Secretariat of the Pacific Community
Encyclopedia
Nouméa
Nouméa is the capital city of the French territory of New Caledonia. It is situated on a peninsula in the south of New Caledonia's main island, Grande Terre, and is home to the majority of the island's European, Polynesian , Indonesian, and Vietnamese populations, as well as many Melanesians,...
, New Caledonia
New Caledonia
New Caledonia is a special collectivity of France located in the southwest Pacific Ocean, east of Australia and about from Metropolitan France. The archipelago, part of the Melanesia subregion, includes the main island of Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands, the Belep archipelago, the Isle of...
.
History
SPC was founded in 1947 as the South Pacific Commission by six developed countries with an interest in the region:For reasons either of reduced development interest in the Pacific Islands region or a desire to concentrate assistance in other areas of greater poverty, two founding members have since withdrawn from the SPC: the Netherlands (1962-) and the United Kingdom (1995-98 and 2005-).
SPC's founding charter is the Canberra Agreement. In the aftermath of World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
, the six colonial powers which created the SPC, arguably intended it to secure Western political and military interests in the postwar Pacific.
From the start, SPC's role was constrained, and the invitation from Australia and New Zealand to the USA, France, Netherlands and the United Kingdom to participate in a South Seas Commission Conference in 1947 included the statement that "the [South Pacific] Commission to be set up should not be empowered to deal in any way with political matters or questions of defense or security" This constraint on discussion (particularly the constraint on discussing nuclear weapons testing in the region) led, eventually, to the creation of the South Pacific Forum (now Pacific Islands Forum)
Pacific Islands Forum
The Pacific Islands Forum is an inter-governmental organization that aims to enhance cooperation between the independent countries of the Pacific Ocean. It was founded in 1971 as the South Pacific Forum...
, which not only excluded the more distant "metropolitan" powers of France, UK and USA, but also their Pacific Island territories.
Present
Today, the SPC's role has expanded in service to its community. The SPC work-area includes the following Pacific island countries and territories, which since 1983 have been full members:
These were all territories (or, in the case of Tonga, a protected state) of the original founder members of SPC, but most are now independent. Dutch New Guinea
Netherlands New Guinea
Netherlands New Guinea refers to the West Papua region while it was an overseas territory of the Kingdom of the Netherlands from 1949 to 1962. Until 1949 it was a part of the Netherlands Indies. It was commonly known as Dutch New Guinea...
, formerly represented in the SPC by the Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, was transferred to Indonesia in 1969 and is no longer represented in the SPC.
SPC today is the oldest and largest organization in the 10-member Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific
Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific
The Council of Regional Organisations in the Pacific is an inter-organisational consultative process which aims to prevent either overlaps, or gaps, appearing between the work-programmes of its various members....
(CROP), a consultative process that is headed at the political level by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
Pacific Islands Forum
The Pacific Islands Forum is an inter-governmental organization that aims to enhance cooperation between the independent countries of the Pacific Ocean. It was founded in 1971 as the South Pacific Forum...
. Since the hand-over of co-ordination of regional political issues from the SPC Conference to the South Pacific Forum in the 1970s, SPC has concentrated on providing technical, advisory, statistical and information support to its member governments and administrations, particularly in areas where small island states lack the wherewithal to maintain purely national cadres of expertise, or in areas where regional co-operation or interaction is necessary.
SPC was the first CROP organization to be headed by a woman, Lourdes Pangelinan of Guam who left the organization end of January 2006. Dr Jimmie Rodgers
Jimmie Rodgers (SPC Deputy Director General)
Jimmie Rodgers is the Director General of Secretariat of the Pacific Community in Nouméa, New Caledonia. He is a Medical Doctor by profession specialising in anaesthesia. He is a native of the Solomon Islands.-References:...
is the organization's current Director-General.
