DEAR EDITOR – Solomon Islands is an independent state that has gained its independence in 1978 thanks to the Ma’asina rule – the movement with vision that enabled us to stand on our own.
With the vision, our forefathers have chosen to remain a democratic country meaning a country rule by people.
This is nicely articulated in a saying, “a government of the people, by the people, and for the people”.
To me, our forefathers may have envisioned that any leader (government) that is entrusted to rule/lead must serve according to the interest, desire, and aspiration of its people and must acknowledged their efforts towards the country’s development.
Near to independence, our country was also entering a new era that has shaped our beliefs along the line of Christianity.
Since then, we have enjoyed Christendom – joy, peace and prosperity that is then advocated by a prayer (for which I want to call) through our National Anthem.
As a citizen of this country, in amidst of our challenges (may be in terms of money, material or life in general)I have enjoyed this democratic ruling which respected the freedom of our people.
You may have agreed too.
I believe this freedom has come along with the manifestation of Christianity that helped us at least to have left our heathenism – fierce killing, head hunting, fear, suspicious, and hatred.
The joy we’ve shared has nicely composited by what we call Solomon Islands as the “Happy Isles”.
This is a pride of our country and let us stand to show to the world that we are a country of a Happy Islands (Isles) equated to Happy People.
Despite our own challenges, we are a country that respects the freedom of people.We are a country that advocates for peace and human dignity.We are a country that shares joy and happiness.
I do believe that these are the foundations that should guide our foreign diplomacies or relations so that we play a part in helping people around the world to enjoying and exercising their freedom, their voices are heard by their governments and the international community, and at least they feel and experience that peace and joy in the vicinity of their homes.
In saying so, this must be shared consistently and persistently around the world – whether it is in West Papua, Taiwan, Africa, New Caledonia, or wherever in other parts of the world.
This is what our government should promote and advocate and join other countries that have the similar mission or interest in pursue of the aforesaid.
We will not be blessed by how much money or materials things we have, but by the love and compassion that we have for other countries. As a Christian country, we may be cursed by our own ignorance.
In saying these, it does not mean that we should just stand and watch while the whole world is flourishing.
As a Christian country, we must also believe in pain and sweat to gain.We must till the ground to gain. We must produce the goods or provide the services. We must engage in trade.
Therefore, we must join hands in pursuing these things.
To these, I still strongly think that we must not forget Taiwan. We should renew our relations with Taiwan. If China wants to help us, let her help us.
But don’t allow a diplomacy that comes with greater risk and in which will compromise the integrity of our country and what we are advocating.
In coining together the above, let me quote the words from Dr Derek Sikua when he was then our Prime Minister – “friends to all, enemy to none”.
With such great courage, it is my wish that the current government having grasped the words must ascend to action.
This must be consistently seen and actioned by our churches, communities, NGOs, civil societyand everyone throughout our country.
We must stand for the freedom of our and other people and continue to advocate for it even in times of our hardships.
May God continue to bless our country!
Richard Adomana
Hograno District
Isabel province
