PM Bainimarama - Keynote Address at Rotum Day Celebrations
May 13, 2008, 10:48
COMMODORE JOSAIA V. BAINIMARAMA
Prime Minister and Minister for Public Service, Peoples’ Charter for Change, Information, Provincial Development and Multi-ethnic Affairs and Indigenous Affairs
Gagaj Maraf, Gagaj ne itu’u,
The Chairman and Members of the Rotuma Island Council,
Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen, and the
Children of Rotuma.
Noai’a ‘e maur lelei (pronounced:No-a-ia E Me-urr-lelei)
Today is a very special day for the Chiefs and people of Rotuma as you commemorate the Ceding of Rotuma to Great Britain a hundred and twenty-seven years ago.
I am deeply honored to be part of the celebrations today, and I thank you most sincerely for your support to Government and the hospitality that you have extended to us.
I would like to acknowledge and also thank the Community and the children of Rotuma for your active participation and valuable contribution in making this celebration a success.
Today, we stand at the dawning of a new and exciting day for Rotuma.
The initiatives that are currently underway are starting to bring about much needed improvements to Rotuma.
As we celebrate Rotuma Day, let us thank God, and celebrate the significant developments that have been achieved.
The development programmes that have been undertaken by the Interim Government to assist the people of Rotuma include:
1. The Declaration of the 30 mile Archipelagic reserve around Rotuma;
2. The Reservation of two (2) Fishing Licences for Rotuma;
3. The upgrading of the Airport and Seaport infrastructure including the Roads;
4. The proposal to develop Air Links with Tuvalu.
5. The development of a commercial Port Facility for Rotuma;
6. The establishment of the High Temperature Forced Air Plant for treatment of agricultural produce for export;
7. The establishment of the Rotuma - Tuvalu Trade link and Bio-security Protocols;
8. The setting up of Boarder Control measures for international traffic covering Customs, Immigration, Agricultural Quarantine, Police, Health, & Port Security; and
9. The exploration of potential export markets under the “Pacific Islands Trade Agreement (PICTA)” as part of the “Pacific Plan”.
It is Government’s hope and direction that the community will share the same vision to realize the potential of these developments. We have made much progress in implementation of most of these initiatives.
I have directed my Ministers and respective Officials to give priority to the remaining activities yet to be implemented or completed and to bring them to satisfactory conclusion as soon as possible.
I know that here in Rotuma you are also feeling the impact of rising oil and food prices. There is no quick fix to this challenge as we are largely dependent on imports of petroleum and related products and food grains such as wheat and rice. Government has undertaken some initiatives by way of tax and duty relief. The only sustainable solution to combating rising food prices is to grow more of our own produce. I am pleased to see in this regards abundance of food staples in Rotuma. I encourage you to continue working hard, grow as much produce as possible, create surpluses for sustainable export opportunities and most of all safeguard your culture and always uphold good values.
Government on its part will continue to factor in your needs and aspirations in its development programmes.
You will be aware that Cabinet a month ago agreed to declare Rotuma as Port of Entry for Air & Sea Traffic. The relevant Ministries and Departments are now working closely to effectively implement this decision.
As we meet your Leaders and tour the Island as part of our Programme over the next two days, I am sure we will come to better understand the difficulties and challenges you face. My Ministers and I, together with Officials who are part of my Delegation look forward to participating in the programme of discussions and visits.
Once again, I wish to convey on behalf of my Office and the Interim Government, all the best wishes for a peaceful, happy and enjoyable Rotuma Day Celebrations.
Vinaka Saka,
Noai’a ‘e garue lelei
Thank you very much.