NGOs and Governance

Hi! I am farewelling October 2006 with this piece.

NGOs probe Governance
Various NGOs have stepped up their efforts to cooperation with different government accountability agencies in trying to improve the government of Solomon Islands. Among them are Transparency Solomon Islands, TSI, and Solomon Islands Christian Association, SICA.

Transparency Solomon Islands - TSI
Today, TSI has vowed to work closely with the country’s accountability institutions in the fight again corruption. TSI Executive Officer, Joses Tuhanuku says reveals this following a one week observation trip to PNG. The PNG chapter of the international anti-corruption network has been established for some time.

"Transparency PNG is probably the most organised and effective chapter in the region and one reason for this, is the alliance it has built up over time with PNG’s accountability institutions such as Ombudsman and Leadership Code Commissions," Mr Tuhanuku said.

Observing firsthand what Transparency PNG has been able to achieve in the area of strategic partnerships and outreach work, was very useful as the Solomon Island chapter now begins to push forward with its own work plan he said. Mr Tuhanuku says TSI is very keen to work closely and in support of our own local institutions that are dealing with the issues of accountability, transparency and fighting corruption. These include the Ombudsman Commission, Leadership Code Commission and the Auditor Generals Office. He says TSI is also keen to support all those working in the Public Service who want to do their job in the right way and maintain a high level of transparency and accountability in how our country is governed and administered.

Mr Tuhanuku, who was appointed Executive Officer of TSI in August this year, has a long history of a strong stand against corruption during his time as leader of the Solomon Islands Labour Party and before that as head of the National Union of Workers. He says although the local anti-corruption body, TSI was registered in 2002 under the Charitable Act of Solomon Islands, the post of executive officer has remained vacant till his appointment.

Solomon Islands Christian Association - SICA
This Association comprises the five main churches in the country. They are Catholics, The Church of Melanesia, United Church, Seventh Day Adventist and the South Seas Evangelical Church.

This week SICA teams up with TSI to convene a two day national leadership forum. SICA General Secretary Bishop Philemon Riti says the forum is to strengthen leadership and the commitment to ethical leadership in the country. he says participants of the forum would include politicians, legal, public service, education, private sectors, community and churches.

Bishop Riti says ethical leadership is a vital for Solomon Islands today. He says the forum will also provide opportunity for practical steps to be taken to strengthen Solomon Islands' commitment to good leadership. He says good leadership is required in all sectors of the society.

Four Solomon Islands leaders have been earmarked to speak on leadership issues during the forum. They include Solomon Islands Chief Justice, Sir Justice Albert Palmer and Solomon Islands academic Dr Kabini Sanga. Three hundred participants are expected to attend the two-day forum which starts tomorrow, Wednesday 1st November.

Let's hope the forum will herald a new beginning for Solomon Islands.

Good bye October. Welcome November.

Joe