Solomon Islands: Sovereign rights in the furtherance of developments.
Nine provincial; premiers met in Honiara this week and were updated on the DCGA’s development policies and work programmes in relation to the advancement of developments in rural areas.
The meeting came about following the newly established Sino-SI diplomatic relationship.
From media reports, it seems questions raised by the premiers were about the Rural Constituency Development Fund (RCDF) and the aspects of capacity, risks and management of the new relationship.
The Prime Minister said this week that support for the RCDF would continue but there would be no more cash handouts to MP’s and only specific projects would be funded in the constituencies.
The old system of cash payments made to MP’s over the years was often criticised and gave rise to many allegations of corruption and complaints that little, or no, development had occurred with the money that had been allocated.
The proposed direct funding of specific and sanctioned constituency projects will bring about tangible results if administered correctly and bearing in mind the sovereignty rights of the constituents.
As I understand sovereignty it is more than anything else a matter of legitimacy and one in which two sides respect the de facto realties of each other. Taking this concept further, it will be important for China to respect the sovereignty of the Solomon Islands in its future dealings and equally, as I see it, for the Solomon Islands Government to respect and abide by the sovereign rights of the people, having in mind resource owners and customary land owners when it comes to the question of developments in rural areas.
I believe that during the premier’s meeting, the Malaita Provincial Premier, Daniel Suidani, said that being provincial leaders, they have a mandate to do ensure that their rural people are properly informed and furnished with accurate information so they can partake in any sustainable economic development as the resource owners and custodians..
The Central Islands Provincial Premier, Stanley Manetiva, said much the same when he mentioned that the national government needed to consult with the people first, who are the resource owners before development initiatives takes place.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
