I think that is how I look at it.
1. RAMSI is still operating under the original framework which is already out of date as Solomon Islander's need for RAMSI have changed. Law and order while is a priority just does not seem as important as ensuring that Solomon Islanders have the means to survive. The economy is faltering, social problems are now becoming more problematic, schools are not functioning properly. So if RAMSI cannot change with time to meet the needs of Solomon Islanders now, then it is no longer needed.
2. RAMSI also suffers from an outdated perception of Solomon Islanders. They believe we are helpless and so they must lead us out of a rot. They point to our weak government and align themselves to Solomon Islanders, many who are hopeless nit wits, and they tell everyone else that we are not able to do it. If RAMSI cannot open its eyes and assist the many great men and women in this country who can change our future, then it is no longer needed.
3. RAMSI's sole purpose, in my opinion, is to protect and further Australian interests. If RAMSI cannot change that perception, then it has outlived its welcome.
Hem nao some fala ting ting bilong me. Hope others come online and throw some ideas more.
RAMSI should not leave too early.
1. The process of rebuilding Solomon Islands will take longer than we expected. Various government institutions are functioning on the prop of RAMSI. Take away RAMSI's assistance and these institutions will meet their sudden death.
2. Security wise, the Police force is recuperating from the huge blow during the tension. The confidence people have in the the force is mainly because of RAMSI. It is a false sense of security. RAMSI should stay around until our Police force garner full confidence of the public.
3. As we prepare for federalism, it is vital that RAMSI is around to ensure a smooth transition of power. There are many sensitive issues in the state government system such as border issues, etc etc
That's all I have for now.
Hi anonymous,
It would be nice to know more about your research and why you are doing it.
But as far as my opinion goes.
RAMSI has money, it has the personnels and it has the experience. Therefore, I have always believed that RAMSI should be a collaborative partnership. I think this is a problem. When Sogavare said there were two parrallel governments in existence in the Solomon Islands, I am beginning to see why.
Anything that goes wrong, we think RAMSI. Anyone needing help, we think RAMSI. RAMSI is a great initiative but when people naturally gravitate towards it for everything in life then we know something is wrong. When we begin to lose faith in our own elected leaders and start looking elsewhere than something has gone wrong. RAMSI is not doing much to change that view.
I agree with Cyberpimp, it will take time to achieve anything but RAMSI was an initiative to build the capacity of Solomon Islanders to take charge of their own destiny; unfortunately, sometimes, that may just be a figment of our imagination.
I would like to see RAMSI begin some aggressive capacity building programs to start handing over the reigns and instilling confidence in Solomon Islanders to charge for themselves. I do not think they must leave yet but the only part I agree with what Neo has said, is that they need to respond to what is happening now. So that when things go wrong for Solomon Islands, they look to their gavman or look within themselves for answers. RAMSI is creating a dependency syndrome that I am very uncomfortable with.
I read the contributions to this thread and just want to drop a few lines to contribute to it. RAMSI was, despite all the conspiracies facing its operations, brought about very effective changes to Solomon Islands. A country runs by thugs needs a neutral force to stabilize it and that is absolutely true with our situation. Since the arrival of RAMSI in 2003, Solomon Islands had experienced considerable changes in economic recovery and with the return of the rule of law. But, like any peace keeping operations in the world, RAMSI should have an exit strategy, a time-table in which Australian and the regional force exit and returning the rule of law and the economic rebuilding to Solomon Islanders themselves. An exit strategy should be based on the following assessments: whether Solomon Islands is capable of maintaining law and order once RAMSI pulled out, and whether SI's economy is stable and remain stable for a long time.
Law and order. I think Solomon Islands is able to protect itself right now, but theres also a higher chance that we may return to factional fightings as 2000-2003 if the root causes of the tension remained unresolve. The riot of 2006 is a classic example of our vulnerability and how quickly our nation turned to chaos, even at the watch of a peace keeping force. What RAMSI should do, and I am aware that this is going on right now, is training as many police officers as possible and training them to a competitive level. Destroy every weapon purchased during the Mamaloni time so that the next time yumi raoa, yumi hit hit long stick nomoa.