SPC programmes and services
SPC’s technical programmes are co-ordinated under three divisions, Land Resources, Marine Resources, and Social Resources:Land Resources Division
The Land Resources Division, which is based in Suva, comprises two programmes – sustainable management of forest and agriculture systems, and biosecurity and trade facilitation. It provides advice, expertise, technical support and training to members on all aspects of agriculture and forestry, including:- plant health
- animal health
- biosecurity and trade
- forest and agriculture diversification
- crop production
- animal production
- genetic resources
- information, communication and extension
- forest and trees
Marine Resources Division
This division includes coastal, oceanic fisheries and maritime programmes.The Coastal and Oceanic Fisheries Programmes
These programmes of the SPC:- assist Pacific Island fishing communities to participate in and benefit from regional and national fisheries development and management activities
- provide technical advice, assistance and training on developing small-to-medium-scale commercial tuna fisheries
- conduct research and monitoring of the region’s tuna and reef fisheries
- assist Pacific Island governments in providing an enabling environment for economically and ecologically sustainable aquaculture
The Maritime Programme
The Maritime Programme works with the maritime sector of member countries and territories to:- review, update and implement maritime legislation (critical to compliance with international requirements)
- facilitate training to ensure that all seafarers meet international standards, which in turn promotes safer ships and cleaner seas, and helps to secure employment for Pacific Island seafarers
Social Resources Division
This division covers a broad range of areas and includes the:- Cultural Affairs Programme - support activities in the fields of conservation of cultural heritageCultural heritageCultural heritage is the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society that are inherited from past generations, maintained in the present and bestowed for the benefit of future generations...
, communication technologies, development of cultural industries and promotion of artistic creativity. A major thrust of this programme is the organisation of the Festival of Pacific ArtsFestival of Pacific ArtsThe Festival of Pacific Arts, or Pacific Arts Festival, is a traveling festival hosted every four years by a different country in Oceania . It was conceived by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community as a means to stem erosion of traditional cultural practices by sharing and exchanging culture...
. - Human Development Programme – provides community education, and supports policy making and analysis relating to cultureCultureCulture is a term that has many different inter-related meanings. For example, in 1952, Alfred Kroeber and Clyde Kluckhohn compiled a list of 164 definitions of "culture" in Culture: A Critical Review of Concepts and Definitions...
, gender equality and youth - Public Health Programme – technical support and advice on non-communicable diseaseNon-communicable diseaseA non-communicable disease, or NCD, is a medical condition or disease which is non-infectious. NCDs are diseases of long duration and generally slow progression. They include heart disease, stroke, cancer, asthma, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, cataracts, and...
s (such as diabetesDiabetes mellitusDiabetes mellitus, often simply referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced...
and heart diseaseHeart diseaseHeart disease, cardiac disease or cardiopathy is an umbrella term for a variety of diseases affecting the heart. , it is the leading cause of death in the United States, England, Canada and Wales, accounting for 25.4% of the total deaths in the United States.-Types:-Coronary heart disease:Coronary...
); communicable diseasesInfectious diseaseInfectious diseases, also known as communicable diseases, contagious diseases or transmissible diseases comprise clinically evident illness resulting from the infection, presence and growth of pathogenic biological agents in an individual host organism...
(HIVHIVHuman immunodeficiency virus is a lentivirus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , a condition in humans in which progressive failure of the immune system allows life-threatening opportunistic infections and cancers to thrive...
/AIDSAIDSAcquired immune deficiency syndrome or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome is a disease of the human immune system caused by the human immunodeficiency virus...
and STIsSexually transmitted diseaseSexually transmitted disease , also known as a sexually transmitted infection or venereal disease , is an illness that has a significant probability of transmission between humans by means of human sexual behavior, including vaginal intercourse, oral sex, and anal sex...
, tuberculosisTuberculosisTuberculosis, MTB, or TB is a common, and in many cases lethal, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body...
); adolescentAdolescenceAdolescence is a transitional stage of physical and mental human development generally occurring between puberty and legal adulthood , but largely characterized as beginning and ending with the teenage stage...
reproductive healthReproductive healthWithin the framework of the World Health Organization's definition of health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity, reproductive health, or sexual health/hygiene, addresses the reproductive processes, functions and system...
; nutritionNutritionNutrition is the provision, to cells and organisms, of the materials necessary to support life. Many common health problems can be prevented or alleviated with a healthy diet....
; physical activityPhysical exercisePhysical exercise is any bodily activity that enhances or maintains physical fitness and overall health and wellness. It is performed for various reasons including strengthening muscles and the cardiovascular system, honing athletic skills, weight loss or maintenance, as well as for the purpose of...
