A MALAITA Chief says it is high time the government must recognise the work of chiefs in the communities.
And he said Chiefs must be empowered to ensure they carry out their responsibilities effectively.
Chief Frank Roboolite’e told the Solomon Star this week.
“Chiefs shouldered a great responsibility in our communities yet government did little to recognise the role they toiled.
“Little attention is given to them by the government and that makes it harder for them to execute their duties efficiently,” he said.
Mr Roboolite’e said with the fact that chiefs have a great onus in our communities and thus contributes to peace building in the society, such special recognition and attention from the government to make sure they have powers in fulfilling their roles is paramount.
“We (Chiefs) play a critical role in the community setting, thus reckon recognition to some extent.
“The government through the Ministry of Police just cannot merely thank us for all our effort but ensuring we are empowered is significant.
“Chiefs need to be empowered,” Mr Roboolite’e said.
Meanwhile, chiefs from Kwainafala to Aero in Malaita province previously raised similar sentiments through this paper where they also called on the National Government to recognise chiefs’ responsibility in the communities.
Speaking on behalf of the chiefs Jessy Boby said chiefs want the government to include them into government payroll.
He said the chiefs claimed that they have done important responsibilities on land settlements, local court cases and CLAC and other community issues.
“These are some of the responsibility that the government needs to address.
“If the government wants to input development in the provinces, chiefs should be paid so that they can carry out customary land settlement program for developments.
“This will also help the government’s current land recording program to roll out smoothly,” Mr Boby said
Mr Boby said the chiefs are more willing to work closely with government if they are recognised.
By STEPHEN DIISANGO
