DEAR EDITOR – Please give me space in the editorial column to write briefly thus to clear some thoughts which had been expressed by Turi on behalf of some senior West Honiara residents (Issue: 4185 – Wednesday 10th March 2010).
Yes, Namson Tran is a Vietnamese by background but a naturalized citizen.
Therefore the man (Namson) is eligible to do dealings/activities like any other citizens as long as these activities are in compliance with the laws of Solomon Islands – his new home.
Namson in the past election had helped the likes of Dausabea, Ne’e, the late Garo and so forth. He had expended a lot of money in the hope that the named gentlemen would do back good to our country – which I guess they did!
His (Namson) intention to contest this upcoming election is his right and prerogative which I would not question nor talked about further.
But I think that Namson after expending a lot of money in the past election via the above named gentlement see that he could do better in parliament for the people of West Honiara and our country especially from the business perspectives.
I also think that some people who are successful in their business activities and who also helped to fill the SIG coffer via taxes, presumably can do better in Parliament than some sluggish and sleepy leaders.
We need those who are smart and pragmatic.
The intent candidate for West Honiara had helped a lot of families with water bills, electricity bills, school fees and also water supply for the White River Community. Keep the good things going Sir!
He had also helped to sponsor sports organizations such as soccer and rugby. We must understand that these sports people are not from West Honiara alone but also East and Central Honiara.
To regard these assistance and good will as bribery is unfounded and not in our Melanesian context.
We must also remember that Namson is yet to be officially declared a candidate for West Honiara by the Electoral Commissioner.
I will take us a bit back to 1989 regarding a notable case that was brought before Justice Gordon Wood.
The subject matter is bribery during election campaign – John Moffat Fugui vs Afred Maetia.
The verdict given was that these assistance, help or good will were part of the Melanesian way of living (Culture) and should not be equated with Western (Araikwao) definition of bribery. (Correct me if I am wrong)
It is important for one to incriminate, and to ascertain/establish that these good deed and assistance as bribery.
1) Namson is not yet declared a official candidate for West Honiara Constituency (when ask for a fish do not give stone)
2) Read John Moffat Fugui vs Maetia case – 1989
In the case of resident crossing borders to register their names for voting, read and understand.
1. One vote and one place = Voters Registration
2. The voters understand and realised that the man they would like to cross borders and cast their vote to must be a good and helpful candidate who could help with some of their aspired dreams.
Good luck to all intending candidates for West Honiara constituency especially to my brother – the incumbent.
God bless Solomon Islands
David K. Wate
Honiara
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