; alcoholAlcoholic beverageAn alcoholic beverage is a drink containing ethanol, commonly known as alcohol. Alcoholic beverages are divided into three general classes: beers, wines, and spirits. They are legally consumed in most countries, and over 100 countries have laws regulating their production, sale, and consumption...
and tobaccoTobaccoTobacco is an agricultural product processed from the leaves of plants in the genus Nicotiana. It can be consumed, used as a pesticide and, in the form of nicotine tartrate, used in some medicines...
control; public healthPublic healthPublic health is "the science and art of preventing disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the organized efforts and informed choices of society, organizations, public and private, communities and individuals" . It is concerned with threats to health based on population health...
surveillanceClinical surveillanceClinical surveillance refers to the surveillance of health data about a clinical syndrome that has a significant impact on public health, which is then used to drive decisions about health policy and health education... - Statistics and Demography Programme – strengthens the capacity of national statistical systems to ensure the availability of accurate economic and social indicators to support evidence-based decision-making
- Media Production and Training – provides training to Pacific IslanderPacific IslanderPacific Islander , is a geographic term to describe the indigenous inhabitants of any of the three major sub-regions of Oceania: Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia.According to the Encyclopædia Britannica, these three regions, together with their islands consist of:Polynesia:...
s in radioRadioRadio is the transmission of signals through free space by modulation of electromagnetic waves with frequencies below those of visible light. Electromagnetic radiation travels by means of oscillating electromagnetic fields that pass through the air and the vacuum of space...
, videoVideoVideo is the technology of electronically capturing, recording, processing, storing, transmitting, and reconstructing a sequence of still images representing scenes in motion.- History :...
, televisionTelevisionTelevision is a telecommunication medium for transmitting and receiving moving images that can be monochrome or colored, with accompanying sound...
, graphic designGraphic designGraphic design is a creative process – most often involving a client and a designer and usually completed in conjunction with producers of form – undertaken in order to convey a specific message to a targeted audience...
and desktop publishingDesktop publishingDesktop publishing is the creation of documents using page layout software on a personal computer.The term has been used for publishing at all levels, from small-circulation documents such as local newsletters to books, magazines and newspapers...
, and produces the ‘Pacific Way’ television series
Programme Support Services
- Communication
- Information and Communication Technologies
- Library
- Planning Unit
- Publications and Printery
- Translation and Interpretation
- Corporate Services (finance, personnel, administrative, and property services)
SPC corporate values
- Priorities are set by SPC member countries and territories
- SPC takes a people-first approach, providing practical solutions to real problems
- SPC strives to provide excellent service
- SPC endeavours to make a positive difference in the lives of Pacific Islanders through development of skills
- SPC aims to alleviate absolute poverty, poverty of opportunity and vulnerability to poverty
- SPC strategically engages in providing options for responding to current and future opportunities and challenges
- SPC promotes gender, cultural and environmental sensitivity
- SPC operates with accountability and transparency
SPC Chief Executives
The following is a list of the Secretaries-General and Directors-General (the title of the Chief Executive was changed in 1997) of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (the name of the Organization was also changed in 1997, from South Pacific Commission):- Mr William D. Forsyth (Australia) 1 November 1948 - 3 June 1951
- Sir Leslie Brian Freeston (UK) 12 November 1951 - 12 November 1954
- Dr Ralph Clairon Bedell (USA) 1 March 1955 - 28 February 1958
- Mr Thomas R. Smith (NZ) 1 March 1958 - 2 March 1963
- Mr William D. Forsyth (Australia) 24 March 1963 - 31 December 1966
- Sir Gawain BellGawain Westray BellSir Gawain Westray Bell was a British colonial administrator who became the Governor of Northern Nigeria.-Early life:...
(UK) 1 January 1967 - 11 December 1969 - Afioga Afoafouvale Misimoa (W. Samoa) 1 January 1970 - 18 February 1971 (he died on official mission in Tarawa, Kiribati)
- Mr John E. de Young (USA) 18 February 1971 - 31 October 1971 (he was Programme Director: Social who acted in the interim period for the above)
- Hon. Gustav F.D. Betham (W. Samoa) 1 November 1971 - 30 November 1975
- Dr E. Maciu Salato (Fiji) 9 December 1975 - 30 June 1979
- Hon. M. Young VivianYoung VivianMititaiagimene Young Vivian is a Niuean politician who has twice been the premier of his country. Representing the Niue People's Action Party, he defeated sitting premier Sani Lakatani in May 2002 elections. Vivian had previously served as premier for a brief period from 12 December 1992 to 9...
