Following the Solomon Islands media, as I do daily, I can see how people at home might be feeling overwhelmed and anxious when looking at the daily news cycle, especially after spending two years having to live with the threat of Covid-19 and are still not free of the virus which has re-surged in parts of Honiara.
The virus bringing with it job losses, employment, layoffs an end to the once vitally important tourist trade, a rising cost of living, an economic downturn, and concerns over aspects of domestic politics claimed to be detrimental to national unity and security concerns both within and outside our borders, have all contributed to throw lives off tack and added to general uncertainly.
It is hoped the celebration of Easter locally might have restored some balance, but I guess the concerns over the future remain for many and life somewhat overwhelming.
I lived as a child through the Second World War terrified nightly of air raid sirens and bombs dropping on homes in my neighborhood and nearby cities from invading German air bombing aircraft.
And now with the shocking invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and despite my senior years, I relive those earlier childhood fears.
Fear of the unknown and future can be rather frightening and stop us from focusing on the here and now, but with the news stories I share with you, I try to bring news of positive happenings in the hope they bring one from being overwhelmed with too much anxiety.
Perhaps the local news editors might follow the lead and print positive stories without leaning toward gossip which can cause alarm.
While avoiding all information and news isn’t good idea overconsumption of concerning stories can lead to mental health concerns over time.
It’s a question, in my view, of getting the balance right.
I would recommend newspaper editors and the government in its press releases to give us factual information about what is happening, not what might be happening down the track for changes to our lives, the environment in which we live, our employment chances, our return to tourism and an upturn in the national economy, in health improvements and in good governance and national unity.
Doing what I have suggested will not necessarily come easy just now, but should be the aim in the medium to long term. Let us have factual information on our terms and not be bombarded with dodgy stories that in many of the past years have worked against trust, unity, sown distrust, and division, and added to individual and national anxiety.
I would hope the Christian churches and faith missions in the Solomon Islands will do their part in helping to restore faith in the future of our country and work to minimize anxiety being felt by the people.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
