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Yesterday the Pacific Islands Forum-- the Pacific region’s most important political body and a powerful voice for the Pacific on the global stage-- made a decision that is already causing a crisis for the future of PIF, & Polynesians are a huge reason why. Thread:
PIF is comprised of 18 members representing different island nations in Oceania. Every 3 years, an election is held for who will be the next Secretary General. Last night was this year's election.
For decades since the renaming of PIF from South Pacific Forum to be inclusive of our North Pacific island nations (Micronesia), the SG would rotate between the subregions of Oceania: Melanesia, Micronesia, & Polynesia. It wasn't a rule, it was a well-known gentleman's agreement.
That means that since the last two Secretary Generals were Polynesian (Samoa) and then Melanesian (Papua New Guinea), this year's was supposed to be Micronesia's turn.
That's not what happened in last night's election.
That's not what happened in last night's election.
In a 9-8 vote, PIF voted in Henry Puna (Cook Islands), reverting leadership back to Polynesia when it wasn't their (our) turn. This decision exposes a fracture within Oceania between our North and South Pacific nations that has continuously rendered Micronesia invisible.
Historically, Micronesia has only held the Secretary General position once, whereas Melanesia & Polynesia have each held the position 3x. So before anyone tries to diminish the gentleman's agreement: don't. Micronesia should have been honored w/ giving us our next SG of PIF.
B/c of this blatant disregard & treatment of our N. Pacific islands in this election, today Palau removed themselves from PIF. They're also beginning to remove their consulates from Pacific regional spaces. On Monday the remaining Micronesian islands will decide if they leave too
W/ the possibility of more Micronesians leaving PIF come Monday, not only will it fracture the supposed unity w/in the Forum, but it'll surely dilute the Pacific's strong message to the rest of the globe on climate change. https://taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2021/02/06/2003751862
“The Pacific is facing major existential crises...they have been vocal advocates worldwide, far above their size and stature, and it’s largely because of the unity you see in the Pacific — which appears to be rapidly unwinding.” https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/05/world/asia/pacific-islands-forum.html
David Panuelo, president of the Federated States of Micronesia, told ABC radio: “if there is no trust, and recognition of rotation between the sub-regions, then there is really no reason to remain in the Pacific Islands Forum”. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/05/future-of-pacific-islands-forum-in-doubt-as-north-south-rift-emerges
Micronesian leaders in PIF have long felt neglected by the larger more influential South Pacific islands in the Forum. A microcosm for how Micronesians are treated in our Pacific Islander community throughout. PIF or not: the Polynesian hegemony of Oceania is detrimental.
This decision is alarming & deeply disappointing. Our Micronesian aiga shouldn't have had to defend and request that the agreement be honored. The vote shouldn't have been that close. The nine who voted against Micronesia didn't have Oceania's best interest in mind. Troubling.
As a Polynesian, I really need us to actively collect ourselves so that the more self-reflective work we do on understanding our shared histories w/ our Micronesian (and Melanesian) people, the quicker we can move towards collective liberation. But right now: we're a problem.
Polynesians continue to straddle this line between being victims of white supremacy, settler colonialism, militarization, & imperialism, while also being key proponents to upholding these systems, at the expense of the rest of Oceania. Our ignorance around this is detrimental.
Personally: I don't want to claim an Oceania where Polynesians reign superior through hegemonic practices masked as unity or respect. I don't want an Oceania that renders our Micronesian & Melanesian ppl as anything less than family or integral to the Pacific's legacy & survival.
We have our work cut out for us, but never forget that Polynesians would still be out at sea if it wasn't for Micronesians. Micronesians are at the frontline of our OWN community when it comes to rescuing us from climate change. We must do better. Now. https://twitter.com/terisasiagatonu/status/1308934769703628801?s=20
I want to thank @CherelleLeilani and @kathykijiner for posting about this enough for me to do this research for myself, but I invite any other Pasifika folks (priority goes to Micronesian aiga) to correct me, clarify, add on to what I've said here. Please let me know.
This. 
Thank you for articulating this @KTeaiwa https://twitter.com/kteaiwa/status/1358003594918678531
Thank you for articulating this @KTeaiwa https://twitter.com/kteaiwa/status/1358003594918678531
