Commonwealth announces group to observe Solomon Islands general election

Pacific Scoop:
Report – By PMC Newsdesk.

The Commonwealth secretary general has announced an observer group to oversee Solomon Islands’ general election on August 4.

The Solomon Islands’ national parliamentary election is seen as another step toward stable and sustainable government in the Solomons, and the observer team to designed to ensure those voting can do so without hindrance nor undue influence and that votes are secure and produce an accurate result.

Since 2003 a Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) has provided policing and security to ensure the Melanesian state progressed out of a tumultuous period to a fully functioning democratic state.

Prior to 2003, the Solomon Islands had descended into sectarian disorder and inter-island division – where rival groups and militia caused the deaths of many and destabilised the function of the Solomons’ government.

Since 2003, RAMSI – made up of military personnel from the Pacific region and dominated by Australia – has assisted the restoration of the Solomon Islands’ civil and governmental institutions.

In a statement, the Commonwealth secretary general Kamalesh Sharma said: “This is an important election which provides the people of Solomon Islands with an opportunity to further consolidate the stability and democratic gains they have made.”

The Observer Team will arrive in Honiara on 28 July 2010 and stay until 12 August 2010, and will be led by former Commonwealth Parliamentary Association secretary general, Dr Arthur Donahoe QC.

The Commonwealth statement follows and includes names of the observers:

Commonwealth announces Group to observe Solomon Islands National Parliamentary elections

Former CPA Secretary-General Dr Arthur Donahoe QC to lead Group

A Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) will be present during the Solomon Islands’ National Parliamentary Elections scheduled for 4 August 2010. The COG will be led by the former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Dr Arthur Donahoe QC.

The Group was constituted by Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma at the invitation of the Government of Solomon Islands.

“This is an important election which provides the people of Solomon Islands with an opportunity to further consolidate the stability and democratic gains they have made,” the Secretary-General said.

The Group’s mandate is to observe preparations for the election; the polling, counting and results process and the overall electoral environment. The Team is to assess the overall conduct of the process and, where appropriate, make recommendations for the future strengthening of the electoral process in Solomon Islands.

The Group will act impartially and independently and shall conduct itself according to the standards expressed in the International Declaration of Principles for Election Observation to which the Commonwealth is a signatory. The Group will work in close co-operation with other international observers under the logistical
co-ordination generously provided by the United Nations.

The Group’s report will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General, who will in turn send it to the Government of Solomon Islands, the National Electoral Commission of Solomon Islands and political parties, and eventually to all Commonwealth Governments.

The Commonwealth Observer Group will comprise nine eminent persons, including the Chair. The Team will arrive in Honiara on 28 July 2010 and stay until 12 August 2010.

The full composition of the Group:

Chair: Dr Arthur Donahoe QC
Former CPA Secretary-General
Canada

Hon Taomati Iuta, MP
Speaker of Parliament
Kiribati

Eng Dr Badru Kiggundu
Chairperson, Electoral Commission of Uganda
Uganda

Ambassador James Aggrey-Orleans
Former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom
Ghana

Mr Chronox Manek
Chief Ombudsman
Papua New Guinea

Ms Rita Payne
Chairperson
Commonwealth Journalists Association (UK Branch)
India

Mr Ahmed Fayaz Hassan
Vice-Chairperson, Electoral Commission
Maldives

Ms Andie Fong Toy
Former Director of Political and Security Programme
Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat
New Zealand

Ms Shahreen Tilottoma
Regional Youth Caucus Representative
Commonwealth Youth Programme
Bangladesh

The Group will be supported by a four-person staff team from the Commonwealth Secretariat led by Dr Purna Sen, Head of Human Rights at the Commonwealth Secretariat.

S.I heads towards Socio-Economic catastrophe

By Andrew Fanasia Jr.

Unless we vote out irresponsible leaders our country is heading towards socio- economic catastrophe in the next four years.

East Honiara constituency and Our Party candidates Jeffery Samuel Maesua revealed in his campaign at Panatina valley yesterday.

He affirmed that our country’s economy is falling backward which badly affected our development at large.

Beyond reasonable doubts, he said Solomon Islands is lucking leaders who are there for the people to address the real problem affecting the economy of our country.

“Our economy today and in the future will not allow the 60 percent of our dependence population mostly young people to survive in the next four years.

“If we continue to put irresponsible leaders in the parliament then I guarantee to you that Solomon Islands is heading towards catastrophe,” Maesua affirmed.

