The Prime Minister (PM) Jeremiah Manele has acknowledged the outgoing Director-General of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA), Dr. Manumatavai Tupou-Roosen, for her outstanding contributions to the FFA over the last two decades.
Prime Minister Manele acknowledged Dr. Manu, as she is affectionately known, during a farewell dinner hosted by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
“Let me acknowledge Dr Manu for her energy, commitment, dedication and perseverance in delivering on the region’s mandate through the twists and turns of the country.
“First as Legal Counsel of FFA for 13 years before your appointment as the Director General in 2018,” the Prime Minister addressed Dr. Manu.
Continuing to address Dr. Manu, Prime Minister Manele added that “as legal counsel you have been instrumental in driving and implementing important initiatives including the US Tuna treaty negotiations, IUU fishing efforts, Monitoring, Control and Surveillance programs, forging partnerships with regional partners and initiating the legal Graduate program”.
Prime Minister Manele said “Dr Manu has been an inspiration and a devoted advocate for our fisheries and marine resources. As she embarks on a new chapter beyond her pivotal role as FFA DG, we reflect on her significant contributions to the Pacific region”.
He acknowledged Dr. Manu’s commitment to sustainable fisheries, which has contributed to both the protection of marine resources and the livelihoods of countless families across Pacific Island nations.
Prime Minister Manele further added “under her leadership, the Agency has strengthened regional cooperation, championed the principles of sustainability, and advocated for the voices of FFA membership in global discussions on fisheries management”.
The Prime Minister said, “Dr Manu’s vision for a future where our fisheries and marine resources are safeguarded has inspired all of us, especially to women and girls, being the first woman to lead FFA in a primarily male dominated sector, the only female Head of nine regional organizations.
“Her leadership has emphasized on the importance of collaboration, innovation and cooperation among FFA members. Her commitment and perseverance has been the cornerstone driving the vision of the founding fathers of FFA countries to continue to grow from strength to strength,” the Prime Minister stated.
The PM expressed the heartfelt gratitude of the government and people of Solomon Islands for Dr.Manu’s unwavering dedication and service to FFA and Solomon Islands.
Adding that her legacy will continue to shine and guide our paths as we traverse the challenges and opportunities that are ahead of us.
Some of the achievements under Dr. Manu’s leadership include Regional Port State Measures Framework to address IUU fishing activities by preventing vessels involved in IUU Fishing in ports of FFA members, cooperation in surveillance and law enforcement among FFA members, and the establishment of the Harmonized Minimum Terms and Conditions for Fishing Vessel Access to name a few.
