Melanesian Spearhead Group Secretariat

MSG Secretariat supports calls for UN to declare New Caledonia referendum results null and void

The calls were made by the Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front (FLNKS) and pro-independence parties in New Caledonia after Sunday’s vote.

Despite a low turnout, voters rejected independence from France in the third referendum.

The MSG Secretariat said Article 1 of the UN Charter and UN General Assembly Resolution 1514 on the Granting of Independence to colonized Territories, provided the need for the indigenous people of Kanaky to participate in the referendum and exercise their ‘right to self-determination’.

MSG Secretariat hosts ‘Haus Krai’ for late former PNG leader

The week-long ‘Haus Krai’ will start with the official laying of wreaths at 3pm (local time) at the MSG Secretariat Headquarters at Independence Park.

According the MSG Acting Director General, George Hoa’au, the event is to show solidarity with the people and Government of Papua New Guinea, on the passing of Somare who was also lovingly known as the Grand Chief.

The ‘Haus Krai,’ as a symbol of grief, in the PNG culture will be an area in the MSG Secretariat especially demarcated for the public to pay their respects to the late Somare.

MSG Secretariat contributes to VBTC radiothon

The fundraising drive is to assist the Vila Central Hospital in purchasing neonatal incubators to meet the growing demand.

Acting Director General of the MSG Secretariat, George Hoa’au, in handing over the cheque to the organisers, said the Secretariat was elated to be contributing to a worthy cause, that is to procure more neonatal intensive care Incubators.

He further highlighted that, generally as an organisation, we have a duty to support meaningful activities that will benefit our communities.

Indonesia helps finance Melanesian Spearhead Group secretariat

The secretariat, based in Vanuatu's capital Port Vila, has experienced funding limitations in recent years.

The five full members - Papua New Guinea, Vanuatu, Fiji, Solomon Islands and New Caledonia's FLNKS Kanaks Movement - are meant to pay annual contributions.

However, some members have struggled to pay their dues on time in the past few years.

According to a spokesman for Indonesia's embassy in Australia, Sade Bimantara, Jakarta has been helping the MSG out.