Telefoni has expressed regret that Tonga’s Dr. Viliame Tangi lost a crucial vote, 14-16, to become regional director of the World Health Organization.
Held in Manila late last week, Tangi is Tonga’s deputy prime minister and minister of health.
During Samoa’s cabinet meeting, Minister of Health Gatoloaifa’ana Amataga Alesana-Gidlow reported that Tangi lost the crucial vote even though New Zealand, Australia, China, the U.S. and Japan all supported his candidacy.
“Obviously Dr. Tangi lost because at least six Pacific Island Countries voted against him,” Telefoni said.
“What does that tell the world about the myth of Pacific Islands’ solidarity? This post would have been the highest United Nation’s position to be held by a Pacific Islander. This is a sad day, a sad day not just for Tonga but for all Pacific Islands.”
Tangi is a dedicated medical practitioner who has excellent leadership skills and administrative capabilities.
He is an eminently qualified and suitable candidate for this senior position.
Dr. Shin Young-Soo of South Korea was nominated to be the World Health Organization’s next regional director for the Western Pacific.
Shin is scheduled to take up his new post on Feb. 1 2009, succeeding Dr Shigeru Omi, 59, who has served as the Western Pacific’s regional director for the past 10 years.
