The 37th Independence Anniversary Speech delivered by the Prime Minister was one of the most outstanding speeches of our time, a speech that would not be easily forgotten by many entrepreneurs, academics, diplomats and leaders of this nation.
Many people who have listened to the speech were commenting on it as a speech that was thoroughly researched with reflection and high lighting, the past, the present and the future of this country all in one. The issues that were highlighted in the speech reflected a leader who has an outstanding knowledge on his country and the areas that could bring about sustainable economic growth for all.
The speech itself reflects a government that is contemplating transformation and change for all sectors that drives the economy of the country forward, but with sustainability, a process that would place this nation in a strong position to be able to stand on its own. It promotes the steps in which the DCCG would take to make these things happen such as its “commitment to take on economic growth and effective service delivery as the primary focus of its policies”.
From a personal perspective with no political will, nothing much will be achieved. Speaking of reform of any regulation or system can be a very tiring process and if not careful or well managed, a lot of resources will also be used unnecessary. Concerning expertise, Solomon Islands is quite lacking. There is need to get people with technical experience in those areas and that in it will require a lot of resources and planning.
The fundamental purpose of any Growth Initiatives is to inform policy that will make a difference in the lives of the people of Solomon Islands. Such must include a design that will create strong policy that is capable to sustaining economic growth and development throughout the country.
The understanding is that many of the current policies will be reviewed in order to pave the way forward for economic growth to take its course. Optimistically the growth will be felt not only by businesses and elites, but by ordinary men and women of this country as well. These people are the very backbone of any growth in this country. Their contributions and hard-work towards the economic growth in Solomon Islands counts therefore it is paramount that such a growth impacts on their lives positively.
The kind of sustainable economic growth that the Prime Minister was high lighting in his speech is one that will place Solomon Islanders in its core. That it will not only be felt by the different sectors that were highlighted in the speech, but to be felt across the nation.
Putting the needs of the people of Solomon Islands as one of the priority areas in any planning is the way to go. Prioritizing areas that will create more employment for the local people is very critical as this is one way of maintaining a peaceful and prosperous nation. No employment is no security.
High unemployment is an opening to more criminal activities. As the population grows, the need to create more jobs is increasing rapidly. The fuelled for jobs by the population in both the rural and urban areas is a big challenge that remains untouched. This is a security issue for the government and the private sector. “Unemployment is a political issue and it has to be addressed by the government of this country as 80% of the population are not working”.
It is a frightening situation when a large number of our young people is unemployed. Amongst the many developments that the Government will be focusing on, the employment of our young people must be one of them. Solomon Islands cannot afford to ignore this as these are the future leaders of this country. Whatever our leaders are doing now, the legacy will be carried out by these young people in the days to come.
Although the environment in Solomon Islands for economic growth is looking optimistic, there are still a lot of challenges for the national economy to grow and in many cases the government itself creates barrier to these growths. Tax rates are high and reduce incentives for success. At the same time, public finances forbid tax reductions without significant expenditure cuts and the role of the government to evaluate does not exist. Many businesses overlook tax rules and pay little tax, which drains businesses that do pay and makes the playing field uneven.
However, as was perfectly put by the PM in his speech, his government is committed to explore and to find ways to overcome such barriers and constraints. For many businesses and investors, such a speech is very encouraging. This is saying that the Solomon Islands government is open and willing to engage and at the same time will make it easier for foreign investors to invest more in the country. Processes that are barriers for businesses to operate in the country will be more accessible and transparent.
As we speak, doing business in this country is very costly with a “general culture of interference and control by the public sector”. This exists along with a weak public administration that leads to rampant corruption in all sectors.
Corruption is this country is the biggest stumbling block for many businesses and investors. Corruption above all must be dealt with before this nation can go forward. To be talking about a different Solomon Islands in the future means corruption must be curbed. It means that the DCCG must take leadership in combating corruption in the country. The DCCG must be a living example to show people of this country that it is serious about tackling bad practices at all levels. The increase of criminal activities through -out the country is a social problem that can prevent a lot of business to operate successfully as well as for foreign investors.
Walking the talk is a huge challenge as well. Saying this and doing the opposite is something the DCCG needs to be aware off. Having a very strong and principle oriented leader such as the Prime Minister will need his cabinet support to make these things happen.
At the same time, it is important for the PM to consider at all times that his government consist of individuals who have been members of the previous governments and to be talking about change means changing the attitude and the mindset of his government first before change can actually happen in terms of development. So really this is about how prepared the government is and how committed it is to welcome the process.
Solomon Islands often experienced instability due to changing in National leadership. The country is still very much an emerging nation that is recovering from the ethnic conflict that hit the country very badly. Since then the Government has slowly resolve the conflict, turn the nation around and currently been shown as potential hub for business and investment.
While talking about business, the role of the private sector is vital to creating economic growth and providing more jobs locally. This is about the government recognising the private sector as a partner by giving it more support and more resources to operate. Creating a strong and an honest relationship and partnership is one way to go. These bodies need to work together by creating a safe and a stable environment to do business should be on their lists of priorities.
With RAMSI existing, Solomon Islands need growth to remain secure. It is very uncertain of the kind of environment and situation this country would face. There is need to ensure that security and investment confidence remains amongst businesses and that is one of the areas the government need to monitor closely.
In conclusion, talking about sustainable economic growth, one thing that the government need to seriously consider with commitment is to live within its means. That any reform program to strengthen and to improve businesses and infrastructure must include the rural area. The purpose of these reforms is not to only” maintain a strong economic performance but to broaden the economic base”.
By Ella Kauhue
Honiara
