email: karere@maorinews.com
email: karere@maorinews.com
29 June 2000
ANALYSIS (of current ethnic tension):
by Rence Sore, of HoniaraWHY SOLOMON ISLANDS MUST SAVE ITS 'NATIONHOOD'
'Japan was literally reduced to ashes. In agreement with Article 9 of Japans Constitution, promulgated in 1946, Japan made a conscientious decision to rebuild its shattered nation from scratch with generous assistance from the United States, and regained economic independence in 1952 when Japan signed the San Fransisco Peace Treaty with the Allied Powers.
In a local context, everybody knows that the 18-Month-old ethnic tension has led to the unfortunate closure of Gold Ridge Mining Company Limited and Solomon Islands Plantations Limited. Similarly, the strained operations of Solbrew Company Limited and Solomon Tobacco Limited left idled workforce. In the process a significant number of employees were forced out of active employment and payment of royalties, government taxes and wages/transport/food ceased.
A mass evacuation of expatriates; some of whom were employees of joint venture companies others were members of Volunteer Service Organisations such as the VSA, VSO, USPC, UNV etc; was facilitated either by their home countries or parent organisations. Temporary stoppage of international flights was embargoed. Closure of Guadalcanal based hotels and resorts was ordered and related to the fiasco was the departure of expatriate staff of Solomon Kitano Mendana Hotel. These incidents have greatly contributed to a declining tourism industry.
The lowering of copra and cocoa production is not only caused by the fall of global market prices for the commodities but worse still the lengthening of the current ethnic unrest. At the same time, the management of CEMA stopped the purchase of dried copra for sometime. Later, it issued a message that reduced buying prices for copra with effect of Wednesday 19, June 2000 were 1st grade @ $0.80 per kilogram and 2nd grade @ $0.60 per kilogram.
Domestic production of rice is limited. Implying of course is the fact that rice supply is insufficient for export orientation, inadequate to dominate domestic market and deficient for purposes of import substitution.
The production of fisheries and forestry sector is also adversely affected. It was said that financial records indicate that even on tension - free - years, the operations of Solomon Taiyo Limited was always at loss. Incidentally, the impact of the 18-Month-old crisis on the industry would be disastrous. In terms of forestry resources, logging is the dominant development activity. Be that as it may, the evacuation of Malaysian loggers will definitely reduce the sectors production level.
The negative externalities of the undesirable consequences of the ethnic warfare are lack of investor confidence, fear of isolation, loss of active employment, no job opportunity, no job creation and lawlessness. These unfavourable attributes would incur cash flow problems for the Public and Private Sectors. The level of investment in the country would be greatly reduced and, hence, foreign reserves would eventually fall.
For purposes of security for urban-based employees and a way out of this financial chaos the caretaker Government of SIAC has introduced cost cutting measures. In the pipeline is an exercise to coerce employees to accept LWOP for an indefinite period of time. Government agencies such as the SICHE have also advised staff to go on LWOP. Evident in the equation is the non-priority placement of education and health. Instead, the recollection of law and order situation in the country has become a priority option for the Government.
On the political side of the story common knowledge has it that the leadership of SIAC Government resigned in great controversy to approved constitutional arrangements. Afterwards, SIAC administration has been at the helm of the country on caretaker basis.
In an attempt to restore democracy a meeting of elected Members of Parliament was summoned on June 28, 2000 to elect a new Prime Minister. However, in a Press Release by ten (10) SIAC Members of Parliament who claim to represent the provinces of Western, Guadalcanal, Choiseul and Temotu, including West Honiara Constituency 'resolved that in compliance with the calls of the majority of provinces within Solomon Islands, shall not attend the proposed meeting of Parliament'. The result was the non-attendances of 28 Members of Parliament. Among the absentees were candidates for the post of Prime Minister - Hon. Leslie Boseto and Hon. Francis Billy Hilly. Hence, quorum was not reached.
Signatories to the release further stated that due to the circumstances that have led to the unlawful breech of the national constitution it has become inevitable that all provinces are now capable of declaring statehood. July 7, 2000 was the due date for the proclamation of state government. Such an approach for the attainment of statehood is not constitutional, I reckon. I wonder where in that equation does the SIAC review of Provincial Government Systems fall? I beg to state that the report by the PGRC makes no mention of State Government as desired by popular mass.
A jointly issued statement by the Premiers of Western and Choiseul Provinces supported the concept of statehood. I was at home, in Gizo, the previous week and overhead a discussion on building the economic base of the provinces. Though the idea sounded great its practicability under the present crisis and government system is weird. Then, State Government, one may argue is the option - yes, but through constitutional changes.
Briefly, let me explain: Firstly, I am led to believe that all nine provinces are sub-systems of a big system. In other words, agencies of a central agent, or commonly known as provinces of the nation of Solomon Islands. Hence, the notion of nationhood must be at the heart of all negotiations. At the periphery shall be statehood.
Secondly, the national government is a major employer in the country. Benefits of fiscal policies; government taxes in whatever form are enjoyed by the country through the mechanisms of the Central Government. Money Supply is regulated by the CBSI through execution of its monetary policies. The CBSI is, also, centrally located.
Third, in terms of infrastructure development the only international airport of the country is in Henderson and seaports are Honiara and Noro. Munda airport can be upgraded to international standard. But that in itself is still insufficient to sustain statehood. Therefore, dreams of economic independence as a drive for statehood must be critically analysed.
Having said this, I must add that Solomon Islanders must value Nationalistic Codes or Principles of Unity based on "Many Islands, Different Kultures, Different Colours, One People, One Nation - Solomon Islands".
The current ethnic crisis should not be seen as a disuniting force or disintegrating concept. Instead, it can be a useful learning tool. We are a developing country. As such, I believe that with the constitutional installation of the Prime Minister - the country will be ready to move forward. The commonwealth, besides, Australia and New Zealand Governments have shown interest in facilitating the payment of compensations to parties affected. Then, the laying down of arms by MEF and IMF will smoothly proceed. Its monitoring and supervision can be negotiated with the Commonwealth.
On the patrol of Western border, which divides Solomon Islands from Papua New Guinea, bilateral talks between the two Melanesian brothers can be convened. I assume that Papua New Guinea, being the big brother, will be ready to assist.
With assistance from all multi-lateral and bi-lateral partners the country can devote its national energies and resources to the pursuit of sustained economic growth. I trust that the economic reconstruction of the country can be achieved by a talented, well-educated and socially cohesive population whose singular determination is to improve the well being or quality of life of themselves.
Again let us recap that the shattered nation of Japan was rebuilt from scratch with generous assistance from the United States of America. Similarly, the almost bankrupt nation of Solomon Islands can prosper with financial and technical back up from the various multi-lateral and bi-lateral relations. Also, as they say Rome was not built in a day.
Rence Sore
Honiara, Solomon Islands
(Telephone: 26358, Facsimile: 26458)
Email: jrausi@pipolfastaem.gov.sb
