THE bold reiteration of Australia’s commitment to ensuring a prosperous Solomon Islands by the Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific and Minister for Defence Industry, Pat Conroy, was indeed reassuring.
Minister Conroy’s three-day visit to Honiara coincided with the 20th anniversary of the deployment of the Australian-led Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) to restore the rule of law after the years of ethnic tension. Without RAMSI, the tension would have caused even more destruction in terms of the national economy, loss of lives and national unity and the efforts of all RAMSI contributing nations is something that we the people of Solomon Islands should forever be thankful for.
Yes, RAMSI has gone and we the people of this nation – leaders in all sectors of the society and citizens alike – should continue to build on the good work established by RAMSI of course with continued help from our donor partners who are committed to see us progress.
Indeed, it is comforting to see Australia maintaining its commitment to ensure the good work of RAMSI was not in vain by its continued assistance to our nation towards the upkeep of law and order through its invaluable assistance to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) through the Solomons International Assistance Force.
Apart from Australia’s invaluable contributions in the various sectors with the objective of ensuring a prosperous Solomon Islands, the announcement by Minister Conroy of Australia’s commitment to create more jobs for Solomon Islanders both here in Solomon Islands through local companies it provides grants to and in Australia under its seasonal work scheme is welcoming. Solomon Islands unemployment rate is growing and Australia’s assistance in this particular regard cannot be overstated.
Already the country is benefitting greatly from the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme – the economy is significantly impacted by remittances from the PALM scheme, families are able to build descent homes and engage in income-generating activities and earn money to improve their livelihood. Yes, the PALM scheme has transformed the lives of many ordinary Solomon Islanders and for that, we thank you Australia. With an increase in the numbers of Solomon Islanders going to work in Australia under its PALM scheme in the near future, the level of remittances is also bound to rise, bringing about further boosts to our national economy.
As such, thank you Minister Conroy for coming to Solomon Islands to reassure Solomon Islanders of Australia’s commitment to ensure us a prosperous future.
