Dear Editor – I learn with great interest on issues pertaining to SIPA especially its reform programme.
Initially, I first confused and questioned because of my scarce knowledge of the reform program. My traditional knowledge of SIPA which commonly known as ‘Ports Authority’- a gate way for export and import of goods challenges me to follow-up on media rhetoric.
Somehow this current reform programme led by Collin Yow has come under so many limelight of pros and cons. In fact, SIPA reform has emerged so many unknown and interested issues that are not often argued on media but aren’t they the anticipated effects of reform program? Those ‘fors’ or ‘againsts’ of SIPA reform be commended because of public awareness insight.
SIPA CEO has been a dartboard by certain individuals, perhaps, they have been provoked by the enforced changes. However, a common knowledge of any reform initiative often entail positive or negative changes but the goal must be focused on national economic interests rather than upkeep individuals’ complacency.
Such an adverse reaction by individuals who oppose is a natural phenomenon on human beings. On contrary, there are others undetour of supporting SIPA’s undertaking because they believe SIPA addresses bottom up approach in development than top down.
Rather than jumping our guns, so to speak, let’s wait keenly and see a new dawn of SIPA. A biblical principle is undeniable, when it says, “By their fruits, you shall know them”. That phrase can be applied for self-examination on every contention herald on media.
The interested observation is how the government of the day perceives SIPA reform. Just from media perspective, DCC government may align with SIPA reform simply because of its policy for reaching out to resource owners through partnership collaboration in development. And if SIPA can be instrumenting, for example, in tourism undertaking via sea planes, it may fast tract the industry per se.
DCC government may have already envisaged SIPA’s potentiality in economic development, and should the assumption here falls in line with its vision, then, the announcement by DCC government to amend State Own Enterprises (SOE) Act, may warrant SIPA to deploy fully in its intended economic activity.
As an observer to SIPA debate and probate, I for one conclude that rather than arguing on one’s reform programme, there should be a provision from the reformer for other stakeholders or individuals to drop in their respective suggestions or even recommendations, contributing toward the reform framework.
I think, SIPA, for so long, has been providing routine services to the public at large than being a player in economic development. In other word, if SIPA reform could see beyond its perimeter that it has resources to participate in economic activity, focusing for rural development, then I simply say, go for it.
Finally, one local commodity that has been comparatively connected with “Ports Authority” is copra industry. May I suggest (be already in its plan) that SIPA reform consider assisting coconut plantation owners by turning this industry specifically for impacting rural sustainable livelihood.
With the promotion of virgin coconut oil and copra oil processing, these added value undertakings may turn our economy around through bottom up approach since coconut trees are welcoming palms on every island.
Cherry Galo
Vura
