MyBlog

Monday, September 03, 2007

Solomons Leadership

Holiday
I have been on holiday for the past four weeks, and about three more weeks to go.
Since then MyBlog has not posted anything, until now, Monday the 3rd September 2007.

Solomon Islands leadership
As 2007 enters September, the role of leaders in Solomon Islands continues to beckon for recognition.

This applies to all levels and sectors of the community, whether in the villages, provinces and the national level. Indications so far call for more concerted efforts, but things are looking positive.

Parliament Meeting
Parliament had been in session in the past three weeks.

The meeting was mainly to pass an Supplementary Appropriation Bill. However, there were other government businesses in several bills. A planned motion of no confidence in Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare by an Opposition MP was withdrawn after failing to meet some legal requirement.

Makira-Ulawa Province Empowers Chiefs
Makira-Ulawa province had mover ahead of other provinces in empowering its chiefs.

About a fortnight ago, August 17th the province in celebrating its Second Appointed Day inaugurate chiefs under the province's newly introduced Chiefs Empowerment Act. The Act empowers chiefs to be part of the Provincial leadership machinery, entitling them to be included in the Provincial Payroll.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare who attended the celebrations was invested as paramount chief of Makira and Ulawa and Ukinimasi.

Malaita leaders to discuss reconciliation
Malaita leaders will over two days this week attend a reconciliation summit in the provincial capital, Auki.

This is part of the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace's programme in moving forward the reconciliation process in the country. The Ministry is organising the summit at Auki on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th September, 2007.

The 11 members of Parliament out of 13 MPs for the province have been invited to attend the summit. The East Malaita and Aoke/Langalanga Constituencies will not have MP representatives at the meeting. The MPs for the two constituencies have died early this year. More than 90 including MPs, Provincial Assembly members, chiefs, women, church, youth leaders, members of the Malaita Peace and Reconciliation Committee, Ethnic Tension Victims Representatives and, Apostles for Peace Representatives are expected to attend the summit.

The Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace says the leaders' acceptance and attendance at the summit is of paramount importance and will be highly appreciated especially for the benefit of all fellow Malaitans.

MyBlog comments
Makira-Ulawa empowers chiefs

It is heartening to note the Makira-Ulawa Provincial government has taken the lead to empower its chiefs.

This move gives the recognition to rural leaders who were once bestowed respect. It is the onus of those leaders to earn that respect. The leaders must therefore conduct themselves in a manner worthy of their people's respect. The motto of Solomon Islands "To Lead Is To Serve" should be the standard bearer.

Malaita Leaders Reconciliation Summit
MyBlog agrees that this is another move in the right direction to the restoration of peace in Solomon Islands.

This week's summit will probably look at among other things reconciliation between peoples in Malaita province. A reconciliation between the Malaita and Guadalcanal provinces would be among the main agenda of the the summit.

But a word of thought to the Malaita leaders at this week's summit is there is a need for "a change of heart by the individual". MyBlog feels that unless a person changes his or her attitude towards how he/she sees his/her neighbour, it would be difficult to achieve a better society.

MyBlog however wishes the summit a success and a foundation which would pave the way for a new Malaita.

Catch up with you in the next posting.