I write often with feeling and with a deep residual commitment to the health needs of Solomon Islanders, but with my age and a reduced number of charity organizations, themselves reliant practically wholly on donations to freight hospital supplies and medical equipment to Honiara, as in the past, I am increasingly frustrated by my inability to deliver what I know is still much needed.
I must now put my faith in Solomon Islands diplomatic partners, old and new, to step up their promises, but in the past, not always fulfilled as promised to ensure the Solomon Islands is aided to promote sustainable, inclusive and equitable economic growth, infrastructure, economic growth and with decent work for all.
I am convinced that the future lies in IT and technological advances and with the advent and development of broadband service; I am convinced more must be done to give training to our unemployed youths to become skilled in computer usage and information technology.
In order to pave the way for the advancement of Solomon Islands youths and to help them gain work, I humbly request the Solomon Islands Government to seek the aid of the Government of India, a long standing diplomatic partner since 1987 via the Indian Government’s existing foreign aid programme.
The IT industry's impact in India is profoundand highlyadvanced. It is a positive contributor to India's revenue growth, talent capability, diversity in workforce, and its digital infrastructure.
It would not be costly for India to second two or three trainers and instructors, with a supply of the necessary equipment, and create a training/teaching facility in Honiara for unemployed youths to begin instruction in computer usage and information technology exchanges and advances
India has a substantial aid budget year on year and has helped with training and development in some of the regions smaller states and countries. Bhutan in particular received 250 million Indian rupees in Indian foreign aid in 2019 for development and training resources.
In 2014, India announced that it would provide a grant-in-aid of US$100,000 annually to each of the 14 Pacific Island countries, including Solomon Islands.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
