Sunday is always a day for reflection for me and today in particular I have taken time to comment in two letters about the Covid-19 pandemic close to Solomon islands with serious outbreaks of the Omnicon variant in NSW and to a lesser extent in New Zealand and in Fiji. I mentioned also the fact that two cases, one of the Delta variant and the other the Omnicon variant had already been detected at home from visitors that had recently arrived in the country from Dubai and from Fiji. In both cases the carriers of the virus have been quarantined and it is hoped the viruses can be contained while in isolation and the viruses will not get into the still largely unvaccinated communities.
The Covid-19 pandemic is serious enough for the Solomon Islands government to have to contend with but another aspect of concern follows the most recent public disorder in Honiara and the pressing need for discussion and resolution of the crisis that involves the apparent and alleged broken relationship between the Malaita Provincial Government and the Central government, a relationship that has allegedly been centred on the decision by the central administration to have recognised the PRC after some 30 odd years of formal diplomati8c ties with Taiwan.
Personally, I believe the uneven attention to infrastructure and development in Malaita over many years, for one reason or another, has had a lot to do with the ‘family’ quarrel and I was pleased to have read that there has been contact between the two sides and a formal tone, as it was put, for talks to commence.
I refer to ‘family’ purposely because I have only ever recognised Melanesian brothers and sisters and only observed and honoured one nation and one flag.
I acknowledge, of course, the differences that exist ethnically when it comes to culture, tradition and custom but the bottom line to me all are Melanesian and share one beautiful nation. This was so evident to me in 1998 when the Solomon Islands successfully hosted the Melanesian Cultural Festival in Honiara and everyone was proud to demonstrate one nation and one people.
I am now too old and infirm to possible ever visit the Solomon Islands again but my desire and hope is to see reconciliation and a coming together of all those that will work towards national unity, peace and equal development, partnership and growing prosperity for all.
In the lead up to possible talks on the relationship and unity issues I have touched upon, I was pleased that the national government and the MRD is said to be fully committed to see that all rural Solomon Islanders become meaningfully participated in development activities to improve their social and economic livelihoods.
Also, I should add, a point I noted in an article in the Solomon Times Online last week which read in part, quote.
The Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has touched many lives and improved the livelihood of many," the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) says.
The MRD says this is despite the negative publicity pushed by some on social media.
MRD says they have continued to implement various programs over the years, but admit that they could have done better in terms of public relations.
The lack of an effective public relations strategy has resulted in poor public opinion and criticisms of the fund and its impact on the livelihood of people in the country.
End of quote.
Perhaps now reflecting on its PR performance over the years the MRD might now demonstrate what CDF funding has seen in Malaita and if it has been neglected convince the Malaita Provincial government what will now be prioritized for the benefit of the people of Malaita.
Yes, I see I have strayed into the realm of politics again, but have done so purely as a friend and with and enduring wish to see the Solomon Islands remain united, proud and with all its Melanesian brothers and sister rise to the challenges that lie ahead and collectively overcome them.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