He said, “According to Our Party platform, addressing the Solomon Islands economy is first and for most their priority.”

Maesua believed that, rebuilding the country’s economy will improve the services provided to the people by the government.

But the underlying question is how his party will improve the economy of this country in four years time.

Maesua confidently said that tourism is their number one priority and “that’s where ‘Our party’s’ vision is concern.”

He added that, building more canneries will be another vital step to rebuild our economy, “we can build one or two cannery in once a year.”

These, he said are the kind of national project our leaders should prioritize rather than talking about the same old development every four years.
Maesua however, talked strongly on the failure of the past government of how they are dealing with our economy although he commended some of their achievements.

Women need a Chance.

Give women a chance because there is no vision when men only see one side, and decisions are incomplete if women are not involved to maintain political balance for the betterment of Solomon Islands. “Consider and tryout the women who are running for this year’s national general election and in the future,” Mrs. Audrey Manu, National Coordinator, Gender Equality and Political Governance Program, UNIFEM echoed this message to the people of Solomon Islands yesterday in Honiara. Speaking to the local media yesterday, Mrs. Manu said women could make changes by putting equality at the heart of government, “this will promote equality that would create a fair and more thriving nation.” “Whether they choose to run independents or party representatives, they (women) decide to contest these years election because they believe they could make a difference and equal participation in decision making,” Mrs. Manu said. Interim Country Project Coordinator with UNIFEM, Val Stanley affirmed that, the representation of women makes it easier to pass legislation concerning women and girls, particularly in the areas of basic services and human rights such as health and education. Stanley further stated that, education, health, development, economic, gender matters and crime against women and children are some key areas women can improve if given the chance in the national level. She also added that women have been long recognized as a catalyst in bringing social cohesion and should therefore be increasingly represented in decision making bodies in the country. “Women consolidate peace through a high sense of community well-being, a sustained commitment towards the improvement of the social environment and human solidarity, and a more democratic and transparent approach to governance,” Stanley confidently said. National Express understands that Solomon Islands women make up 49 percent of the population yet, since independence in 1978 only one woman has held one of the 50 National Parliament seats, currently there is no women in the parliament. At the provincial level, there are only six women in the Provincial Assemblies, contributing to a total of just 9 female Provincial Assembly Members since independence. Meanwhile, Mrs. Manu confidently resound, “Please give women a chance,” women believe they can make a difference to their lives, the lives of their family and the nation if they are supported in their efforts. According to the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission’s Office, there are 36 women contesting this year’s national general election.

Sex Workers Increase in Honiara

By Jennifer Koti & Andrew Fanasia Jr.


Twelve Pillars to Peace and Prosperity Party (TP4) founder promised that if they came into power they will put a law to stop prostitution in the country.

TP4 Party Leader Mrs. Nori told National Express in an exclusive interview yesterday that there are families who forced their daughters to involve in prostitution (Sex Worker) as a means of earning income for their family.

Mrs. Nori confirmed to National Express that, in one incident they interviewed a 13 year old girl in Honiara who has been bashed up by her father after she did not want to accept an offer to go to the foreign vessels.

“It was really disgusting and inhuman to see a father who should protect her daughter and children from being abuse forced her daughter to involve in sex trade business,” Mrs. Nori said. Mrs. Nori said these are the issues which men overlooked, “and to be frankly our country has very weak laws for prostitution activities,

Mrs. Nori confidently said. “There are no strong laws in the country which protects the lives of the vulnerable young girls and women in our country,” Mrs. Nori said.

She added that, police cannot do any arrest or even court cannot act because our law regarding prostitution is very weak.

Mrs. Nori also said that it is time we establish strong and vibrant law to deal with people who is coordinating prostitution and abusing the rights of our very young daughters, “he or she must be penalized.”

She mentioned that Solomon Islands is a Christian country and such practice as prostitution or sex worker should be abolished from this nation. “Our daughters, women and young girls must stay away from this demonic activity.”

“Fathers of this nation must protect their daughters from such activities to uphold the Christian, family and cultural values of Solomon Islands,” Mrs. Nori said yesterday.

Mrs. Nori however affirmed that she is confident if her party joins any coalition government they will address this issue and provide opportunities for young women to have a job or to help them engage in business activities which they can earn their income and live a meaningful life.

“We will work together with our male leaders to provide an avenue for our young women to develop themselves and live a violence free life,” Mrs. Nori said.