(Niue) 1 July 1979 - 3 June 1982 - Mr Francis Bugotu, CBE (Solomon Is) 1 July 1982 - 30 November 1986
- Mr. Palauni M. Tuiasosopo (A. Samoa) 9 December 1986 - 31 December 1988 (stood down)
- Mr Jon Tikivanotau Jonassen (Cook Is) 1 January 1989 - 15 June 1989 (he was Director of Programmes acting in the interim)
- Mr Atanraoi Baiteke, OBE (Kiribati) 16 June 1989 - 5 January 1993
- M. Jacques Iékawé (New Caledonia) (SG designate but died on 10 March 1992 before assuming office)
- Ati George SokomanuAti George SokomanuAti George Sokomanu, MBE is a Ni-Vanuatu politician who served as the first president of the country. He was elected President by the Parliament when Vanuatu gained independence in 1980, and served until the end of his term in 1984...
, MBE (Vanuatu) 6 January 1993 - 7 January 1996 - Dr Robert B. Dun (Australia) 8 January 1996 - 5 January 2000 (he restructured the organisation and changed the title of the Chief Executive from "Secretary-General" to "Director-General")
- Ms Lourdes T. Pangelinan (Guam) 6 January 2000 - 5 January 2006
- Dr Jimmie RodgersJimmie Rodgers (SPC Deputy Director General)Jimmie Rodgers is the Director General of Secretariat of the Pacific Community in Nouméa, New Caledonia. He is a Medical Doctor by profession specialising in anaesthesia. He is a native of the Solomon Islands.-References:...
(Solomon Islands) 6 January 2006 - present
Directors of Services or Deputy Directors General
- Helene Courte (New Caledonia) 1989-1992
- Fusi Caginavanua (Fiji) 1992-1995
- Lourdes Pangelinan (Guam) 1995-1999
- Yves Corbel (France) 2000-2006
- Richard Mann (Germany - France) 2006-present
Directors of Programmes or Deputy Directors General
- Poloma Komiti (Samoa) 1989-1995
- Dr Jimmie Rodgers (Solomon Islands) 1995-2005
- Falani Aukuso (Tokelau) 2005-2008
- Fekitamoeloa ‘Utoikamanu (Tonga) 2009-
Directors of Marine Resources or Fisheries Coordinators
- Bernard Smith (Australia) 1981-1991
- Julian Dashwood (Cook Islands) 1991-1997
- Dr Tim Adams (UK) 1997-2008
- Michael Batty (UK) 2008-present
Directors of Land Resources
- Aleki Sisifa (Tonga) 2003-2010
- Inoke Ratukalou (Fiji) 2010-present (Acting)
Directors of Corporate Services
- Louni Hanipale Mose (Samoa) 1994-2008
- Leslie Walker (Australia) 2008-present
See also
- Festival of Pacific ArtsFestival of Pacific ArtsThe Festival of Pacific Arts, or Pacific Arts Festival, is a traveling festival hosted every four years by a different country in Oceania . It was conceived by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community as a means to stem erosion of traditional cultural practices by sharing and exchanging culture...
- Pacific Islands ForumPacific Islands ForumThe Pacific Islands Forum is an inter-governmental organization that aims to enhance cooperation between the independent countries of the Pacific Ocean. It was founded in 1971 as the South Pacific Forum...
- Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC)Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission (APFIC)The Asia-Pacific Fishery Commission , originally called the Indo-Pacific Fisheries Council is an Food and Agriculture Organization Article XIV Regional Fisheries Body which covers fisheries, aquaculture and related aquatic resource issues in the Asia-Pacific region...
- Western and Central Pacific Fisheries CommissionWestern and Central Pacific Fisheries CommissionThe Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission is a treaty-based organisation. It was established to conserve and manage tuna and other highly migratory fish stocks across the western and central areas of the Pacific Ocean and commenced operations in late 2005...
- International organizationInternational organizationAn intergovernmental organization, sometimes rendered as an international governmental organization and both abbreviated as IGO, is an organization composed primarily of sovereign states , or of other intergovernmental organizations...