This discontent prompted the Ministry of Marine Resources to issue an official response.

In a statement, Minister Temauri Foster denounced what he called “disinformation” coming from the GIEs and sought to present his version of the facts. He stated that he had proposed financial partnerships, including the Maison de la Perle, as part of a joint promotion of the auction — but these offers were categorically rejected.

According to the minister, the pearl farmers in question voluntarily left the board of directors of the Maison de la Perle and are now campaigning for its dissolution. As a result, they refuse any form of collaboration with this institution.

Temauri Foster also took the opportunity to clarify the Maison de la Perle’s budget, challenging the figures put forward by the GIEs. He explained that the operating budget amounts to 80 million XPF for 2011, far from the 200 million per month claimed by some. He recalled that in 2009, the budget reached 213 million XPF — 93 million financed by the DGDE (Développement des Gemmes et de la Diamantifère d’État) and 120 million from public subsidies to launch the structure. In 2010, DGDE financing stood at 100 million XPF.

This dispute comes amid a tense climate, following the April auction organized by the “dissident” GIEs, during which more than 150,000 pearls were sold at the Pirae Town Hall — without the support of the Maison de la Perle.