Local engineers have proven skills but are overshadowed by external consultants in the Pacific. These outside experts lack understanding of unique local challenges and continue to propose outdated solutions. Despite local professionals building innovative infrastructure and mentoring students, decision-makers frequently opt for outside assistance. This cycle perpetuates ineffective strategies, leading to repeating issues and missed opportunities for sustainable development in Pacific communities. The chairman's appointment at Tonga Cable Ltd. highlights the need for valuing local talent and knowledge over transient consultancy.
The appointment to Tonga Cable Ltd. Chairman wasn't just recognition, it was validation of a truth I've been shouting into the wind for years: we have the skills locally, but our some of our leaders are still mesmerized by outside consultants with PowerPoints and promises.
Walk into any government office, any major corporation, any development meeting in the Pacific, and you'll find the same scene: local Alpha Engineers with proven track records sitting in corners while imported consultants with zero contextual understanding lead the conversation.
These consultants arrive with the same recycled solutions they've pitched from Lagos to Lima, completely oblivious to the unique challenges of island economies, cultural protocols, and infrastructure realities.
I've watched this cycle repeat for decades. The same development partners offering the same 'innovative' solutions that were cutting-edge in 2015.
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