WESTERN Province (WP) is still without a Provincial Child Desk Officer following the resignation of the position-holder early this year.
This impacted work on addressing children’s affairs in the province.
This was highlighted by the Western Provincial Secretary Patrick Toiraena at the International Children’s Day celebration in the Provincial Capital last week on Monday.
Mr Toiraena told the packed MSG Complex that the provincial government is yet to fill the position.
“On the administrative front, the Western Provincial Government is yet to substantially fill the Child Desk Officer position, which should effectively cater for the Children’s Division following the resignation of the incumbent early this year.”
However, Mr Toiraena expressed appreciation that the Women Desk Officer and Youth Desk Officer have been able to take on the task.
“But I’m happy that the Women’s Desk Officer and the Youth Desk Officer have been able to fill the gap in the meantime.
“The fact that we can be able to host the event is a testament to the fact that despite our human resource shortfall, it does not in any way disrupt or curtail any of the planned events and programmes,” he said when addressing the children and students at the occasion.
He said children are the future of the country and must always be supported by parents and all stakeholders.
Mr Toiraena said Solomon Islands ratified the Convention on the Rights of a Child in 1995.
“This means children have certain rights – such rights include the right to be treated fairly, the right to live and grow up healthy, the right to be safe no matter where you are, the right to have an education, the right to play and have fun and so forth.
“These are very important rights that must be respected and upheld. We are accountable for ensuring these rights are accorded,” he underscored.
“In saying that, we also have to be cautious as no right is ever absolute. All such rights come with responsibility. So far as they do not curtail our individual basic rights, we still need to listen to our parents and follow their instructions.
“For example, if you are supposed to be in class but you decide to skip class because you think you have a right to decide whether to attend class or not, you are exercising your rights irresponsibly?” he added.
Mr Toiraena quoted from Wess Stafford who stated that, “If we nurture the dreams of our children, the world will be blessed, if we destroy them, the world is doomed.”
Wess Stafford is the former President and CEO of Compassion International and an advocate for children.
By MOFFAT MAMU
Solomon Star, Gizo
