THE Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG) hosted the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services and National Security Strategy (NSS) consultation team on Friday.
This for both parties to discuss a nationwide consultation on draft National Security Strategy 2 (NSS2).
Initially, the team had completed the first NSS1 in 2020.
However, it needs some changes following the security landscape of the country has changed and it affects the relevant NSS 2020 that Solomon Islands has in the past.
This new NSS2024 is still under review and consultations, however, due to budget constraint the consultations will be conducted by MPNSCS and the NSS consultation team on main provinces in Solomon Islands.
NSS2 Consultant, Peter Forau said, Guadalcanal Province has been a main contributor to the formation of the National Security Strategy right from the beginning of work in 2020 and they went back to consult the province about that particular document.
“In fact, there has been a major review plan on it, we just found out that a particular document was formulated on developing the specific goals and objectives of that time.
“Our security landscape has changed and it affects the relevance of NSS that Solomon Islands have now in 2020,” said Forau.
He underscored that because the NSS 2020 is no longer comprehensive and relevant to geopolitics security now that raises the number of issues which are going to be affecting SI as a sovereign nation to govern and manage our national security.
The Minister for MPNSCS Jimson Tanangada stated in the NSS 2024 that this NSS document is an updated version of the original NSS.
“A number of fundamental changes have occurred in Solomon Islands that has changed the landscape in which our national security is projected.
“Chief among these has been the change in diplomatic alliance by Solomon Islands from recognizing Taiwan to recognize and embracing one China policy which essentially validated diplomatic between Solomon Islands and PRC,”
Guadalcanal Provincial Secretary, Maesac Suia welcomed the consultation team from the government to the GP Chamber to have a look into the NSS2024.
He highlighted in his welcome remarks that national security is the key to our country.
“…once there is no peace and security our nation will collapse.
“That is why we prioritise this consultation despite the short notice from the government to carry out this consultation with Guadalcanal Province,” he stressed.
A former teacher and now PS, Suia stated that this NSS is a wish and cry for all provinces so that we can have the NSS to back everyone.
He underscored that the world is changing and so the security of the nation must change to cope with the threat that has been tearing down nations.
Mr. Suia said Solomon Islands has more security threats now than ever which he makes reference to emerging security like cyber security.
However, he reiterated that NSS2024 will safely keep this nation safe in terms of security threats both domestically and internationally.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele stated in the forward of the NSS2024 that since the original National Security Strategy (NNS) was approved and launched in 2020 the security landscape of Solomon Islands has changed.
“COVID 19 poses the country to its vulnerabilities especially with regards to global pandemics that directly impact Solomon Islands,” said PM.
The NSS typically encompasses a comprehensive framework that addresses the threat and challenges a nation faces, along with the policies and actions required to safeguard its national interest.
Next week the NSS Consultation team will travel to Western Province to continue with their NSS nationwide consultation program.
By LACHLAN SHYVES EDDIE
Solomon Star, Honiara
