The major issues

ALTHOUGH many problems plague the Solomon Islands, the two issues that are of prime importance for this election are the economy and educa tion.

The people will look to the new government to kick start the country’s deteriorating economy something the previous government has failed to do. They want to see physical evidence - more investment and more jobs.

The country’s education system has come under much criticism because it is unable to meet the needs of the country’s growing population leaving many children unable to complete their education. Even the building of five new junior secondary schools has failed to address the problem. This inevitably leads to children having to leave school early and face unemploy ment.

The new government will also face a shortage of doctors and a disgruntled medical profession. The problems in the medical sector began in August last year when the country’s 26 govern ment doctors resigned. This left the 500-bed Central Hospital with only

two expatriate doctors and reduced services. Emergency cases had to be handled by nurses.

The doctor resignation was over disatisfaction with their terms and conditions. The Solomon Islands Medical Association and the govern ment are still locked in a legal battle.

The spill-over effect of the Bougainville conflict that has strained relations with Papua New Guinea is another head ache the new government will inherit.

Prime Minister Solomon Mamaloni has commendably been the only re gional leader willing to speak out on the issue. This has resulted in harsh words from PNG.

The new administration will have to decide what stand it is going to take on the issue of the troubled island. If it continues attacking PNG, ties with that country will most likely be severed.

Cleaning up the government image following corruption in certain govern ment circles and the criticism of the eight-per-cent sales tax are just two more problems waiting for the new government.