Economic stability. I don't think that the economic indicators point to a bright future. We may not be able to maintain our economy to a competitive level like we used to in the pre-1998 era. Currently, SI treasury is monitored by RAMSI and its economic team and that the stability right now is extremely fragile, which means that sapos olketa tek off yumi no garem! Just recently, former CBSI's governor, Mr. Hou, spoke out about the economic issue in Solomon Islands with a very pessimistic outlook. He claimed that SI is still very much on the door step of bankruptcy. His successor also, recently, stated that SI's economy, though stable, is extremely fluid. To me, these are the insiders, and RAMSI and the SIG ought to do something about this!
I personally believe that RAMSI would be more motivated to push for tougher goals if there is a time-table. Right now, our MPs just want RAMSI to remain in SI for one thing, the controlling of the Law and Order; the fear of another riot! They should set up a time-table or an exit-strategy so that RAMSI operation takes a much serious approach to its mission. So far, I have never heard our SIG talking about how long RAMSI bae stap long SI. Its going on six years and we've seen little chances as of 2004.
He who has never learned to obey...cannot be a good commander.
Aristotle
It is interesting to know that someone is doing research on Ramsi presence in Solomon Islands. I believe alot of us have contributed strong points as to why Ramsi should or should leave Solomon Islands. Whatever views we hold it is important we do it in a more diplomatic and a friendly manner.
I think to see whether Ramsi presence in our country is still needed or otherwise would be best viewed from that legal instrument that authorised Ramsi into our country. The reason is simple, the Act ( Facilitation Act) is the only mechanism where we can measure Ramsi's contributions and impacts on our society. At the moment, it is fair to say that Ramsi have done few positive contributions to our country, but that does not mean there are no failures on their part. It is always good to be of open mind about what is actually happening in our country.
As mentioned, by only revisiting that Act, one could be in a better position to state whether Ramsi have achieved or performed beyond the bars or they failed in their mission. Let us not limit security as the only means for measuring this success. Conversely, it will be wrong to say that restoration of law and order in Solomon Islands is really a success at all, especially in the current relevation of the events happening in our country. In addition, it raises alot of questions as to what we mean by law and order or peace of that reason. Do we mean peace as absence of fear, intimidation and unwanted force etc.
I believe there gray clouds hovering over the presence of Ramsi in our country, and as a citizen of Solomon Islands. I think, it is time that proper review be done on this issue of Ramsi.
Whilst, I appreciate Ramsi' contribution to our country, I have reservation as to the geniuness of this whole arrangment. We just don't want to see Australia and New Zealand using us ( our situation)as scapegoats for their ultra motives and agendas. Now, it is 7 years after their arrival in 2003. The question how long will it take for Ramsi to stay in our country? Dont tell me another 7 years, cos this will raise alot of issues as to why take seven years to fulfill or achieve your purpose.
It is interest to know that some of these Australians working with Ramsi now purchasing land or houses around Honiara. Think about this, is it the right to do? There are more of similar things happening in our country. I believe Ramsi is ineffective and has not achieve much as they dream of, and they delay in this country is none other than playing politics through this arrangement. Ramsi knows the entrance and I supposed they know the exit but why they holding or refusing to leave the country.
Isn't it because of our resources or what?
Solomon Islands don't need weapons or all military presence to tell the people of what is right and wrong. I believe , it is time to tell them to leave our country and go to Middle East or somewhere else to involve and display their weapons.
If we are not careful of this arrangement, it is more to do with pyschological technics to advance their agendas on issues of their interest with less consideration for the Solomon Islanders. They will tell us, indirectly that thier presence here is important for the economic recovery of Solomon Islands. How long will it take for a country like Solomon Islands to recovery? Does it mean we need military presence to foster such recovery? Why does it take seven years now without proper or actual recovery in our economy? How many advisors so far have been in those office but with little improvments or change in our economic. Something must be wrong with this arrangement.
I don't know this whole thing working anyway, so might as well we review it and see the best method this assistance can be of importance and change to our country.
I agree that some changes have been made, but how long will it take for a positive change be shown up. If you can not do it now, dont dream of doing it sometimes later or achieving your goals seven years later. It does not work like that.
I suggest it is time for our friends to rethink their plans, and if nothing change then might as well leave Solomon Islands.
The issue of Thugs reviving and repeating the 2000 events is not possible. Most of these militants have learnt their lessons and would not want to spend another year or two in prison for their action.
