Policy making must be based on sound research, however it is found that sometimes research comes after policy making.
Minister for Waterways, Dr Mahendra Reddy made this comment at the 2018 Pacific Update Conference which is being held at the University of the South Pacific.
Reddy says the conference is a vital forum for discussing important issues of public policy making in the region.
He says it is important for the government to get an outside opinion on critical matters that will not only ensure that we make the most efficient use of state resources but also to ensure that the country is navigated in the right direction to secure a brighter future for the coming generation of Pacific Islanders.
Reddy says in the absence of sound home grown research, countries tend to rely on policy success in other countries to decide on policy options at home.
He says since the government has given approval for the establishment of a National Research Council, he hopes more academia can be engaged to support policy making to map the best path for future generations.
