Uncertainty and Challenges
The weeks hardly go by without the government taking a breath from some unforeseen incidents.
The natural disaster came in April and was gone. But its effects linger...and will linger for generations to come. The government one year since taking power face taunting challenges ahead as it embarks on its so called "Bottom-up Approach" or rural development policy. The internal politics...the Julian Moti affair...political stability...a growing young and unemployed population are just a few of the challenges.
The government is counting on every Solomon Islander to pitch in their part towards a common goal for peace and prosperity.
The rehabilitation begins
The biggest and most unfortunate one recently was the April 2 earthquake and subsequent tsunami which caused havoc and destruction and loss of life in parts of the Western and Choiseul Province.
The government with the help of development partners and aid organisations and the ordinary people of Solomon Islands have joined hands and have gone out their way to assist the victims of the disaster. It has been an example of working together, hand-in-hand to help fellow brothers and sisters. It was also a time of soul searching and re-commitment to people's beliefs. It was a time that those who went through the disaster will never forget. But time moves on and people must also move on.
Some days ago, the Home Affairs Minister Bernard Ghiro revoked the State of Disaster order imposed on the areas which suffered from the natural calamity. It also marked the close of the relief efforts period and the beginning of the rehabilitation phase. Despite the lifting of the order, fund-raising efforts by various groups in the country continue, while the government and others through the National Disaster Council are tasked to put together the rehabilitation plan for the tsunami stricken areas.
Death of Government Minister
Matters hardly settled as the Public Service Minister, Joses Wawari Sanga, had a heart-attack and died Tuesday 2 May.
It was a month since the disaster struck the Western and Choiseul Provinces, April 2. And then a Cabinet Minister died. It is now history, how Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare came out and comfort the victims of the disaster, through his preaching about the unfailing God. In a stand echoed by few Solomon Islanders leaders, Sogavare was unwavering in his belief. In a time of disaster, that assurance and comfort have a caring effect on the victims, not only by him as the leader of the government, but it re-emphasised the all conquering and loving care of the unseen saviour. This same trust and call for comfort was conveyed to the late MP's family and the people of Solomon Islands who have lost a great leader.
The late Sanga was a strong advocate of good governance. And having been the top public servant over a number of years under various Prime ministers and administrations, he was a beacon of hope for the future Solomon Islands. He however left at such a relatively young age, taking with him the vast knowledge and experiences that he has acquired in his 51 years on earth. He was a Christian who was dedicated and loyal to the government, people and and God.
It was the wish of everybody in Solomon Islands that his character and attitude would rub onto others who aspire to become leaders and fellow citizens of the country. The people of the country will surely miss him.
The Moti Affairs re-surface
It's nothing new really. The Julian Moti saga has been a sticking point in the Australia-Solomon Islands relations.
Although it's dormant, it's like a sleeping volcano or wounded animal. At any time it would erupt or rear its head fighting for its life. Moti's saga is however would be decided by the courts, or human beings. Humans, being what they are have diverse views. As in Moti's case, it man that will decide the outcome of his on-going saga. There are a number of ways this can be done, through a judge of the court or through the Court of Appeals. Solomon Islands Constitution would be the guide in whatever decision is reached on the Moti affairs.
And, of course the subsequent effect of such decision will vary according to those/institutions who have an interest in the case. The players in this case are: the Sogavare's Government, the Australia government, Moti, laws of Solomon Islands, Solomon Islands as a country and others. We hope that this saga does not affect donor assistance to Solomon Islands.
There is a winner and a loser in a game. But of course there can also be a draw. Let's hope things turn up in the interest of the majority.
Peace be with you.
The weeks hardly go by without the government taking a breath from some unforeseen incidents.
The natural disaster came in April and was gone. But its effects linger...and will linger for generations to come. The government one year since taking power face taunting challenges ahead as it embarks on its so called "Bottom-up Approach" or rural development policy. The internal politics...the Julian Moti affair...political stability...a growing young and unemployed population are just a few of the challenges.
The government is counting on every Solomon Islander to pitch in their part towards a common goal for peace and prosperity.
The rehabilitation begins
The biggest and most unfortunate one recently was the April 2 earthquake and subsequent tsunami which caused havoc and destruction and loss of life in parts of the Western and Choiseul Province.
The government with the help of development partners and aid organisations and the ordinary people of Solomon Islands have joined hands and have gone out their way to assist the victims of the disaster. It has been an example of working together, hand-in-hand to help fellow brothers and sisters. It was also a time of soul searching and re-commitment to people's beliefs. It was a time that those who went through the disaster will never forget. But time moves on and people must also move on.
Some days ago, the Home Affairs Minister Bernard Ghiro revoked the State of Disaster order imposed on the areas which suffered from the natural calamity. It also marked the close of the relief efforts period and the beginning of the rehabilitation phase. Despite the lifting of the order, fund-raising efforts by various groups in the country continue, while the government and others through the National Disaster Council are tasked to put together the rehabilitation plan for the tsunami stricken areas.
Death of Government Minister
Matters hardly settled as the Public Service Minister, Joses Wawari Sanga, had a heart-attack and died Tuesday 2 May.
It was a month since the disaster struck the Western and Choiseul Provinces, April 2. And then a Cabinet Minister died. It is now history, how Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare came out and comfort the victims of the disaster, through his preaching about the unfailing God. In a stand echoed by few Solomon Islanders leaders, Sogavare was unwavering in his belief. In a time of disaster, that assurance and comfort have a caring effect on the victims, not only by him as the leader of the government, but it re-emphasised the all conquering and loving care of the unseen saviour. This same trust and call for comfort was conveyed to the late MP's family and the people of Solomon Islands who have lost a great leader.
The late Sanga was a strong advocate of good governance. And having been the top public servant over a number of years under various Prime ministers and administrations, he was a beacon of hope for the future Solomon Islands. He however left at such a relatively young age, taking with him the vast knowledge and experiences that he has acquired in his 51 years on earth. He was a Christian who was dedicated and loyal to the government, people and and God.
It was the wish of everybody in Solomon Islands that his character and attitude would rub onto others who aspire to become leaders and fellow citizens of the country. The people of the country will surely miss him.
The Moti Affairs re-surface
It's nothing new really. The Julian Moti saga has been a sticking point in the Australia-Solomon Islands relations.
Although it's dormant, it's like a sleeping volcano or wounded animal. At any time it would erupt or rear its head fighting for its life. Moti's saga is however would be decided by the courts, or human beings. Humans, being what they are have diverse views. As in Moti's case, it man that will decide the outcome of his on-going saga. There are a number of ways this can be done, through a judge of the court or through the Court of Appeals. Solomon Islands Constitution would be the guide in whatever decision is reached on the Moti affairs.
And, of course the subsequent effect of such decision will vary according to those/institutions who have an interest in the case. The players in this case are: the Sogavare's Government, the Australia government, Moti, laws of Solomon Islands, Solomon Islands as a country and others. We hope that this saga does not affect donor assistance to Solomon Islands.
There is a winner and a loser in a game. But of course there can also be a draw. Let's hope things turn up in the interest of the majority.
Peace be with you.
posted by Myblog | 1:48 pm
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