THE statement by the premier of Western Province David Gina in support of the government’s switch in recognising China over Taiwan was not welcomed by many people in the province.
Speaking to this paper, a concerned Dickson Masimo said the statement made by Premier Gina did not represent the entire Western Province.
“…it is coming from himself and his cohorts,” Masimo who is a resident from Munda ward 15 where the Premier comes from, said.
Mr Masimo said the message is a slap on the face of the majority of Western province citizens who has seen and benefited from Taiwan funded projects for the past 36 years.
He also went on to express that the people of the province are supporting what was being raised by the MP for East Are’Are regarding how the executive government handles the China-Taiwan issue.
“We support what the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee, Peter Junior Kenilorea said this week.
“Why the rush, the matter should be carefully considered.”
He said the decision is too rush and Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has failed to leave up with his words by considering other reviewed reports.
He added, people of Western province have also sympathised with Taiwan on how the government treated them after 36 years of solid friendship.
Premier Gina this week said the switch is a way forward in terms of international trade under this new bilateral relation.
He said China should be a good trading partner in terms of raw materials available in Solomon Islands.
“Solomon Islands must start to see all sides of the friendship such through trade, culture, tourism, education and technology as well in sports,” he said.
He said all these must remain the cornerstone of such friendship like the kind of relations already established with other country.
“We have been exporting our round logs to China for many years which is a major contributor to our economy revenue and we have been with China for many years,” he said.
Premier Gina added that Solomon Islands must therefore stand ready to carry out economic activities with China and that China must be willing to assist the Solomon Islands and make itself as a mature partner when it comes to its economy.
This paper also understands that the premier’s statement was supported by only a few members in various Facebook groups and not the majority.
By IAN M.KAUKUI