Meanwhile Mrs. Nori claimed that, prostitution or sex workers in the country has been established some years back but no one has ever consider the issue.

She confirmed that, reports from some eye witnesses said those who involved in this practice (prostitutes and sex workers) are based at the Botanical area and opposite the Aloha night club.

ADB Calls For Immediate Government Action

Andrew Fanasia Jr. 
National Express Sub Editor's Desk 

Immediate Government action is needed to ramp up good governance and private sector development reform activities to boost sustainable economic growth in the country. 

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB) new Solomon Islands Economic Report 2010, Solomon Islands is now facing great challenges due to the adverse impacts from the global economic crisis in 2009 and its dangerously overexploited natural forests. 

Jointly funded by ADB and the Australian Government, and based on the request by and discussions with the Solomon Islands Government, the 2010 report outlines the state of Solomon Islands economy. It is stated that, after several years of steady economic growth prior to 2009, Solomon Islands GDP growth remains flat. 

In the previous reports by the Central Bank of Solomon Islands Governor Mr. Denton Rarawa our economy has also been hit hard by the global financial crisis, plus the continuous declining of logging activities. 

As a result the revenue growth has fallen sharply and almost a quarter of our population lives below the national basic needs poverty line. According to Dr. John Roughan, founder of Solomon Islands Development Trust and Political commentator, “Solomon Islands is still below the poverty line.” The ABD report said external assistance is required to help relieve these fiscal pressures. 

Major donor partners including Australia, New Zealand, ABD and European Commission have provided or providing additional budget support to help expenditure on essential services. Meanwhile, Regional Director of ADB in Australia, Eugenue Zhukov in a press statement said that, Grant-funded infrastructure will need to play a key role in supporting growth and employment, given the decline in exports and the need to reduce government expenditure. 

The economic report recommends that Infrastructure projects be brought forward where possible, to support economic growth. The report however points out that in the short term the Solomon Islands government’s policy mix should include recurrent expenditure restraints and prudent monetary policy. 

National Express understands that in a previous interview with the Solomon Islands Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister and the Interim leader of the People’s Congress Party (PCP) Mr. Fred Fono said that his political party prioritize infrastructure should they come into power after the national general election next month. “PCP will be seriously considering public-private sector partnership to totally commercialize infrastructure development in Solomon Islands,” Mr. Fono said when he address the local media on Sunday last week in Honiara. 

The ABD report however affirmed that Solomon Islands remain a high-cost, challenging place to conduct business in and many constraints to private sector development exist in our country. According to ADB statement from Manila Philippines, new Government comes into power after the national general election next month needs to take action to; improve infrastructure through contracting out and greater use of public-private partnerships; open the telecommunications market to competition; reform state-owned enterprises; simplify the licensing and tax systems; and strengthen land reforms.

Dr. Sikua Wins Deformation Case agains Islands Sun Newspaper

Prime Minister Derek Sikua has won a defamation case he lodged against the Island Sun Newspaper at the High Court. Dr Sikua and his Secretary Jeremiah Manele lodged the claim which arose from an official visit by the Prime Minister to the 63rd United Nations General Assembly Meeting held in New York from 22nd September to the 1st of October 2008. Jeremiah Manele was at the time Secretary to the Prime Minister and a part of the Solomon Islands delegation. The Island Sun Newspaper published on the 8th and 9th of October 2008, an article, an editorial and a cartoon depicting Dr Sikua and Mr Manele as behaving in a drunken manner during the visit. They said the Prime Minister was drunk, threatened his wife with violence and because he was drunk and missed a speech by the then Australian Prime Minister. The Island Sun Newspaper maintained that they had their sources, but during the trial the two witnesses

