Mama Melanesia

This piece was written and shared on digital platforms on 21 May, 2024, in response to the French authorities strong military deployment of over 3000 troops and heavily armed gendarmes in Kanaky New Caledonia; where our Melanesian brothers and sisters are fighting for their Independence. Also noting that in the following month June of 2024, Fiji and Papua New Guinea were Pacific representatives to the U.N. Special Committee on Decolonisation, C-24.

When I think about Mama I think Melanesia

When I think about Melanesia I think about her arms wrapped around us so poise in presence she reminds us of her love and strength

Last night i heard Mama's voice singing kanaky melodies her voice

forming waves on waves

Gather our elders Port Vila, memories of the old days will fill us

with hope

Gather our friends Port Moresby, one and a thousand is a million

Gather our mats Honiara, lay them open and let the skies

reflect its beauty

Gather the lovo stones Suva, prepare a feast for our hearts

Gather the musicals West Papua, today we only want to hear the

kundu drums loud in the streets

'Kanaky needs us,

Keep the Kanak songs playing in

our homes.

Let's not rest our feet', mama said.