Cate Morriss:

Ever since 1978, when the Solomon Islander's took control of their destiny in the developing World, there has been internecine strife - Politically, socially and Economically in this tiny enclave of Islands.From 1980, home grown seccessionist's have been agitating for self government and social reforms, despite RAMSI - Regional Assistance Mission SI. The task never seems to end - with rebellion, genocide, killings, detentions, etc to this present day ?

As early as June 2003 when riots first erupted in Honiara, Aust, NZ, Fiji and Vanuatu were caught up in bringing peace and stability to the troubled Islands.Three years later, Aust sent in crack SAS, and paramilitary Police to surpress another insurrection - stark testimony the dysfunctional Country's ruling Parties are so at loggerheads, democracy as we know it, is but a thin veneer waiting to go bang - any tick of the clock.

Palpably, our DFA have little appreciation of their mixed culture and the ramification of minority dissatisfactions with a Canberra installed Prime Minister. It comes as no surprise, the perception of " neo-colonial opportunism " is alive and well !After all injecting $28M annually is a pittance when compared to our welfare munificence. Howard's gift of $ 1.2B to Indonesia's Tsunami Appeal, marginalizes these improvished beneficiaries. The observation, the Solomon's are ' bludging 'on Tax payer's handout's rings true, when in the final analysis - just what are we getting in return when all's said and done ?

Ever since the 24th Summit of South Pacific Forum, PNG has stood accused of heavy handeness in trying to stamp out local dissension in Panguna, Makiri and Arawa area's..to name a few, employing armed ex Vietnam Iroquis gunship Helicopter's ( donated by Aust )to resolve the issue. Amnestry International, together with the Catholic Church's Bishop's intercession, have vigorously condemned Military involvement in systematic, often violent repression. The scandalous creation of thousands of refugees left homeless with little resources makes a mockery of their beligerent governance.

The Fact BCL - Bouganville Copper Ltd, a subsidiary of mining giant BHP Billiton have extracted Gold, silver, lead and copper

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since the 60's is indicative Aust is less altruistic than first imagined. Coupled with substantial leaching of highly toxic carcinogenic chemicals, radiation sources, and dioxin into the river system waterways has produced an environmental nightmare to rival Chernobyl, if it wasn't so grave. The tailing Dam empty into the Pacific Ocean. Future generations are likely to suffer permanent abnormalities attributed to this source.

So what do we make of the writer's premise: " concern to many, the lack of gender equity ' ? Political aspirants everywhere must, at the very least possess enough charisma to appeal to the Electorate. Winning the heart's and mind's, sans feet is part and parcel of the rat-race. Gender bias is an anachronism of the fifty's. Hedonistically opting for female representation, just for the sake of whimsical bias is contrary to cultural Melansian Society norms - which the advocate should know ?

For some time now, the Solomon's have had a reputation for endemic corruption, tax evasion/haven's, money laundering, scams and racketeering - the black economy. Why would one seek to deposit questionable cash in an anonymous off shore Swiss Account with one conviently located right here at our back door ? Deja vu like, the last 'internal upheaval' involving Aust AFP, the media reported Chinese entrepreneur's, goldsmith's, and shopkeeper's were exclusively targeted as a result of their 'comaraderie' with the PM and his 20 man Cabinet. Film coverage included container cargo arriving at terminals and serendipitously being whisked off at night without Custom's clearance or surcharge ?

With so much at stake, the unicameral Government should cleanup their act, provide greater transparency. Preferably solicit the IMF, or RAMSI to iron out their internecine squabbles and down play the dubious image presently reflected abroad.

Sadly, therein lies the crux to endemic problems facing most of our Pacific neighbours. For a measly thirty pieces of silver, we implicitly expect Faustian subservience - Body and soul. Nothing less will do.

Cheers