Established by ministerial decree in September 2009, the Maison de la Perle (Pearl House) will cease operations in August 2013 after just four years of activity. Marine Resources Minister Tearii Alpha spearheaded this decision, recently approved by the Council of Ministers.
Key Facts About the Closure:
- Original Mandate: Legal protection, promotion, grading, and valuation of Tahitian pearls
- Controversial Legacy: Industry professionals consistently questioned its effectiveness
- Budget Concerns:
- Annual operating costs: 250-300 million CFP francs
- 2013 peak expenditure: 735 million CFP francs
Government Rationale:
✔ Streamlining Public Services: Most functions will revert to the Marine Resources Directorate
✔ Fiscal Discipline: Part of broader austerity measures under the Growth Pact with France
✔ Future Reforms: Three other public entities under review for potential dissolution/partial privatization
“This restructuring prioritizes efficiency without compromising sector support,” stated Vice President Nuihau Laurey. The government aims to complete its evaluation of other at-risk agencies by year’s end, with targeted privatizations possible based on audit findings.
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