I agree with the sentiments that we don't need soldiers or people with guns to tell us what to do or to show us that right path. I also agree with the idea that RAMSI is not a faultless group or organization, and many would point to various incidents including the one which involved the killing of an innocent lady by a RAMSI officers when he was driving under the influence of Alcohol. But I dont' agree with any conspiracy about RAMSI. It doesn't play well with my understanding of the situation we are in today and what transpired after 2003. These are the reasons:
First of all, RAMSI is far from being a broader conspiracy by Australia and New Zealand. Call me an apologist, a sympathizer etc, but that is the truth. As much as I love the concept of Freedom and living a life free of guns, it wasn't the case in 2000-2003. You know Tonny that our country was run by the thugs and gun-bangers who would kill for pure pleasure. Many of whom have faced justice since the arrival of RAMSI. These three years of lawlessness basically a token that our situation was beyond our control. We needed an independent force to come in whether you like it or not. The restoration of law and order in Solomon Islands is perhaps the most misconstrued aspect of the whole RAMSI operation. Many critics downplayed RAMSI's success. By that I mean, the price that many RAMSI officers paid have often been overlooked by our political elites and RAMSI critics. Look at it this way: Two people died, one by an ambush who was shot in the head while driving back to Honiara, and the other by accident while search for weapon caches. Two were attacked in Avuavu area. One of them butchered by angry mob while search for one of the most wanted former GRA men who was at the time hiding there. Another was injured by stone throwers while arresting a fugitive in the same area and while waiting for the RAMSI helicopter, they managed to escape by firing warning shots. Two incidents occurred at Mataniko area where two RAMSI officers were forced to draw their arms and fired warning shots while crossing the river. They were attacked while searching for a wanted fugitive believed to be hiding in the area. RAMSI officers have paid a huge price as well to bring back our freedom.
Secondly, I dismiss the analysis that RAMSI contribution to the returning of the rule of law in our country as "but a few". RAMSI is responsible entirely for the restoration of our law and order and for the stability of our economy. I am convinced that if RAMSI never materialized, SI would be far worse than Somalia today where gang lords rule the nation. Our economy went from $11 against $1 US D to $7.5 against $1 USD. Investors, individuals and corporations, and aid-donors returned to Solomon Islands after report of stability reached every corner of the world. Men who extorted hundreds of thousands of dollars and even millions, were brought to justice. Some may have escaped the system by unknown means, but that was better than nothing. Political leaders who abused their power faced the Justice system and many, including premiers and MPs, were locked up. People are now beginning to experience the pre-1998 kind of lifestyle, thanks to RAMSI.
In addition to that, the same criticisms that were leveled against Australia and NZ in the past 30 years is basically what you expressing here Tonny. This is the idea that Australia and NZ are using their economic might to enslave the Pacific Islands, and even some wrote academic papers stressing the theory that the financial aid packages the Australian and NZ government have been a carefully crafted strategy to control the Pacific Island nations. But that is an argument that only economists are comfortable with because it involves data, economic philosophies and strategies, political strategies, ideologies, etch. However, the average people like you and I know very well that without these aids you and I would be living in a Pacific region with little in it. The problem lies in how our leaders used this money. Take a look around our Pacific Islands. Theres a class of people who have mansions in major countries around the world, cemented monopoly over the political hierarchy in the region using incoming foreign aid money, and chaneling endless funds to personal accounts and pulling the justice systems, the checks-and-balance system around the region, by the nose. Look at PNG for instance. Somare will never lose his seat until he rests in his grave, but PNG will remain the poorest nations and one of the higest crime rates in the world, and guess what? 70% of Australian Aid goes to PNG. You can make that argument with late Mamaloni or the niVanuatu government, the Tongans, Samoan Matais etc. Now that question is, if there was a bigger conspiracy in the region, who are the real insiders? I guess you know who the real culprits are. Our corrupt leaders! They capitalized on our own anger and ignorants to sway criticisms against their own follies.
However, I do agree with you Tonny that RAMSI shouldn't be here to stay. I have stressed the importance of creating an Exit Strategy and I hope our leaders do consider that. I suggest that our leaders review the RAMSI Act and put forward a time table in which RAMSI would leave SI and transfer the Law and Order responsibilities and the economic recovery jobs to our local people. That means that RAMSI would be expired when the time set fort in the Act arrived. That would be the best option to consider if RAMSI is no longer necessary. I believe SI is in a good position to take over and I think what we need from RAMSI is only economic advisors who would also be bound by a time-table.
