Sod situation in Solomons

How sad it is to see the prevalent unrest in the Solomon Islands. Although the issues representing the arguments are real, they do not justify the recent acts of violence.

There is clearly a lack of leadership and direction for the people, in terms of better living standards and economic prosperity for the country as a whole.

It should be obvious to the people of the Solomon Islands (responsible for the violence) that if they cannot work together as a people, they cannot united as a nation and thereby resolve the problems.

Having visited the Solomon Islands many times in recent years, I have found the people to be true to their reputation earned as “friendly and kind”. There are immense opportunities for the Solomon Island people to move into the new millennium with secure employment and growth, better health care and a greater place in the world’s economic arena, providing they reconcile their differences quickly.

My own observations indicate that the indigenous people of the Solomon islands have endured an unacceptable standard of living for too long, while watching outsiders make the big bucks.

While natural resources have been exploited, at a loss to the “people”, all this can change, for the better.

I believe that when there is some mature and responsible negotiations between the people of Malaita and Guadalcanal, they can as ONE people approach the government and begin plans for the overdue prosperous future for the country as a whole. I would be happy to be a part of this if my services were

required.

Robert W Crawford

Inverell, NSW, Australia