DEAR EDITOR,
Our beloved country SI is made up of islands that make up the 9 Provinces.
The 9 Provinces also consist of people of different colours, languages, and customs….Very diverse country indeed.
While anyone going abroad can say they are from the Solomon Islands, when asked, domestically people maintain/identify themselves with their home village/island/Province. Patriotic to one’s people and Province.
Patriotism, while important because of the need to be connected to ones history/heritage/culture/mother-tongue/relatives/tribes/religion/etc..Internal Patriotism can breed Regionalism and Regionalism can be an issue that can influence how our leaders or people in general do and perceive things.
This is where/when regionalism can become an issue…wantok system, favouritism, nepotism in all works of life in SI.
From private orgs/schools to Govt offices and jobs, regionalism can have an impact on everything in the country, can be dangerous too.
George Kosui
Honiara
