MINISTER JONE USAMATE'S REMARKS AT THE 5TH BOARD MEETING ON UNDP DISASTER RESILIENCE FOR PACIFIC SIDS (RESPAC) PROJECT

18/03/2020


The United Nations Deputy Resident Representative, Ms Karin Takeuchi
The First Secretary of the Embassy of the Russian Federation in Australia, Mr Ruslan Arutyunov (connected via Skype)
The Head of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction
(UNDRR), Mr. Andy McElroy
The Pacific Community (SPC) PREP Programme Manager, Mr. George Beck
The UNDP Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Advisor and RESPAC Project Manager, Mr. Noud Leenders
Distinguished Directors of Meteorological Services and Disaster in the Region
Invited Resource Personnel
Ladies & Gentlemen
 
Ni yadra vinaka and a very good afternoon to you all.
 
Today marks my second official engagement with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in a span of five days. Last Friday I was part of the panel to launch the UNDP flagship publication on its 2019 Human Development Report touching on the essence of persistent inequalities something very prevalent in Fiji and across the region. Now, I am here to officiate at the Fifth Board meeting of the RESPAC Project.
 
On Sunday, 15th of March, the Fijian Prime Minister announced Fiji’s level of alertness and pledging commitment to arrest the spread of COVID 19. Whilst countries around the region have intensified efforts, it is my hope that we can collectively work as one in the spirit of regionalism with duty of care to our people. I am aware that participants have cancelled their participation due to travel restrictions placed on government officials for outbound travel and still will be connected via online.
 
I have also been briefed that a Statement of Intent has been prepared as part of the collective undertaking of the NDMO Directors around the region to combat COVID -19. I am also told that some of you will be affected on your return leg back home. But here in Fiji, you are not a stranger, for some of you Fiji remains your home away from home as in your tertiary days at USP.
 
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the presence of the Government of the Russian Federation in the Region and their commitment in providing US$7.5 million for the implementation of the 3 components of the RESPAC Project across the region.
 
We are most grateful for this gesture of generosity from the People of Russia and we beg your indulgence if this could be conveyed to Moscow at your convenience.
 
To UNDP, I alone on behalf of my Prime Minister, take this opportunity to register our appreciation on the work done on Early Warning Systems, capacity-building and supplementation, systems upgrade and improving functionality of both the MET Office and NDMO in Fiji. On-going intervention of the RESPAC Project have been quite visible across the region and have greatly enhanced quality deliverables through targeted interventions. Thank you to UNDP for your continuing commitment and support to the region’s development aspirations.
 
Whilst I understand, the Project is coming to an end in December 2020, there is still room for continuity and space to build on the work started in 2017. I am told that one of the salient intervention modality of RESPAC is its versality to adapt and adjust to be responsive to changing country needs across the region, which I find unique amongst our dealings with development partners.
 
I am told that there have been discussions on the prospects of a business case of taking this further and I hope that it will become an integral part of the Board meeting resolution today. 
 
Ladies and Gentlemen, I have been briefed by my Directors MET and NDMO and I fully support the scaling up of the RESPAC project and that the Fijian Government will formally put up a communication to UNDP on the subject matter. I encourage our fellow Pacific Island countries to also do the same and may I propose that it become a resolution of this important Board meeting.
 
Ladies & Gentlemen, without further do, I have much pleasure in declaring this Board meeting open and a safe journey back home for all our regional participants.
 
Thank you and vinaka vakalevu.