He who has never learned to obey...cannot be a good commander.
Aristotle
What, Solomons doesn't need RAMSI? What a load of rubbish. Look at all the corruption and msmanagement that is still going on, and this is with RAMSI here. The government has 'lost' $433 million dollars due to corruption, and yet doesn't have the money to send medical students to Cuba. How much worse would this have been without RAMSI? How much worse would the 2006 riot have been without the presence of RAMSI?? I was there, I saw parliament stoned from the safety of one of the mango trees, I watched Chinatown burn that night from the Fijian quarters as law enforcement looked on helplessly, I watch the Pacific Casino hotel burn from across the road while sharing a beer with the boys who had just burnt it (and then I found out where their beer came from .... needless to say I left quickly). How much worse would the soccer riot have been last weekend?
Wake up you lot. Read the story of the Pied Piper. It's easy to think that you don't need RAMSI now that things seem to be better. Rebuilding the Solomons is going to be a long and slow process that requires radical change on behalf of the government and the public service. It took twenty five years from indipendence for the Solomons to destroy itself. It will probably take that long to rebuild. Do you want a Solomon Islands where there is no corruption, where people have well paid jobs, where there is little poverty, where the government actually works like it is meant to, where you can go to a soccer game and feel safe? What sort of country do you want? Do you want one that falls back into dispair where the only people who get ahead are those who are better at corruption than you, or carry a gun?
There is a long, long way to go. Bye iume everiwan kam up strong tugeda.
United we stand divided we fall...RAMSI or no RAMSI. Although law and order has been restored corruption is still rife and blatantly committed in the public eye...with no consequences...hoodlums still riot and loot when they feel like it (some get caught others don't), where was RAMSI duringthe 2006 riots, how could that have been any worse than what it was? The RAMSI program as already implied needs to be overhauled and re-organized to gel with SOlomon ISland Priorities (in consultation with the major donor/s - Australia/NZ)not just to suit Australia's strategic interests which became a priority after 911.
I think that is how I look at it.
1. RAMSI is still operating under the original framework which is already out of date as Solomon Islander's need for RAMSI have changed. Law and order while is a priority just does not seem as important as ensuring that Solomon Islanders have the means to survive. The economy is faltering, social problems are now becoming more problematic, schools are not functioning properly. So if RAMSI cannot change with time to meet the needs of Solomon Islanders now, then it is no longer needed.
2. RAMSI also suffers from an outdated perception of Solomon Islanders. They believe we are helpless and so they must lead us out of a rot. They point to our weak government and align themselves to Solomon Islanders, many who are hopeless nit wits, and they tell everyone else that we are not able to do it. If RAMSI cannot open its eyes and assist the many great men and women in this country who can change our future, then it is no longer needed.
3. RAMSI's sole purpose, in my opinion, is to protect and further Australian interests. If RAMSI cannot change that perception, then it has outlived its welcome.
Hem nao some fala ting ting bilong me. Hope others come online and throw some ideas more.
RAMSI should not leave too early.
1. The process of rebuilding Solomon Islands will take longer than we expected. Various government institutions are functioning on the prop of RAMSI. Take away RAMSI's assistance and these institutions will meet their sudden death.
2. Security wise, the Police force is recuperating from the huge blow during the tension. The confidence people have in the the force is mainly because of RAMSI. It is a false sense of security. RAMSI should stay around until our Police force garner full confidence of the public.
3. As we prepare for federalism, it is vital that RAMSI is around to ensure a smooth transition of power. There are many sensitive issues in the state government system such as border issues, etc etc
That's all I have for now.
Strictly Platonic
Hi anonymous,
It would be nice to know more about your research and why you are doing it.
But as far as my opinion goes.
RAMSI has money, it has the personnels and it has the experience. Therefore, I have always believed that RAMSI should be a collaborative partnership. I think this is a problem. When Sogavare said there were two parrallel governments in existence in the Solomon Islands, I am beginning to see why.
Anything that goes wrong, we think RAMSI. Anyone needing help, we think RAMSI. RAMSI is a great initiative but when people naturally gravitate towards it for everything in life then we know something is wrong. When we begin to lose faith in our own elected leaders and start looking elsewhere than something has gone wrong. RAMSI is not doing much to change that view.
