Dear Editor – There are some principles that we need to take on board so as to drive the policies and the country forward.
Until we learn to dictate our departure or reference point, we will be ending up proposing policies that are fundamentalism-filled than fundamentally orchestrated therefore prolonging the burden of the people of this country.
It remains an error when policies are proposed on sentiments of fundamentalism because it stands oppose to the fundamental option that should be accorded to the human person who in the final analysis determines any one policy and who is the central norm of any one development.
He/she is imbued with rights and obligations that cannot be compromised or negotiated at the expense of personal gains and benefits. The dignity of the human person is determined by the image and likeness of God in us (Gen 1:27).
It is in this understanding and conviction that we profess equality of every human person world over. Hence, it must be construed that the dignity of the human person is not supported by the fact that one is wealthy, or by one’s qualification and social status which is a misconception and human defeat in the face of cash economy.
Undeniably, it is this misconception that overtakes our policies and socio-economic developments thus increasing the burden of our ordinary citizens that is seemingly out of touch to our human sentiments.
It surprises me when issues are debated as if we have not identified the basic needs of our people as yet or as if we are proposing policies for human beings in a different planet. Get real with people and do the most sincere thing and that is to engage in something fundamental to reduce the burden of the people of this country who are suffering and deprived of basic necessities because of greed, extortion, love for wealth, drive for power and our indifference to the plight of the very people whom we profess to serve with prudence and diligence.
There are many simple individuals who have left this country into the next world without any sense of a fond memory or a profound sense of appreciation. In fact for many it is consoling to leave for the next world than to be tortured by a leadership and an attitude that is killing than healing.
Hence, all of us are asked to make a difference and to embrace the fact and truth that justice has been long delayed and denied our people. With that PEACE will remain fragile until JUSTICE is SERVED underpinned by LOVE and MERCY. God Bless Solomon Islands.
Fr John Adai
Honiara.
