It looks to me like the local media has stood down around Christmas. Not much being reported . They all want things to be better .. of course , this is the same as everyone all over the world.
And they are decades behind already
Regional weather has been an important factor - heavy rains and wind, off the Coral Sea cyclones caused local flooding even in Honiara .
As well - the government is in official standdown , basically is now in caretaker mode only.
*Election period is now upon the country .
The SI has been hugely disappointing with their directions and decisions- those enacted from its own varied Leaders , or people charged with responsibility.
Like they’re dizzy on the possibilities , feel constant uncertainty or similar for what to do or decide , and maybe it all seems very hard -appears as if ‘power sometimes goes to their heads’ ( ie. wisdom goes out the window if so )
My more fair take on all —
*they can be so honestly conflicted with making decisions,and they’re seriously under- resourced in government departments, and scared of making mistakes . Don’t want to be placed under pressure , want to keep everybody ‘happy.’
I’ve always believed -
“If you don’t stand for something .. you’ll ‘Fall for anything ‘ “ . ., ( will reflex choose ‘the easy way ‘ ,or bolt from the blue ‘solution’ with money attached ?)
The Solomon Islands needs clear sense of direction with an honest conviction to
Do much
more - and move more forwards for themselves .
*I hope the next government will be a huge improvement.
Be comforting to forget about them , the SI even - let them stumble along and see how things work for themselves , without so much assistance known to be there . We have honestly cared so much even through when it’s been so hard . ( I’m talking Australia here overall - NZ , and other neighbors also . Rather than axiom only )
*But they have been mismanaged so much , and so much money gone to the wind and not used as intended or mandated , and money gone into pockets .
Importantly- is reported at least , those who’ve corruptly benefited and taken monies , are being followed and being brought to account to payback as well as be penalised, or go to jail even .
Was very upset , but realise also that the country is simply not cohesive enough in the way it is going forwards . Very disjointed with so many islands over nearly 1000kms , boat transport predominantly with past disputes not put to rest.
They don’t seem to have their Act together enough then on priorities , even the basics to keep going .
Australia helped ensure they have received emergency medicines , as well as other private benefactors have bought emergency medical supplies also.
I think it’s a young democracy .
Seems individuals have to learn - there is no place for petty disagreements or taking advantage by a few , in the overall scheme of running a country .
When in position of making decisions - the committee members and leaders of an organisation have no actual ownership over the organisation or money or assets to in some way determine how they could like things to be or see benefits unfold - leaders should or
must act solely in the interests of the people overall .
And take away nothing except whatever due for their work for oneself .
I won’t say much more as I’ve not much idea apparently .
I do know they need good , sustainable
longterm income and livelihoods — finally promote up their compelling industries at last .
As to axiom - hope SJ at least can be underway in nearterm , and Isabel not now even miss the Nickel Laterite boat !!
Dividing up Isabel , ‘this belongs to these’ , ‘that belongs to those’ - thinking. Not the Will to think and really work cohesively .
*Nickel is in demand , but it’s a big world .
*Many other countries also are already getting up and are much keener to move into production - and gain local benefits for their people .
Mining and resources projects need to be being advanced right now , or be more forgotten .
Eg. Myanmar could well provide additional Laterite ore , and nickel pig iron .
Myanmar is also needing to catchup and has been under pressure as has Indonesia and the Philippines - to clean up their residual areas of disorganised and non- environmentally supportive mining enterprises .
*Artisanal mining including by women and children - is a global human rights concern and is being brought under control .
Nickel Laterite demand- if can be filled in part by Myanmar, serves other countries such as Myanmar and certainly Indonesia and the Philippines again , which is getting its act back together . They’ve been sorting out their issues locally and environmentally and with approvals - and ready to Go .
Myanmar, Indonesia , Philippines etc - are much more willingly working with local companies and in local laws to bring direct shipping mining into production ! As well as nearer also to China and Asian ports ! The Solomons had a good chance to replace some of the lost and unviable Laterite mining tonnage provided until now by New Caledonia . And Kolosori again ., back to the drawing board .
In the end - the Solomons has to decide to get moving , very ethically , or not .
They’re our neighbours , but a world and lifetime of difference in the ways and understanding by the People .
Honesty is huge for me -personally I don’t want be worried about anymore dishonesty and unreliability in dealings with the Solomons Govt or people in charge .
Gets my guts - we even sent our men there to protect the people there . Our men also died . And it’s third world still unfortunately.
They’d be overrun by the Japanese in WW2 ( noting that Japan is now very much a friend ) or the Chinese in present time with their cheap and directed workers , and unregulated private companies . ( not clearly for the mutual main benefit also of the SI locals and the country?)
Anyway , they must decide to sort out who they are as a country - Act more like a country even at the local level. Live how they determine but identify more in unity together.
Not just talking about a future , actually gradually setup to pay their way and secure a brighter future for their Youth and young people .
With Axiom - we need honest communications from the company wrt SJ finance , when possible.
Disappointed CEO ongoing wage level if is unchanged. Take a cut please also . Many people have lost in trusting for so long here .
Turn of events - has without doubt been terrible & likely not helping with funding .
Offtakes surely nearterm the ore shipments could be wanted.
Longterm - development of Solomon nickel , into a world class producer and positioning into the global supply chain - is totally another thing .
Really the Solomon Islands & Solomon Islanders- must prove themselves reliable !
BOLTA.
