It’s good to know that the Government is pursuing the Rotuma Smart Island Project as part of the ITU Smart Islands Program.
This was revealed by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Communications Manoa Kamikamica.
He confirmed this while speaking at the Pacific Fiber and Training conference at the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Nadi this week.
Work, he said, was underway to transform Rotuma into a model smart island by integrating innovative digital solutions that improve resilience, sustainability and quality of life for the community.
This initiative, he said, would focus on areas such as smart energy management, digital health, e-education and sustainable infrastructure, demonstrating how smart technologies can be tailored to meet the unique needs of Pacific island communities.
That’s well and good.
In fact it’s the way to go, and we look up to the powers that be to ensure this is the first step in developing our other outer islands around the country. Innovation is no longer a futuristic concept reserved for large, developed nations.
Under the Universal Service Scheme, Mr Kamikamica said, the Government recognised that connectivity must reach beyond urban centres.
We’ve got to consider the fact that the future of our outer islands may depend on our willingness to innovate, adapt, and invest in sustainable, digital transformation.
It is encouraging to know that the Government is serious about placing innovation at the heart of rural and maritime island development.
So, in the face of this latest development, we reflect on the fact that many of Rotuma’s challenges are not new at all, from roads riddled with potholes, limited connectivity, and an inconsistent power supply which have long hindered economic activity and quality of life. But they are not insurmountable. The fact that the Government is considerate of opportunities through smart technologies is timely and commendable.
We accept that development must be inclusive.
In the end, it is not just about Rotuma. This should be about setting the pace for every outer island and remote community across the country.
As Mr Kamikamica rightly pointed out, connectivity today is as vital as roads, ports, and electricity grids. Every subsea cable, every fiber optic line, and every activated communication tower is another step toward closing the digital divide and empowering communities to take part in the modern economy.
While infrastructure is critical, we say innovation is what brings that to life.
We say, innovation is what enables a child on Rotuma to access the same education resources as one in Suva. It allows remote medical consultations, renewable energy systems, digital financial services, and data-driven farming techniques, which create self-sufficient, resilient communities.
In saying that, we also acknowledge the resilience of our people. Islanders have, for generations, adapted to harsh environments with resourcefulness and strength. The introduction of smart technologies should be about strengthening it, giving communities the tools to thrive in a changing world while preserving the values and traditions that define them.
We hope what happens in Rotuma will set the tone for the rest of the country.
We hope it will inspire similar initiatives in Lau, Kadavu, the Yasawas, and Lomaiviti for instance.
In the end, the story of Rotuma can become a beacon of what’s possible when commitment meets creativity!