[Opd-officemanagers] 2025 PDF Board Election and Pacific Regional Conference on Disability

[tino.mutumapu at gmail.com]

Dear Co-Chairs of the PDF Board, Members of the PDF Secretariat, and Fellow PDF Members,

Warm Pacific greetings to you all.

I am writing in my capacity as a voting member of Nuanua o le Alofa (NOLA),  to express my full support for the concerns raised by the President of the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation (FDPF), a founding and respected member of the PDF.

The issues raised are not only valid but urgent and critical. As a member-led regional body that champions inclusive development and disability rights in the Pacific, it is essential that the values of transparency, accountability, participation, and good governance are consistently upheld and reflected in our operations especially when it comes to leadership transitions and convenings that are fundamental to the democratic functioning of our Forum.

1. Delay of the 2025 Board Election
The unexplained delay in the 2025 Board election raises serious concerns regarding governance processes and member engagement. Timely elections are not just procedural they are central to the credibility and legitimacy of the Board. PDF Members have a right to clear and consistent updates on the status of this year’s election, including timelines and next steps. The current silence undermines the trust and mutual respect that should define the relationship between the Board and its members.

2. Annual Board Meeting (ABM) Planning
With the Board election yet to occur, the scheduling of the 2025 ABM remains uncertain. This not only creates planning challenges but jeopardizes the integrity of a transition process that allows for orderly succession and reflection. Clear communication from the Board on its plans and timeline for the ABM is essential.

3. 2025 Pacific Regional Conference and General Forum
The Pacific Regional Conference and General Forum are flagship gatherings of our movement platforms where voices across the region are heard, priorities are set, and partnerships are strengthened. The lack of confirmation regarding the venue, dates, and logistical preparations just three months out from the proposed timeframe is concerning. These events require detailed and inclusive planning to ensure full participation of our diverse membership. Urgent guidance from the Board is needed to support the Secretariat’s coordination efforts and to enable members to plan their engagement.

4. Proposed Amendments to the Constitution
For Full Members wishing to propose amendments to the PDF Constitution, clarity on the General Forum date is time-sensitive. The constitutional provision requiring submission of proposed amendments in advance must be respected and facilitated. We urge the Board to communicate an official date without further delay.

As a regional movement committed to disability inclusion, our strength lies in our unity, transparency, and accountability to one another. The Board must now act decisively to restore confidence, clarify direction, and fulfill its obligations under the PDF Constitution.

I respectfully urge the PDF Co-Chairs and the Board to respond with urgency to the issues raised both in the original communication from FDPF and in this letter of support. Our collective credibility, trust, and future direction depend on it.

With warm regards and in solidarity,

 

 

From: Dpo-officemanagers <dpo-officemanagers-bounces at lists.pacificdisability.org> On Behalf Of Caleb Nelly
Sent: Monday, 14 July 2025 11:27 pm
To: Setareki Macanawai <Setareki.Macanawai at pacificdisability.org>
Cc: ltuimabu at gmail.com; pdf-fullmembers at lists.pacificdisability.org; Latoa halatau <la at visionpacific.org.nz>; Savaira Tinai <savaira.tinai at pacificdisability.org>; Shweta Vandana <shweta.vandana at pacificdisability.org>; Sainimili Tawake <Sainimili.Tawake at pacificdisability.org>; Jean SAUSSAY <presidence at collectif-handicaps.com>; dpo-officemanagers at lists.pacificdisability.org; Sisi Coalala <Sisi.Coalala at pacificdisability.org>; Damian Griffis <damiang at fpdn.org.au>
Subject: Re: [Opd-officemanagers] 2025 PDF Board Election and Pacific Regional Conference on Disability

 

My apology

Yes Seta, You said it right. I was busy and I also forgot to ask the co chairs about the face to face board meeting which usually takes place every August.i also dont know why and who agrees on the  process of the voting delegates this time.It been taking so long with this new process for voting delegates for the 2025 PRDC.Lets not forget that

 The constitution never changes,

However,it's very true that we have been silent for quite some time, Our regional Forum is around the corner, 

@co chairs and board members. Over the past years we have been very smart in making decisions, why this time  we will need to pull up our socks. It cannot continue like this.

