous political situation, the business community appears to be largely getting on with things. Many in Fiji suggest the only time Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase and his predecessor and Labour leader, Mahendra Chaudhry talk now is through the "Talanoa" sessions of the East-West Centre's Sitiveni Halapua, although one commentator, Dr Brij Lal described even these as a waste of time and money.

Yet the economy, particularly tourism and construction, are on the upswing. The recent jailing of Vice President Ratu Jope Seniloli and three other prominent citizens for participating in unlawful swearing-in ceremonies following the coup of 2000 has created some heartburn, but is also an important demonstration that the rule of law does still apply in Fiji-most of the time- and that the judiciary has clearly maintained its independence.

We hope the rule of law will apply in the Solomons Islands. Prime Minister Allen Kemakeza gave an upbeat report on the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands at the Pacific Islands Forum.

But the real test will be in its next phase, whether those who've acted corruptly are also brought to account, even if they inhabit lofty offices in government and the administration.

Corrections: In Pacific July we misspelt the names of Palau's Vice-President, Sandra Pierantozzi and of Saipan swim star, Xenavee Pangelinan. We regret any embarrassment caused.