The Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka unveiled an idea at the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meeting in the Cook Islands.
He believes the vast area of the Pacific where our Island nations are located should officially be named Ocean of Peace.
The PIF considered his idea and will now follow through on the many issues to be clarified and addressed before this becomes more than just an idea.
If that happens at all.
The PM has mentioned the concept of a zone, or more aptly, Ocean of Peace, in a few speeches he made recently; but only now is it starting to take shape.
Understandably, there may be sceptics, however, there will be interest hovering on legal and diplomatic issues, costs and public awareness.
In saying that, we reflect on the fact that by themselves the islands are just dots on a very large map surrounded by countless miles of water.
They hardly figure in the international power equations.
But when Exclusive Economic Zones, with associated sovereign rights, are considered, there is a different picture.
We have a bloc of nations occupying around 32 million square kilometres of ocean.
That’s double the size of Russia and bigger than North America and Europe.
The Pacific maritime realm has not yet surrendered all the secrets and resources that may transform our economies.
It also has substantial strategic value at a time when the United States and China are jostling for influence and see the Pacific as important politically and diplomatically.
Would it make sense then that our islands can call out from the new Ocean of Peace that war and violence have no place in human affairs?
The Pacific Way of patient dialogue and compromise provides a key for disputes to be resolved.
It’s supposed to be part and parcel of who we are.
On the homefront, we reflect on ethnicity and other differences that we must consistently reconcile, to live in peace and harmony.
Could peace then become embedded and an integral part of our lives?
Sound far-fetched?
There is hope that the spirit of peace, combined with love of country and tolerance towards others, can help to conquer national ills.
Perhaps we can cure the growing drug problem, curb violent crimes, defeat poverty, lift the economy higher, fix our infrastructure and protect the environment.
Mr Rabuka says he is confident his plan will help lift the profile of the region, promote the growth of tourism, attract more investment and aid, and promote regional unity.
But with the planet bedeviled by two wars and other violent conflicts, time is of the essence.
For what it’s worth, the Ocean of Peace, if it makes sense, cannot wait to rise until the PIF has its next scheduled meeting.
We may wonder whether the cause of peace should ring out from our Islands as soon as possible.
The idea is from left field.
It is different and the PM holds onto hope for the sake of peace.
Sceptics may however differ in their views though.
So can this be a real game changer?
Anything for peace?
Then there’s that line that suggests giving peace a chance.
