IN Solomon Islands, I have noticed a concerning trend: many Members of Parliament (MPs) focus heavily on the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), while neglecting their broader responsibilities, especially those related to creating real opportunities for economic empowerment and development.
The CDF, designed as a financial tool to support grassroots development, has unfortunately become a magnet for many aspiring politicians who seek office primarily for control over these funds rather than fulfilling their legislative duties.
Being an MP is far more than distributing CDF funds. It is about being a lawmaker — a role that requires dedication, research and a commitment to improving the nation’s legal framework. A true lawmaker should be someone who spends significant time studying existing legislations, researching how other countries tackle similar issues and proposing new or revised laws that are relevant to the current challenges our nation faces.
Outdated Laws and the need for Reform
Many of our laws in Solomon Islands are outdated, with several derived from British colonial laws. While these laws may have served their purpose at the time, many are no longer adequate to address modern issues. MPs should be working to amend or repeal these antiquated laws and introduce new legislations that reflect the needs of our evolving society. For example, one glaring gap is in our laws concerning unexplained wealth. In recent years, there have been increasing concerns about the accumulation of wealth by public officials and businesspeople that cannot be easily accounted for. Many countries have adopted legislations that target unexplained wealth, making it easier to investigate and seize assets gained through corrupt or illegal means. However, Solomon Islands still lacks a robust legal framework to address this issue, allowing corruption to fester.
Engaging with Constituents
Another critical aspect of being an MP is maintaining regular engagement with constituents. MPs should spend more time talking to their people, understanding their needs and challenges and visiting important institutions such as schools, prisons and hospitals. By mingling with people in their constituencies, MPs can feel and experience firsthand what their communities are going through. Unfortunately, too many MPs distance themselves from the people they are meant to represent, riding in expensive vehicles with tinted glasses, isolating themselves from the realities of everyday life. The only time many MPs resurface from their hiding is when they are no longer in office and begin campaigning for re-election.
This disconnection makes it difficult for MPs to understand the pressing issues their constituents face and create policies that directly address them. If MPs spent more time visiting schools, they would understand the poor state of education facilities, if they visited hospitals, they would see the challenges in healthcare provision and if they spoke to prisoners or marginalized communities, they would gain insight into the deeper social and economic issues affecting the country. These experiences would inform more meaningful and impactful legislation.
Beyond CDF: Creating sustainable Development
Beyond lawmaking and community engagement, MPs should be proactive in fostering economic development opportunities. By focusing solely on CDF allocations, many MPs miss the chance to engage in initiatives that could bring sustainable growth to their constituencies. MPs should champion projects that create jobs, support small businesses, and build infrastructure—activities that can uplift communities far more than one-off handouts.
One way MPs can empower their people is by facilitating partnerships between local communities and international investors or aid organizations. They can also support training and capacity-building programs to ensure their constituents are equipped with the skills needed for economic success. Unfortunately, few MPs seem to prioritize these kinds of long-term, strategic development initiatives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MPs in Solomon Islands need to broaden their focus beyond the CDF. While the fund serves an important purpose, it should not be the sole focus of parliamentary duties. Our MPs must prioritize their legislative roles, modernizing laws, addressing legal gaps like unexplained wealth, and creating policies that foster sustainable development. Moreover, they must reconnect with their communities, spending more time among the people they represent, gaining a deeper understanding of their daily struggles, and creating solutions based on this engagement. Only then, can MPs truly serve the people and fulfil their responsibility as lawmakers and community leaders.
By Benjamin Afuga
Yumi Toktok Forum