@ Co Chairs, Please reply to Setas email and let's start communicating

Thank you

kind regards

 

 

On Mon, 14 Jul 2025 at 21:40, Caleb Nelly <calebn.vdpa at gmail.com <mailto:calebn.vdpa at gmail.com> > wrote:

Dear Setareki

Thank you for raising this issue, i was so busy thaq

 

On Mon, 14 Jul 2025 at 03:38, Setareki Macanawai <Setareki.Macanawai at pacificdisability.org <mailto:Setareki.Macanawai at pacificdisability.org> > wrote:

Bula PDF Co-Chairs/Board Members, CEO/Senior Management Team and Members 

 

A very warm Pacific greetings to you all and trust this email will find each one of you in good health, heart and spirit! In my position as President of the Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation (FDPF), a founding and current member of PDF, I write to express my serious concern on the uncertainty as well as lack of information and direction surrounding two key events undertaken by PDF each year in terms of the Board election and every two years in relation to the Pacific Regional Conference on Disability which includes our General Forum. 

I have treasured these concerns until now and believe this is the right time to send this email and share them with the Board, Secretariat Senior Management Team and PDF Members as I feel the situation is rather critical and ominous, and in desperate need for decisive actions and strong leadership by the Board for the sake of PDF Members and partners.

 

1.	Regarding the 2025 Board election, I’m not sure what is causing the delay after several reminder emails were sent by the PDF Secretariat in recent months to PDF Members to confirm their voting delegates. As far as I can remember, this year’s election is held very late and well into the beginning of the new financial year, something we haven’t seen or done in recent years. The lack of regular communication, guidance and direction from the PDF Board through the Co-Chairs to keep PDF members fully informed on this year’s Board election is deeply worrying and irresponsible. We the members of PDF deserve better treatment and respect from the Board as we too play a critical role in the proper governance of PDF through clearly defined responsibilities stated in the PDF Constitution. We need an urgent update from the Board through the Co-Chairs on the status of the 2025 Board election.

 

2.	The Annual Board Meeting (ABM) which in the past years took place between end of July and early September after the Board election has been successfully completed in that particular year will probably be further delayed this year as we still haven’t undertaken the 2025 Board election. Again, this is a critical event in PDF’s governance mechanism as the new Board takes up office and those Board Members who have completed their term or not re-elected vacate their positions on the PDF Board. We also need to hear from the Board through its Co-Chairs on their decision and plan for this year’s ABM.

 

3.	The convening of the 2025 Pacific Regional Conference on Disability which includes the General Forum for PDF members is still not yet confirmed well into the seventh month of this year. We are hearing that it will be held in October this year which is about 3 months away. Yet, we haven’t confirmed the conference venue, hotel accommodation, travel arrangements for funded participants and so much more. The CEO and her Secretariat team need a lot of time and support to prepare and organise such a conference that is tentatively scheduled in 3 months’ time. The earlier these matters are finalized, the better for them and to PDF Members as well as we need to accommodate these meeting dates in our own work and travel plans. For this reason, can we receive some communication from the Board through the Co-Chairs on the status of the 2025 Regional Conference and General Forum? 

 

4.	Confirming the exact date of the General Forum is of particular importance to those PDF financial Full Members that intend to submit proposed amendments to the PDF Constitution as they should send such proposed amendments to the PDF Secretariat two months before the meeting. The Board should take note of this important matter when confirming the date of the 2025 General Forum and advise the PDF Members accordingly. 

 

Finally, I request the PDF Board and Co-Chairs to seriously consider, urgently address and promptly respond to the few issues I have raised in this email communication which I have also cc’d to the CEO and her Senior Management Team, as well as to the PDF Members for their information and attention. The PDF Board must realise that it is accountable to the PDF Members through their voting delegates who elect the Board annually. Therefore, the Co-Chairs must ensure that the Board behaves and functions appropriately in accordance with the PDF Constitution.

 

Vinaka saka vakalevu.

 

Seta

 



Setareki S. Macanawai

President

 

Fiji Disabled Peoples Federation

3 Brown Street, Suva, Fiji

Tel: +679 331 1203

Mob: +679 992 1486

Email:macanawai.setareki at gmail.com <mailto:macanawai.setareki at gmail.com> 

WhatsApp: +679 992 1486

Pronoun: he/him

 


 


 

	

 

The information contained in this email message is intended only for the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient, you must not use, disclose, copy or distribute this message or the information in it, including any attachments. If you receive this email in error please notify the sender immediately.