Survive Among Sharks, Tension Victim

Richard Karima & Andrew Fanasia Jr. Mothers attending TRC in Western Province were in tears upon hearing the unbelievable experience encountered by an innocent twelve years old boy during the days of fire arms. One can not believe and bear the pain and suffering foretold by Mr. Winston Petervoza from Menavuli Village Choieseul Province. Winston Petervoza was twelve years old when the country was brought down to its knees. During then there was lots of unnecessary military groups arose in other provinces excluding Malaita and Guadalcanal Militants to undermine the right of innocent lives. Choieseul was one of the provinces which gave birth to such illegal arms group. In year 2001 when the tension was at its height, Peterzova was twelve years of age; one afternoon he was on his own working back home after school when suddenly and unexpectedly the Rebel ambushed him. He had very shy character and can only speak out when asked. His very young age and even bitter tears can’t help from the might of the cruel men, he was so confused and don’t even knew what had he done wrong against them. They took him to their village and tied him with a chair and told him that he was taken hostage because of his elder brother’s action. He told the commission that his bigger brother removed their fire arms without informing them to crippled them doing harassments putting the lives of civilians at risk. He was given no food all through out his imprisonment for one whole night. Early the next day they put him in their boat and headed towards Gizo. He was still bound by nylon ropes; Petervoza eyes filled with tears as he was revealing his boyhood memories. On their way towards Gizo they ruthlessly dropped him on Solomon Taiyo fishing rafter between South Choieseul and Vella la valla, thousands of miles away from both islands. Rafters for ones knowledge were created to harbor sea creatures. Looking down from where he was floated hugging, he saw the merciless sharks and thousands of schools of fish roaming beneath him. Instantly Petervoza began to cry, he thought about his mum and dad realizing that, “this is my last day.” He can’t help to get out from the rafter because his hands were still tied up and his age strength is not enough to fight the situation. “I was just floating helplessly among the deadly creature waiting to provide delicious meal for the sharks under the rafter,” Petervoza said with tears as he was trying to recall that moment. Thanks God he closes the jaws of the sharks just like He did for Daniel in the lions’ den in acceptance of their innocence. All of those times his heartfelt family have no ideas as to where about their little innocent and shy boy had gone. However, the situation then drives them to know exactly what’s happened. After two or so hour the militants return back from Vella la Vella and took him on board and went to Gizo. At Gizo he was still held captive at gun point and the power of the Japan rope cannot let him free. “They threw me onboard their boat as if I was their caught fish for the day; I had not eaten or drink anything,” Petervoza emotionally told the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. By then he was unconscious because the difficult treatment he undergo for almost twenty four hours. Heavenly blessing finally reached him late in the afternoon that day when they arrived in Gizo; the Bougainville Revolution Army (BRA) released him from his cage. They nursed and gave him food before they drove him home. He reunited again with his beloved family with kind assistances from foreign elements. In receiving his brother, the elder brother gave them the fire arms which he stole from the Rebel. He told the commission that during his captivity he kept crying for mercy but tears can’t paid. He remembered his parent but there’s no one any way near to rescued him from hand of brutal men. Mr. Winston is now twenty four years old, finally relief at last after affected trauma and living with pain for almost ten years. Petervoza said he is now free man and “I forgive my perpetrators with all my heart and I am more than willing to look them in the eyes and shake hands with them.”

Taiwan $8m Solar Project Question.

Andrew Fanasia Jr. Taiwan’s (ROC) first payment of SBD $8m for Solar Project for the rural communities in Solomon Islands have been questioned in terms of its sustainability and if the project is under political influences. Solomon Islands leading solar development program director Mr. David Iro told National Express in an exclusive interview yesterday that, while he support Taiwanese million dollar solar projects there are very important questions our government and the Taiwanese ambassador needs to answer. Mr. Iro questioned in what ways did our government and Taiwan as a very influential donor partner do to reach the community in Solomon Islands in terms of solar projects. He also stated that, once these million dollar solar project is in place then how will the people in rural areas sustain these projects to benefit them in the long run. He said our government, the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the donor partners like Taiwan (ROC) should include private sector Company who specialized in solar dealings to carry out such vital project. Mr. Iro raised this question because according to his understanding, these projects should include trainings and other necessities for the rural people to sustain there solar in the long run. “The inclusion of such private sector will definitely help the rural communities with the sustainability of such project which include trainings and back up service for the benefit of our people,” Mr. Iro said. Meanwhile, a credible source told National Express that rural schools in the country are entitled for this solar project but it was later diverted by the government for each constituency in the country. The source confirmed that, this million dollar solar project is under political influences which he believed that most of the rural communities in the country will not benefit from it. “This SBD $8m solar project will only benefit the concern politicians constituencies rather than the whole Solomon Islands rural communities,” the Source revealed. National Express however understands that Caretaker Prime Minister Dr, Derek Sikua told Taiwan Ambassador H.E George Chan that Solomon Islands Government will remain committed to work closely with ROC (Taiwan) to strive to advance common interests for both countries during the hand over of the SBD $8m solar project funding earlier this week.

SOGAVARE PLEASED WITH PUBLIC SUPPORT

OUR Party President Manasseh Sogavare has expressed great satisfaction over the overwhelming turnout at public rallies he was invited to explain the political party’s policy intentions.

