A thread on renowned face book page Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) urging Malaitans to return has attracted overwhelming support from members.
Vice president of FSII Ishmael Nori raised the issue because endemic problems in Honiara are often attributed to Malaitans.
“It’s time all Malaitan leaders, both national and provincial level come out of their political segregation and start looking seriously on a roadmap to lure back Malaitans to actively and positively participate in developing Malaita.
“Our mass migration to other societies is becoming an obvious pain in the neck both for the host society and for the country, although unarguably contributes to the mass work force.
“We just don’t have the right attitude to mix with others, although we are very kind to others when they are on our land.” Mr Nori said in his thread.
Some FSII members expressed disappointment with Malaita national leaders for not putting heads together to find a way to develop Malaita.
“It’s a shame that none of our current Malaitan MPs has what it takes to initiate this,” one member commented.
Another said “what we want is solutions and not thin air debates which may compromise our unity”.
Some members said it is high time the government start relocating all illegal settlers in Honiara back to their own provinces to avoid problems such as what has happened during the weekend.
“Where are the Malaita leaders? A characteristic of a true leader is to intervene in such crisis.
“A good idea is for us to contact our MPs and ask them to arrange a meeting with the group,” one member suggested.
But another suggested a long term solution would be more appropriate.
“I think the right to do is for Malaita MPs to come together and discuss the future of Malaita.”
The call however attracted some sympathy from others as well who said Malaitans are Solomon Islanders thus should be treated as Solomon Islanders.
“Not all Malaitans are the same. Most of our leaders at various sectors are Malaitans. The target should be those doing nothing tangible in Honiara.”
One member said the issue is serous and should be prioritized and pursued.
“Over the years, we’ve created a mentality of dependency thinking government has the magic wand to give us anything at our will.
“Politicians have also exacerbated this mentality by giving cash handouts.
“What the provinces including Malaita need is real legitimate development investment.”
The National Coalition for Rural Advancement (NCRA) under its ‘Economic Growth’ policy spelled out that they will establish Economic Growth Centres and Rural Economic Communities in rural areas.
The concept advances the idea of creating infrastructures for the development of roads, wharfs, and bridges to support the transportation and marketing of produce to major market outlets.
At the same time, NCRA Government hopes to introduce cottage industries for food processing in the growth centres through the introduction of appropriate technology.
Specific savings and loan schemes shall also be established to support these growth centers according to the policy statement.
These are all yet to be seen, but the life of the current government is already coming to an end.
To date, groundbreaking ceremonies have been made at various growth centres but no speedy progress has been made.
By EDNAL PALMER
