CathNews New Zealand

Dozens of faith leaders from around the Pacific offered an interfaith, island-style challenge to APEC  at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Waikiki. Hundreds of community leaders were expected to attend this event, representing a dozen denominations and Pacific Island nations.

Rev. Kekapa Lee says “Our island culture requires that we welcome all visitors with Aloha, but we have learned from the devastation NAFTA brought to our islands that we cannot remain silent during international trade talks and allow ourselves to be marginalized. Silence now risks further devastation for our people, our Pacific Island economies and our families’ every day lives. All Pacific Island nations and cultures must have a seat at the table, not just the few.”
Source

• Market Watch
• Image: Not the Whitehouse.govt1

Additional reading

• Moana nui speakers say APEC is colonisation today in real time
• Moana Nui Speaker Says Hawaii Should Take Its Cue From New Zealand

News category: Asia Pacific.