Guadalcanal plans to secede from Solomon Islands

The Guadalcanal Provincial Government is planning to secede from Solomon Islands.

Premier Abel Arabola says the Provincial Assembly at its current meeting passed a motion setting up a committee to start work towards unilateral independence.

Mr Arabola says the province is opting for independence if the national government delay the passage and adoption of the Federal Constitution Bill.

He says the provincial administration is drawing up the Terms of Reference for a committee that would be preparing towards independence.

Mr Arabola says the Committee's tasks would include consulting with other provinces, foreign governments and investors about their views and support of declaration of independence.

"This came about because of our current political situation with foreigners. The government has indicated that it would expel the Australian component in RAMSI. So we feel that the future of Guadalcanal is more uncertain than before. That is why we are taking this option. If we attain this status, we can look after our own affairs."

Source: SIBC