I agree with Cyberpimp, it will take time to achieve anything but RAMSI was an initiative to build the capacity of Solomon Islanders to take charge of their own destiny; unfortunately, sometimes, that may just be a figment of our imagination.
I would like to see RAMSI begin some aggressive capacity building programs to start handing over the reigns and instilling confidence in Solomon Islanders to charge for themselves. I do not think they must leave yet but the only part I agree with what Neo has said, is that they need to respond to what is happening now. So that when things go wrong for Solomon Islands, they look to their gavman or look within themselves for answers. RAMSI is creating a dependency syndrome that I am very uncomfortable with.
I read the contributions to this thread and just want to drop a few lines to contribute to it. RAMSI was, despite all the conspiracies facing its operations, brought about very effective changes to Solomon Islands. A country runs by thugs needs a neutral force to stabilize it and that is absolutely true with our situation. Since the arrival of RAMSI in 2003, Solomon Islands had experienced considerable changes in economic recovery and with the return of the rule of law. But, like any peace keeping operations in the world, RAMSI should have an exit strategy, a time-table in which Australian and the regional force exit and returning the rule of law and the economic rebuilding to Solomon Islanders themselves. An exit strategy should be based on the following assessments: whether Solomon Islands is capable of maintaining law and order once RAMSI pulled out, and whether SI's economy is stable and remain stable for a long time.
Law and order. I think Solomon Islands is able to protect itself right now, but theres also a higher chance that we may return to factional fightings as 2000-2003 if the root causes of the tension remained unresolve. The riot of 2006 is a classic example of our vulnerability and how quickly our nation turned to chaos, even at the watch of a peace keeping force. What RAMSI should do, and I am aware that this is going on right now, is training as many police officers as possible and training them to a competitive level. Destroy every weapon purchased during the Mamaloni time so that the next time yumi raoa, yumi hit hit long stick nomoa.
Economic stability. I don't think that the economic indicators point to a bright future. We may not be able to maintain our economy to a competitive level like we used to in the pre-1998 era. Currently, SI treasury is monitored by RAMSI and its economic team and that the stability right now is extremely fragile, which means that sapos olketa tek off yumi no garem! Just recently, former CBSI's governor, Mr. Hou, spoke out about the economic issue in Solomon Islands with a very pessimistic outlook. He claimed that SI is still very much on the door step of bankruptcy. His successor also, recently, stated that SI's economy, though stable, is extremely fluid. To me, these are the insiders, and RAMSI and the SIG ought to do something about this!
I personally believe that RAMSI would be more motivated to push for tougher goals if there is a time-table. Right now, our MPs just want RAMSI to remain in SI for one thing, the controlling of the Law and Order; the fear of another riot! They should set up a time-table or an exit-strategy so that RAMSI operation takes a much serious approach to its mission. So far, I have never heard our SIG talking about how long RAMSI bae stap long SI. Its going on six years and we've seen little chances as of 2004.
He who has never learned to obey...cannot be a good commander.
Aristotle
It is interesting to know that someone is doing research on Ramsi presence in Solomon Islands. I believe alot of us have contributed strong points as to why Ramsi should or should leave Solomon Islands. Whatever views we hold it is important we do it in a more diplomatic and a friendly manner.
I think to see whether Ramsi presence in our country is still needed or otherwise would be best viewed from that legal instrument that authorised Ramsi into our country. The reason is simple, the Act ( Facilitation Act) is the only mechanism where we can measure Ramsi's contributions and impacts on our society. At the moment, it is fair to say that Ramsi have done few positive contributions to our country, but that does not mean there are no failures on their part. It is always good to be of open mind about what is actually happening in our country.
As mentioned, by only revisiting that Act, one could be in a better position to state whether Ramsi have achieved or performed beyond the bars or they failed in their mission. Let us not limit security as the only means for measuring this success. Conversely, it will be wrong to say that restoration of law and order in Solomon Islands is really a success at all, especially in the current relevation of the events happening in our country. In addition, it raises alot of questions as to what we mean by law and order or peace of that reason. Do we mean peace as absence of fear, intimidation and unwanted force etc.
I believe there gray clouds hovering over the presence of Ramsi in our country, and as a citizen of Solomon Islands. I think, it is time that proper review be done on this issue of Ramsi.
