MSG LOOKING BACK IN TIME! 17 July 2021

PORT VILA, VANUATU (17 July 2021): Today we take a look back in history when the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) was initially established exactly 35 years ago. 

During an informal meeting in Goroka, Papua New Guinea, on 17 July 1986, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Paias Wingti, Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Ezekiel Alebua, and the Prime Minister of Vanuatu, Walter Lini, together with a representative of the Front de Liberational the Nationale Kanak et Socialiste (FLNKS) of New Caledonia, met with a vision and determined political will for the liberation and decolonisation of all Melanesian countries and territories, which were still under colonial rule then. 

This vision birthed the development of a stronger cultural, political, social and economic identity and link between the people and communities of Melanesia up until today. 

As the MSG’s Secretariat, we acknowledge the wisdom and far-sightedness of these brave Leaders who dared to pave a way for our region! Today we are once again reminded of our role to serve our Members diligently, as we strive to implement the mandate of our Leaders for an even better Melanesia. We have certainly come a long way!

The photo below shows the signing of the Agreed Principles of Cooperation among MSG Member States in Port Vila, Vanuatu just two years later, on 14 March, 1988, after that initial meeting in PNG. 

From L-R: Prime Minister Wingti (Papua New Guinea), Prime Minister Lini (Vanuatu) and Prime Minister Alebua (Solomon Islands).

#MSG #UnitedForABetterMelanesia