Clash Over Venue Access and Funding Sparks Public Dispute
A brewing conflict between pearl farmers and the French Polynesian government has escalated after officials denied use of the former presidential building for a pearl auction scheduled for August 6-8, 2024. The decision has angered five Pearl Farmers’ Economic Interest Groups (GIEs), prompting a sharp rebuttal from Marine Resources Minister Temauri Foster.
The Core Dispute
- Venue Blocked: GIEs accuse the government of obstructing their auction by refusing access to the historic Presidential Palace in Papeete.
- Government’s Defense: Foster claims the GIEs rejected partnership offers with the Maison de la Perle (Pearl House), the state-backed pearl promotion agency.
- Financial Feud: Farmers allege mismanagement of public funds, while the government insists its budget is 80 million XPF/year—not the 200 million XPF/month cited by critics.
Minister Foster’s Counterarguments
- “Misinformation Campaign” – Denounces GIEs for “false claims” about Pearl House finances.
- Historical Context – Reveals 2009 startup costs (213M XPF) were partially funded by state gemstone agency DGDE.
- Farmer Boycott – Notes that dissident GIEs quit the Pearl House board and now push for its dissolution.
Broader Industry Tensions
The rift follows an April 2024 “rogue auction” in Pirae, where GIEs sold 150,000+ pearls without Pearl House support. This independent move—and the current standoff—highlights:
- Declining trust in centralized pearl marketing
- Power struggles over who controls Tahiti’s “black gold” brand
- Economic pressures as pearl prices fluctuate
What’s Next?
- The GIEs may relocate their August auction, risking lower visibility.
- The government could tighten regulations on independent sales.
- Pearl House faces legitimacy challenges if more farmers defect.
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