SOLOMON Islands continues to experience a decline in its Human Development Index (HDI), a crucial metric measuring human development, according to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
The HDI reflects the average achievement in key dimensions such as health, education, and standard of living.
Political Wing Leader of the Solomon Islands United Party (UP) Peter Kenilorea Junior expressed concern about the nation’s current ranking at 155 out of 191 countries.
He criticized the government’s efforts, particularly the caretaker Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA), for failing to address this downward trend.
“This is a poor ranking. What has the DCGA done to arrest this slide?” questioned Mr Kenilorea Jnr during a media briefing in Honiara this week.
Additionally, he highlighted a decline in the formal employment sector, with National Provident Fund (NPF) contributions reportedly dropping to 55,790 in 2021.
He emphasized that in a country with a population of around 730,000, only about 8 percent are formally employed, indicating a need for clear policies to reverse this trend.
Reports also indicated that only 4 percent of the population holds tertiary degrees, making it one of the lowest figures among Pacific Island Countries.
Mr Kenilorea Jnr questioned whether sufficient measures have been taken to increase the number of territorially educated Solomon Islanders, considering the high costs of education.
“Education fees remain extremely high for parents and guardians,” he noted.
He is drawing attention to the absurdity between the Gross National Income (GNI) per capita, estimated at $18,000, and the $20,000 fee for a nursing qualification at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU).
Mr Kenilorea Jnr pointed out that such situations impose hardships on families aspiring for their children’s success and called on the caretaker DCGA to address these issues urgently.
By EDDIE OSIFELO
Honiara, Solomon Star
