Rennell Bellona province was created by the Solomon Islands' government after many years of being tossed about as an unwanted group of people. Our two Islands were a part of Guadalcanal province despite the fact that the we don't share any thing in common except that the Islands are closer in theory not by distance, and our people were represented by Melanesian MPs who served themselves not our people for a while. We were then removed and planted in the Central Province, although we are on the other side of the country no way near the central province, and at times being told to "go home" by stupid central provincial leaders.
When our province was created, it wasn't because the government wanted it, it was by pressure from our political leaders and with a sympathetic Minister of Provincial governments, and after years of being discriminated against. Our provincial member who became the Premier of the Central province met some of the most harsh criticisms from his opponents which included stuff like "you don't belong here" in our region etc etc! And so when our provincial government was created, there was no need for an extra Constituency because we understood the government's requirements. But then came GRA and MEF tension.
Ethnic Crisis and Federalism
The ethnic crisis brought many changes including the proposed introduction of Federalism. Those who revived the issue of Federalism did so for one reason, to get back what they think they own--the resources that have kept Solomon Islands operational over the years. These greedy people ignored the concerns of minorities. They even created idea that Provinces must have at least two ore more MPs in order to qualify for a State. That puts Rennell Bellona province in a very awkward position. If SI Federalism is established and our current system transitions to that system, there Rennell and Bellona must not be disqualified as a State or else this is a conspiracy to marginalize our province. This would be a huge constitutional legal battle if our province is disqualified by DESIGN!
With that, our government is left with two options: 1. Trash Federalism 2. Adopt Federalism and award all provinces the necessary legal grounds so that the current system is transitioned to Federalism (if it ever happened) without any legal complications. With this, the Constituency's chairman saw the essence of our demand.
Dominant Provinces
Those who have argued, such as John Babasia on Solomon Star newspaper, that Renbel is a population of about 5,000 people who don't deserve another constituency forgets one thing. Renbel province is scrapping off government's dishes to survive in contrast to larger provinces who dominated the resources and economic advantage. The bigger provinces, Guale, Malaita, West, etc. make up 99% of the work force in Solomon Islands. Renbel can only account for less than a fraction of the working class. In addition to that, Malaita for instance, takes home $55 Million per year in RCDF with provincial grants and other funds not included. They also dominate the Shipping services in Solomon Islands, and the export commodities of our country. Renbel lack that! So putting together the money that Mala, West, and Guale earned is no way near what we get from the government. My point is, we are caught up with the so-called "big" and "small" argument and forgot that Renbel is still disadvantaged even with two constituencies!
Again, we have some options; drop Federalism or bring it on in a way that doesn't push disadvantaged minorities of the side.
Thank you
No comments:
Post a Comment