WHEN an indigenous Solomon Islander pays for a packet of instant noodle for $2 instead of $3, SIPA ensures a dollar is saved by a local Solomon Islander.
Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) legal advisor Charles Ashley said the SIPA reform was for the good of a local and a pain to a foreign businessman.
“Why do some people hate to see this change happen for the betterment of the indigenous people? Mr Ashley questioned.
He said there was no harm in allowing the SIPA CEO and management to lead the change which can positively affect the lives of a local person.
“Those who actively do not want to see these changes happen were those who want local Solomon Islanders to remain the same.
“To be precise, no citizen is affected when SIPA imports rice and noodles.
“No, there is no impact on people, so why do some greedy individuals speaking out loud against a local Solomon Islander benefitting from a packet of noodle reducing from $3 to $2 and a tin of tuna added to a bag of rice because SIPA’s reform has stimulated all these?”
Mr Ashley pointed out that there was no specific law with penalties stipulated in the act, which may hold SIPA accountable for engaging in business activities other than its normal function.
“What SIPA is doing is not for the purpose of earning someone’s personal interest or to fulfil somebody’s selfish agenda, rather, it is part of the reform program to reduce the cost of living in this poverty-stricken country.
“You see the difference is, SIPA will not force people to buy their imported rice and noodle, nor will they stop people from eating Solrais or potatoes.
“You have your free choice, but SIPA ensure prices are stimulated and reduced to affordable prices where a poor local Solomon Islander can afford.
“Big businesses do not care about anything to do with affordability.
“So if you want to eat Solrais, then go for it, and if you want to eat cassava, then eat cassava, but SIPA won’t stop you having food of your choice.
By AATAI JOHN
