Dear Editor – The news about the government going to settle some payments with the ex-combatants have been received with mixed reactions.
Some say this is too much given the need to provide funds to support our medical and education needs.
Others say, its important for the government to fullfil its obligation being promised a long time ago to the ex-combatants during the signing of the Townsville peace agreement.
If the payment and its package did proceed, I guess many people will claim to be ex-militant will come forward.
And if they are not awarded anything, then this would be an issue to deal with as well.
In the meantime, I encourage the government not to give cash hand out but some form of projects to help the ex-combatants to rehabilitate themselves.
My other question is, what happens to the ex-combatant who are now serving their jail term at Rove or at Tetere?
Will they qualify? I know some of them are serving a lifetime.
Lets hope some of them did benefit as well.
In the meantime, this government is taking a bold move to rehabilitate our ex-combatants and find a lasting peace for this nation.
Joss Kei Dervi
Honiara
