PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says addressing the cancer called corruption is not government responsibility alone but everybody’s business.
Sogavare made the statement as he challenged both leaders and the public during the International Anti-Corruption Day event in Honiara.
He said the government cannot do it alone, even the new Independent Commission Against Corruption cannot do it alone.
“We are dealing with a malignant and invasive tumour, a malignant cancer that needs to be eradicated. We simply cannot allow it to continue to grow unabated,” Sogavare said.
He said leaders should lead by example and set the path straight with their leadership.
“We must aim to have a Zero Tolerance’ policy on corruption-across all levels and all walks of life in our country- starting with us, the political leaders who should and must lead with example and all levels of leadership right down to our grassroots,” he said.
The prime minister said the theme “Unite Against Corruption” fits well because the government cannot do this alone, thus call for unity against corruption.
“We must Unite against Corruption – as the theme for 2019 Anticorruption Day aptly states. We must work and walk together to defeat corruption.
“To stay the course, we must all be champions against corruption.
“Each of us must embrace ethical and integrity principles.
“Each must act against corruption and do business based on fair competition and good governance,” he added.
Sogavare said people of Solomon Islands deserve a country that is free of corruption.
“As leaders and as parents, we owe it to our children and the future generations to leave behind a legacy of a corrupt-free Solomon Islands.
“That challenge rests with the current generation of decision makers, parents, development partners and leaders.
“The decision we make today, and the actions we undertake during our watch when we hold office, will shape and will determine the type of Solomon Islands we are leaving to our children and their children,” he added.
Sogavare said our decisions and our actions will shape the type of people this country will have as well as the type of leadership we pass on to future generations.
By IAN M.KAUKUI