The Minister of Finance, Gordon Darcy Lilo, has questioned the role of the Forum Fisheries Agency towards the economies of Island Countries.

The Minister said unless FFA can justify to member countries within the region the role it plays in supporting the economies of these countries, it might be best to close the organisation. Lilo said that it is important not just to create a body that becomes another regional employment body.

The Minister told journalists in a press conference that the Tuna industry is one area that countries of the pacific have in common and does have the potential to improve the economies of the small ailing economies. Mr Lilo said in order for these small economies to benefit from the tuna industry, the roles and function of FFA as a body must be reviewed.