Forum Solomon Islands International (FSII) is calling on the national government to seriously and urgently look into the sales of a piece of property that contains a very important Japanese monument at the Alligator Creek vicinity, East of Honiara.
That’s according to FSII very senior member John Kwaita, Wednesday.
The call came after it was published in the media that bereaved Japanese families have lost one of their significant monuments in Honiara after the site was sold to JQY, an established business owned by Chinese.
This piece of property was reportedly being sold by Guadalcanal province to JQY for a proposed fisheries project.
This action has deeply disappointed the Japanese Association for Recovery of War Casualties (JARRWC).
The monument means so much to the Japanese and a huge slap to the face of all the bereaved Japanese families.
“It must be understood here that Japanese people honor and have the highest respect to their dead and would do anything to uphold that part of their culture.
“It must also be made known that the last Solomon Islands government led by Prime Minister Sogavare promised Japanese government officials in a bilateral meeting in New York that Solomon Islands will continue to facilitate the safe return of Japanese soldiers remains and observe Japanese interests in Solomon Islands in this regard,” Kwaita told this paper.
He further stressed that the completion of the Honiara main road project plus the funding and construction of a new international airport facility for this country that should begin very soon is a direct reciprocal to this very promise.
“To turn around and do the opposite is not only being forgetful, but disrespectful and insensitive.
“Therefore, I on behalf of FSII and the citizens of this country call on the Solomon Islands government and the Guadalcanal Provincial government to step in and do the right thing by our people in appreciation of an old friend’s plight.
“It’s just the right thing to do and must be done as soon as possible,” he demanded.
Kwaita further stated that war heritage is in the public interest to be preserved and protected for future generations.
“Destruction of the monument will certainly have an adverse impact on our bilateral relations with Japan.
“The national government must send directives immediately to the Commissioner of Lands to use his legislative powers to resume the site,” he said.
Meanwhile, this paper understands that the Japanese Association for Recovery of War Casualties (JARRWC) is currently working with responsible government agencies to reach an amicable solution.
By ANDREW FANASIA
