Sorry to the friendly people of Hawaii, USA, on the very disruptive earthquake some hours ago. Thank God no loss of lives, as we understand it, and goodluck with the clean-up and longer term solutions to the problem.

Now, we do not want a replay of Hurricane Katrina - in terms of federal support - do we? The governor has declared a statewide emergency/disaster status. Let all hands get on deck, right away. And let no one be left behind or short-changed. Insurance companies, BEWARE! - no dodging, please.

While on this subject, what is the world doing about victims of other natural disasters, including the poor souls in Pakistan? The world media should please return to them, and bring us up to date on our dismal records as a Global Village. Winter is here: what happens to the displaced??

You know what? We have more than enough evidence now that in ALL emergency/disaster situations, it is the POOR and VULNERABLE that get hit the most. Which is no news, right? But the kick in the teeth is that this happens irrespective of whether they be in developing or developed nations! That is depressing.

Which is why we welcome the historic preparatory leeway he gains as the UN General Assembly finally confirmed Ban Ki-Moon as its scribe, virtually 3 months to official take-up on 1 January 2007. Which is also why Mr Ban should take World Poverty so serious that it must be tackled frontally anywhere and everywhere.

From 2007, the UN must have functional presence in ALL countries....EVERY country.

Hearty congratulations to H.E. Ban Ki-Moon, UN secretary general-elect. This is a man of huge personal qualifications and a worthy son of Asia, whom his native land - South Korea - should be justly proud of. So should the UN Security Council and his fellow contestants who ensured high civility, diplomatic decorum and a rancour-free process. Bravo to you all.

Time is of essence, this day, about both the official General Assembly ratification-vote and his transition engagements. Once confirmed, Mr Ban needs a unique orientation programme. For things not to be business-as-usual, he has to focus on TWO anchors: World Peace and World Poverty. "Terrorism" is the absence of one, and the presence of the other.

The new Sec-Gen should proceed on a 30-day open tour of those endemic zones of the world, where he can find first-hand "jolting" lessons, to shape his horizon. Only then may he subject himself to any "Desk Work", and the usual "Glass House" briefings. This way, he would generate the fervour and freedom to be a new player, and can readily summon the soul and stealth to build the values-based and justice-driven United Nations of our collective dream.

We wish him God's speed.

Welcome.