Rest In Peace Greg Urwin

Written by Pio Sioa
Sunday, 17 August 2008
The region is this week mourning the passing of Greg Urwin. The poignant response to the loss of the 62 year old is proof enough of the value of the legacy he has left behind Based on the reach of his influence, the footprints he imprinted on his hardworking and benevolent commitment cuts across the political, economic and social lifelines of the island region. His lifetime work will grow to give hope and purpose to the struggles of the region for a better future. The new generations will learn and know OF and ABOUT him from the work he did. His successes and achievements will be admired or criticized as part of the natural course of never ending changes and quest for regional improvement. There are those who gave themselves willingly to the success of commitments and achievements needed to push towards making life a little better for the region. Greg Urwin is now part of that exclusive circle of special achievers, albeit, on the quiet side mainly, as he was known for. These are people that the new generation owe debts of gratitude to either directly or indirectly, for the work that has brought benefits to their lives. One will always wonder about the nature and the character of these special people who give themselves willingly to building development bridges for societies. Urwin was described as a person who could have easily pursued a diplomatic career path in the more exotic parts of the world that was popular with his other colleagues, yet his heart was won over by the Pacific region. Many in Apia will have heard of him and of the various roles he was committed to serving . There are those a little further out of the township boundaries who may have no idea of who he was, but have unknowingly reaped the benefits of his work. “The Pacific has lost a leader who had the region at heart. He was a very humble person and very sensitive to many cultures that make up the membership of the Pacific Islands Forum family,” said Feleti Teo who took over in an acting capacity as Secretary General when Urwin resign for ill health. Papua New Guinea Prime Minister Sir Michael Somare referred to Urwin “a strong advocate of Pacific Unity as a means to provide insurance to individual Pacific island countries from the vagaries of globalization. “This was exemplified by his tireless efforts to ensure that the Pacific Plan was implemented and developed in ways that did not undermine the political and economic viability of Pacific island countries, especially the smaller and less fortunate amongst us,” Sir Michael said. He said Urwin was “a man of the Pacific, from the Pacific and for the Pacific.” The prime minister said during his term as Forum chairman, he found Urwin to be of humble disposition but with incredible inner fortitude. “His counsel to me on various issues before the PIF leaders were well-grounded and his handling of sensitive issues beyond reproach. “The Pacific will surely miss him but we are fortunate that he leaves behind a legacy of strengthened Pacific cooperation.” Solomon Island Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua mourned the death of Greg Urwin as a great loss to the region, because with his deep understanding of the Pacific Islands region, he had contributed enormously towards many regional developments. Prime Minister Sikua says Solomon Islands as a nation is indebted to Mr. Urwin. He had contributed tremendously to the work of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands. Urwin was not only a regional leader, but was a friend and brother to many people who knew him. May he rest in peace. Comments (0) Subscribe to this comment's feed Write comment Name Email Title Comment

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