DESCRIBED by some as an "arch of instability", the Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG) has come a long way despite harsh criticism surrounding its establishment.
MSG celebrated this achievement yesterday morning at the University of the South Pacific (USP) by marking its 25th anniversary since its launch on July 17, 1986, in Papua New Guinea.
Speaking at the celebration yesterday was former prime minister of Papua New Guinea Sir Michael Somare, who said the group was proud of their achievements.
"The MSG has come a long way from its humble beginnings 25 years ago in Goroka, Papua New Guinea," Sir Michael said.
He added however, that the achievements were often followed closely by criticism.
"Our well-earned successes have, more often than not, been belittled as accidents, products of circumstance or resulting from the benevolence of other countries.
"But we must continuously seek to maintain MSG's relevance as an organisation.
"Fiji has an important role in this regard," he said.