Lifesaver Flight Across the World ^Featured

The Pacific covers one quarter of the planet, and this presents difficulties of distance. With some nations not equipped to take the largest aircraft, logistics were always going to be complex. Due to the generous aircraft donation of Président Fritch, supplies were delivered to Fiji, from where smaller nations will be able to obtain their supplies by smaller planes or by sea.

The Pacific region has benefited from the generosity and inspiration of the President of French Polynesia, M. Édouard Fritch, who donated the aircraft services to Pacific nations for the delivery of the much-needed goods to combat COVID-19. The region’s fortunes also improved by the benevolent donation of the precious COVID-19 PPE by Chinese friends. These acts of goodwill and selflessness mark the nature of the friendship between China and our nations.

The complex operation began with the gifting of PPE from the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) to the Pacific China Friendship Association (PCFA). Tahiti’s Président Fritch then offered an aircraft, and a central collection point was established in Shanghai. The cargo was then sorted by country, palletised and loaded. With the CPAFFC gift came other donations from the Guangzhou PAFFC and the Jack Ma (Alibaba) Foundation.

Due in part to isolation, good medical practice and efficient treatment, the Pacific has so far avoided disaster and the worst of the pandemic. It is because of international friendship too, and the caring, positive acts and deeds of China and Pacific brothers and sisters, that much pain and hardship has been averted. It is worth noting the invaluable help from member China Friendship Associations across the Pacific, with special thanks to the considerable involvement of our Patron, HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita and Fiji-China Friendship Association President and PCFA Board Member, Ms Fang Fang Jamnadas.

Like many across the world, the Pacific gives thanks for China’s kindness even as the pandemic rages still within that country. It is due to compassion and the spirit of giving, that help has also been forthcoming from the Pacific itself, with wise leadership and counsel saving nations from the global blight.