Situation ‘much improved’, says Solomons trust chief

Sydney
24 August 2003

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Solomon Islands: What can the Church do?

Situation ‘much improved’, says Solomons trust chief

By Chris Lindsay

The situation in the Solomon Islands is “much improved” since the intervention by a Pacific region coalition of about 2300 armed forces and police, says Abraham Baeanisia, director of the Solomon Islands Development Trust.

“It is particularly so in Honiara where it would get hot quickest if things were unlawful or shaky,” he said.

“Back in the villages everybody knows each other and can solve their problems, but in Honiara there are a lot of people you don’t know.”

Mr Baeanisia is a member of a delegation from the Solomon Islands which has been in Australia seeking assistance on ways of returning the troubled nation to good and corruption-free government.

They have spoken to politicians, foreign affairs officials and aid organisations about how best to help the country recover from its recent lawlessness and political turmoil.

We have met a lot of people since we got here,” Mr Baeanisia said.

“We want to meet as many people as possible in Australia and tell them what the situation is like in the Solomon Islands since the intervention.

“We want especially to talk to people about what will happen when the gun collection is completed and things are ‘back to normal’.

“We still need to address the corruption problems in the government and in public administration.

“We are looking at having conferences and seminars on what to look for, and what to avoid, in running good governance with transparency and accountability.

“People in Australia have agreed that is the way to go, and they have been attentive in listening to what we are saying.”

The visit was partly co-ordinated by Caritas.