'Marginalising our own brothers and sisters': the disrespect Micronesia has been shown is a tragedy for the Pacific | Surangel Whipps Jr, President of Palau

Micronesia had no choice to but to abandon the Pacific Islands Forum after being thoroughly and publicly disregarded', the President of Palau writes

What becomes of an organisation when it disregards one-third of its membership? What happens when we" stops being inclusive?

As the eldest of four, I have always felt responsible for the safety, security, and well-being of my siblings. In my family, I" has always been synonymous with we", the collective, being one inclusive family and ensuring no one is left out. This is what I understand to be the Palauan way; this is what I understand to be the Pacific Way.