Port Vila flower sellers brighten up MSG Secretariat
July 7, 2025 10:34 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook
By Len Garae.
In the true Melanesian spirit of partnership, the Mamas’ Flower Sellers of Port Vila donated pots of flowers to the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) Secretariat on the final day of their recent sales.
Following the devastating earthquake on December 17, 2024, which forced the MSG Secretariat to relocate to a safer location in a Port Vila suburb, the flower sellers—90 percent of whom are women—chose to brighten the Secretariat’s offices with “live flowers” as a reminder to the staff from Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Kanaky, and Vanuatu that “life goes on.”
“This small gesture is meant to add to the flame of the Melanesian spirit that unites our subregional organisation,” said Mr. Maurice Horry, head of the flower sellers’ group.
A Secretariat staff member, received the flowers from Mr. Horry and his team. The staff also informed the Association that they are welcome to use the bathroom on the ground floor.
Horry conveyed gratitude, saying he had not expected that their “humble gesture” would grant them access to the Secretariat’s bathroom, which is conveniently located opposite the flower sales venue. “I wish to thank the Secretariat for their generosity,” he said.
Meanwhile, the idea to form a Melanesian countries’ grouping originated with leaders of Vanuatu’s independence movement. Former Roving Ambassador and Prime Minister Barak Sope, along with former Head of State and Ombudsman Kalkot Mataskelekele, were among the pioneers who helped establish the organisation after independence on July 30, 1980.