 

 


 

 

 

From: Dpo-officemanagers <dpo-officemanagers-bounces at lists.pacificdisability.org <mailto:dpo-officemanagers-bounces at lists.pacificdisability.org> > On Behalf Of Shweta Vandana
Sent: Monday, 23 June 2025 10:40 am
To: pdf-fullmembers at lists.pacificdisability.org <mailto:pdf-fullmembers at lists.pacificdisability.org> ; dpo-officemanagers at lists.pacificdisability.org <mailto:dpo-officemanagers at lists.pacificdisability.org> 
Cc: Savaira Tinai <savaira.tinai at pacificdisability.org <mailto:savaira.tinai at pacificdisability.org> >
Subject: [Opd-officemanagers] Final Reminder: Submit Voting Delegate Names by Friday, 27 June 2025

 

Dear Members and OPD’s

 

Warm greetings,

 

This is a final reminder to kindly submit the names of your voting delegates for the upcoming 2025 elections by this Friday, 27th June 2025.

 

To make the process easier, I have attached a Word document template for you to complete. You may also refer to the details below:

• Full name of each voting delegate
• Organization Name and Position within the organization
• Contact information (email and work/mobile number)
• Signed confirmation by the Head of Organization

 

Important: If your office manager is attending as a voting delegate, please include a written consent from your Board.

 

Kindly send the completed form to: Sainimili.Tawake at pacificdisability.org <mailto:Sainimili.Tawake at pacificdisability.org>  and infor at pacificdisability.org <mailto:infor at pacificdisability.org> 

 

Your prompt response will help ensure a smooth and inclusive election process.

 

Thank you once again for your cooperation.

 

Kind regards,

Shweta

 

From: Shweta Vandana 
Sent: Wednesday, 4 June 2025 2:52 PM
To: pdf-fullmembers at lists.pacificdisability.org <mailto:pdf-fullmembers at lists.pacificdisability.org> ; dpo-officemanagers at lists.pacificdisability.org <mailto:dpo-officemanagers at lists.pacificdisability.org> 
Cc: Nancy Queen nancy.queen at pacificdisability.org <mailto:nancy.queen at pacificdisability.org> ; Savaira Tinai savaira.tinai at pacificdisability.org <mailto:savaira.tinai at pacificdisability.org> 
Subject: Reminder: Submit Names of Voting Delegates 

 

Dear Members and OPDs,

 

Warm greetings,

 

This is a kind reminder to please submit the names of your voting delegates for the upcoming 2025 elections by 27 June 2025.

 

For your convenience, I’ve attached a Word document template you can use to fill in the required information and also provided below.

 

• Full name of each voting delegate 

• Position within the organization 

• Contact information (email and work/mobile number) 

• Signed confirmation by the Head of Organization

 

Note: For office managers attending as voting delegates, please provide consent (In writing) from your Board. 

 

Please email the completed form to: Sainimili.Tawake at pacificdisability.org <mailto:Sainimili.Tawake at pacificdisability.org>  and infor at pacificdisability.org <mailto:infor at pacificdisability.org>  

 

Your timely response is important for ensuring a fair and inclusive election process.

 

Thank you for your cooperation.

 

Kind regards. 

 

Shweta Vandana | Public Relations and Communications Officer

 

Pacific Disability Forum

Ground Floor, Kadavu House, Victoria Parade | GPO Box 18458, Suva, Fiji |

Tel: +679 331 2008 | Mob: +679 899 0134 | 

Email:  <mailto:shweta.vandana at pacificdisability.org> shweta.vandana at pacificdisability.org | Website:  <http://www.pacificdisability.org/> www.pacificdisability.org 

 



 




 

-- 

Nelly Caleb

National Coordinator|/Vanuatu Disability Promotion & Advocacy Association.

P.O .Box  71,Luganville , Santo. 

Tel: 678 37997, Mobile no, 7796946 or 5421040

Telephone : 37997  mobile :7796946

LETS CONTINUE TO MAKE THE RIGHTS REAL FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES




 

-- 

Nelly Caleb

National Coordinator|/Vanuatu Disability Promotion & Advocacy Association.

P.O .Box  71,Luganville , Santo. 

Tel: 678 37997, Mobile no, 7796946 or 5421040

Telephone : 37997  mobile :7796946

LETS CONTINUE TO MAKE THE RIGHTS REAL FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

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