The Pacific Community (SPC) says in light of the unfolding unrest in New Caledonia, the well-being and safety of staff is a key priority.

In a press statement, SPC says it is supporting staff and families whilst assessing the situation on a regular basis in coordination with the Government of New Caledonia and partners. 

“Our staff, their families and country participants at SPC who are in Noumea are currently safe and not directly impacted by the civil disturbance.  We are working to ensure continued safety for all as the situation evolves.,” said Director-General Dr Stuart Minchin.

SPC is a Pacific-owned organisation that is headquartered in Noumea and has 297 staff in New Caledonia and a total of 794 staff across five Pacific offices in Fiji, Vanuatu, Federated States of Micronesia, Tonga and New Caledonia.  

SPC staff are regional public servants working on behalf of 27 member countries, including New Caledonia, and the work in support of members continues across the region despite the current situation in Noumea.

SPC says staff safety and the wellbeing of families remains a priority at this time and staff across its four offices in Fiji, Tonga, Vanuatu and Micronesia are continuing as normal to support members. 

SPC says it hopes for a peaceful conclusion to the unrest and asks the media to direct requests to the Government of New Caledonia on updates at national levels.

Media reports claim shops and businesses were set alight on Monday in the wake of proposed changes being discussed in Paris in relation to the size of the electorate for upcoming provincial elections in the French Pacific island territory. It is understood that security forces have been deployed and a curfew imposed in Noumea.