Whilst, I appreciate Ramsi' contribution to our country, I have reservation as to the geniuness of this whole arrangment. We just don't want to see Australia and New Zealand using us ( our situation)as scapegoats for their ultra motives and agendas. Now, it is 7 years after their arrival in 2003. The question how long will it take for Ramsi to stay in our country? Dont tell me another 7 years, cos this will raise alot of issues as to why take seven years to fulfill or achieve your purpose.
It is interest to know that some of these Australians working with Ramsi now purchasing land or houses around Honiara. Think about this, is it the right to do? There are more of similar things happening in our country. I believe Ramsi is ineffective and has not achieve much as they dream of, and they delay in this country is none other than playing politics through this arrangement. Ramsi knows the entrance and I supposed they know the exit but why they holding or refusing to leave the country.
Isn't it because of our resources or what?
Solomon Islands don't need weapons or all military presence to tell the people of what is right and wrong. I believe , it is time to tell them to leave our country and go to Middle East or somewhere else to involve and display their weapons.
If we are not careful of this arrangement, it is more to do with pyschological technics to advance their agendas on issues of their interest with less consideration for the Solomon Islanders. They will tell us, indirectly that thier presence here is important for the economic recovery of Solomon Islands. How long will it take for a country like Solomon Islands to recovery? Does it mean we need military presence to foster such recovery? Why does it take seven years now without proper or actual recovery in our economy? How many advisors so far have been in those office but with little improvments or change in our economic. Something must be wrong with this arrangement.
I don't know this whole thing working anyway, so might as well we review it and see the best method this assistance can be of importance and change to our country.
I agree that some changes have been made, but how long will it take for a positive change be shown up. If you can not do it now, dont dream of doing it sometimes later or achieving your goals seven years later. It does not work like that.
I suggest it is time for our friends to rethink their plans, and if nothing change then might as well leave Solomon Islands.
The issue of Thugs reviving and repeating the 2000 events is not possible. Most of these militants have learnt their lessons and would not want to spend another year or two in prison for their action.
We don't need Ramsi. Thanks for restoring law and order, but that is not to be used as bench mark for their presence in Solomon Islands.
I agree with the sentiments that we don't need soldiers or people with guns to tell us what to do or to show us that right path. I also agree with the idea that RAMSI is not a faultless group or organization, and many would point to various incidents including the one which involved the killing of an innocent lady by a RAMSI officers when he was driving under the influence of Alcohol. But I dont' agree with any conspiracy about RAMSI. It doesn't play well with my understanding of the situation we are in today and what transpired after 2003. These are the reasons:
First of all, RAMSI is far from being a broader conspiracy by Australia and New Zealand. Call me an apologist, a sympathizer etc, but that is the truth. As much as I love the concept of Freedom and living a life free of guns, it wasn't the case in 2000-2003. You know Tonny that our country was run by the thugs and gun-bangers who would kill for pure pleasure. Many of whom have faced justice since the arrival of RAMSI. These three years of lawlessness basically a token that our situation was beyond our control. We needed an independent force to come in whether you like it or not. The restoration of law and order in Solomon Islands is perhaps the most misconstrued aspect of the whole RAMSI operation. Many critics downplayed RAMSI's success. By that I mean, the price that many RAMSI officers paid have often been overlooked by our political elites and RAMSI critics. Look at it this way: Two people died, one by an ambush who was shot in the head while driving back to Honiara, and the other by accident while search for weapon caches. Two were attacked in Avuavu area. One of them butchered by angry mob while search for one of the most wanted former GRA men who was at the time hiding there. Another was injured by stone throwers while arresting a fugitive in the same area and while waiting for the RAMSI helicopter, they managed to escape by firing warning shots. Two incidents occurred at Mataniko area where two RAMSI officers were forced to draw their arms and fired warning shots while crossing the river. They were attacked while searching for a wanted fugitive believed to be hiding in the area. RAMSI officers have paid a huge price as well to bring back our freedom.
