There's a gap between ordinary Solomon Islanders and government processes: OXFAM Report

Oxfam Australia and Oxfam New Zealand has released a report "Bridging the gap between state and society New directions for the Solomon Islands".

Oxfam says the purpose of the report is to present the voices of Solomon Islanders, which are at risk of not being heard in this period of rapid change.

The report builds on earlier work undertaken by a group of Solomon Islanders presented at an Asia-Pacific Region conference, at the University of Queensland in 2005.

Research was undertaken through extensive interviews with various people during 2005 and with communities and civil society groups in Malaita, Guadalcanal and Western Province.

Interviews were also done with members of the Solomon Islands Government, RAMSI officials and Australian diplomatic personnel in Honiara and Australian Government officials in Canberra.

The report documents a widespread feeling that ordinary Solomon Islanders are excluded from government processes and decision-making, pointing to a lack of linkages and engagement between government and citizens.

It says despite improved security over the last three years, there remains a widespread lack of confidence that current proposals for economic development in Solomon Islands will benefit all.

Source: SIBC