Recent civil unrest in Honiara focused world attention on the Solomon Islands and some might argue that the country is at a crossroads and a time for dialogue to preserve national unity.
It is my desire to see the country united, and I wish to leave readers of this piece with a few words of encouragement in the pursuit of such a desire.
In the pursuit of national unity, leaders must be guided by the values of justice graciousness, morality and truthfulness
The presence of justice in a society brings about a sense of security in its citizenry, promoting what is right and deterring what is wrong.
Leaders can lead the way in forging values by displaying grace whenever there is opportunity. This is the quality that makes for a civil or civilised society.
We need to have a firm moral base to support all that we do so that we can eradicate corruption, criminal activities, social ills and family breakdown
In every society, there will always be those who fall through the cracks and struggle to make ends meet. Such a society would have social safety nets to ensure that help is readily available and its citizens are on the lookout for those that may need help.
Helping the poor and needy is not just the right thing to do but is a reflection of who the Solomon Islands people are.
Leaders must be honest about mistakes made and actions taken without fear or favour.
Regardless of one’s culture, tradition or social status, and physiological condition, all lives would be equally valuable and not measured or influenced with money.
Entrepreneurship and innovations must flourish as people seek for new and better ways to overcome problems, meet the needs of society, and to add value and quality to life. Such qualities are closely tied to freedom
Solomon Islands must be a nation where conservation of natural resources is not just a public relation exercise but birthed out of our deep conviction that saving the planet is saving children’s lives. It must be a place where we hate wastages in the form of unnecessary and unsustainable projects; and where we want to maintain what we already have.
If all the people of the Solomon Islands are united in the pursuit of the qualities touched upon, then they national unity and peace is surely attainable.
I wish all in the Solomon Islands a Happy Christmas and a progressive and peaceful New Year.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