Secondly, I dismiss the analysis that RAMSI contribution to the returning of the rule of law in our country as "but a few". RAMSI is responsible entirely for the restoration of our law and order and for the stability of our economy. I am convinced that if RAMSI never materialized, SI would be far worse than Somalia today where gang lords rule the nation. Our economy went from $11 against $1 US D to $7.5 against $1 USD. Investors, individuals and corporations, and aid-donors returned to Solomon Islands after report of stability reached every corner of the world. Men who extorted hundreds of thousands of dollars and even millions, were brought to justice. Some may have escaped the system by unknown means, but that was better than nothing. Political leaders who abused their power faced the Justice system and many, including premiers and MPs, were locked up. People are now beginning to experience the pre-1998 kind of lifestyle, thanks to RAMSI.
In addition to that, the same criticisms that were leveled against Australia and NZ in the past 30 years is basically what you expressing here Tonny. This is the idea that Australia and NZ are using their economic might to enslave the Pacific Islands, and even some wrote academic papers stressing the theory that the financial aid packages the Australian and NZ government have been a carefully crafted strategy to control the Pacific Island nations. But that is an argument that only economists are comfortable with because it involves data, economic philosophies and strategies, political strategies, ideologies, etch. However, the average people like you and I know very well that without these aids you and I would be living in a Pacific region with little in it. The problem lies in how our leaders used this money. Take a look around our Pacific Islands. Theres a class of people who have mansions in major countries around the world, cemented monopoly over the political hierarchy in the region using incoming foreign aid money, and chaneling endless funds to personal accounts and pulling the justice systems, the checks-and-balance system around the region, by the nose. Look at PNG for instance. Somare will never lose his seat until he rests in his grave, but PNG will remain the poorest nations and one of the higest crime rates in the world, and guess what? 70% of Australian Aid goes to PNG. You can make that argument with late Mamaloni or the niVanuatu government, the Tongans, Samoan Matais etc. Now that question is, if there was a bigger conspiracy in the region, who are the real insiders? I guess you know who the real culprits are. Our corrupt leaders! They capitalized on our own anger and ignorants to sway criticisms against their own follies.
However, I do agree with you Tonny that RAMSI shouldn't be here to stay. I have stressed the importance of creating an Exit Strategy and I hope our leaders do consider that. I suggest that our leaders review the RAMSI Act and put forward a time table in which RAMSI would leave SI and transfer the Law and Order responsibilities and the economic recovery jobs to our local people. That means that RAMSI would be expired when the time set fort in the Act arrived. That would be the best option to consider if RAMSI is no longer necessary. I believe SI is in a good position to take over and I think what we need from RAMSI is only economic advisors who would also be bound by a time-table.
He who has never learned to obey...cannot be a good commander.
Aristotle
What, Solomons doesn't need RAMSI? What a load of rubbish. Look at all the corruption and msmanagement that is still going on, and this is with RAMSI here. The government has 'lost' $433 million dollars due to corruption, and yet doesn't have the money to send medical students to Cuba. How much worse would this have been without RAMSI? How much worse would the 2006 riot have been without the presence of RAMSI?? I was there, I saw parliament stoned from the safety of one of the mango trees, I watched Chinatown burn that night from the Fijian quarters as law enforcement looked on helplessly, I watch the Pacific Casino hotel burn from across the road while sharing a beer with the boys who had just burnt it (and then I found out where their beer came from .... needless to say I left quickly). How much worse would the soccer riot have been last weekend?
Wake up you lot. Read the story of the Pied Piper. It's easy to think that you don't need RAMSI now that things seem to be better. Rebuilding the Solomons is going to be a long and slow process that requires radical change on behalf of the government and the public service. It took twenty five years from indipendence for the Solomons to destroy itself. It will probably take that long to rebuild. Do you want a Solomon Islands where there is no corruption, where people have well paid jobs, where there is little poverty, where the government actually works like it is meant to, where you can go to a soccer game and feel safe? What sort of country do you want? Do you want one that falls back into dispair where the only people who get ahead are those who are better at corruption than you, or carry a gun?
There is a long, long way to go. Bye iume everiwan kam up strong tugeda.
United we stand divided we fall...RAMSI or no RAMSI. Although law and order has been restored corruption is still rife and blatantly committed in the public eye...with no consequences...hoodlums still riot and loot when they feel like it (some get caught others don't), where was RAMSI duringthe 2006 riots, how could that have been any worse than what it was? The RAMSI program as already implied needs to be overhauled and re-organized to gel with SOlomon ISland Priorities (in consultation with the major donor/s - Australia/NZ)not just to suit Australia's strategic interests which became a priority after 911.
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