The rallies staged at Trinity Hills in West Kwara’ae, Mbita’ama in North Malaita, Reko in North East Guadalcanal and the Telekom Recreational Centre in East Honiara over the last four days were organised by the party’s endorsed candidates for the constituencies at the request of their constituents.

“The huge turnouts at the public rallies in Malaita, Guadalcanal and Honiara I was invited to explain OUR Party policies intentions especially our flagship development decentralisation policy, demonstrated the seriousness of Solomon Islanders about electing a government that appreciates their development needs and is committed to putting in place strategies to address them.

“I was moved by the support expressed by Solomon Islanders that attended the rallies for our decentralisation policy and their desire to see us elected to power to implement this policy.   I was also moved by the expressions of appreciation for our initiative to reach out to the rural populace with our policies. It was also interesting to see people openly expressing their dislike for CNURA Government for miserably failing to fulfil its promises.

“Not only did we record overwhelming turnouts during the campaign rallies last week but also at all our party launches throughout the country and this goes to prove the trust and confidence Solomon Islanders have in the leadership of OUR Party to take the country forward,” Mr Sogavare said.

The former opposition leader and OUR Party candidate for East Choiseul said the popularity of OUR Party and its development decentralisation policy would rightly be attributed to its series of launching programmes throughout the country and thus it is proud for taking that worthy initiative though time consuming and costly.

 “We took this initiative because we believe the 2010 National General Elections will be crucial for Solomon Islanders. We believe we have arrived at a cross-road in our development endeavour and our country cannot move forward unless we properly chart our direction by electing good political leaders,” Mr Sogavare

Meanwhile, OUR Party wishes to inform the registered voters of East Honiara, Central Honiara and West Honiara constituencies that it has only one endorsed candidate for each of constituency.

They are: Geoffrey Samuel Faisi for East Honiara, Fred Peter for Central Honiara and Isaac Inoke for West Honiara.

OUR Party Reject Foreign Control, Domination & Manipulation

Sogavare led party; OUR Party was not in the position to accommodate all forms of foreign control, domination and manipulation.

OUR Party Interim President Honorable Manasseh Sogavare says these during the launching of the party’s 2010 election campaign on Thursday morning.

He said it is now time that Solomon Islanders should take full control of their destiny and must actively involved in the process of governance and participation in development.

“We believe that the economic and political control of Solomon Islands must rest with the people of Solomon Islands. We further believe that the process to return that control must be set in motion now within the spirit of tolerance and respect for those who are here to genuinely help us otherwise we will become foreigners in our own country.”

He his former led GCCG was over thrown by disloyal Solomon Islanders who actively involved in pursuing foreign interests

He said the country’s leadership role was destroyed by self-serving leaders who have give way to foreign interests and have no concern for the fragile economy and prosperity of the country.

“We believe that Solomon Islands must no longer be used as haven for legalized abuse of aid money through the implementation of multi-million dollars consultation based aid program on our soil which has done very little to pull the country out of our status as least developed country over the last thirty years.”

He said Solomon Islands needs a parliament that is genuinely have concern for it people and not one that pretends to do so but is actively involved in pursuing foreign interests in the excuse of maintaining good relationship and not one that is led by the nose as puppet

WE NEED QUALITY POLITICIANS: SOGAVARE

Andrew Fanasia Jr.

OUR Party has successfully launched its 2010 Election Campaign in Honiara this morning with a powerful reminder to nation to vote into its ninth parliament people who are serious about their parliamentary role.
The event held at the National Cultural Village following a float parade from King George to White River recorded a good turnout.
In a powerful key note address, the party’s president Manasseh Sogavare said parliament plays a pivotal role in the shaping of development policies and unless Solomon Islanders vote in quality leaders, the country will perpetuate the problems it has faced over the last 32 years.
“We need a parliament with a membership that cannot be bought or sold. We need a parliament that stands for what is right though the heavens fall.
“We need a parliament that upholds and protects the interests of this country. We need a parliament that is concerned about the welfare of our people and not one that pretends to do so but is actively involved in pursuing foreign interests in the pretext of maintaining good relationship.
“We need a parliament with membership that genuinely upholds Christian principles and not one that pretends to do so but is prepared to sacrifice these principles to gain favour.
“We need a parliament that uses its legislative powers responsibly instead of passing bills that have very little or nothing to do with the issues that really matter to addressing peace, progress and prosperity in Solomon Islands.
“We need a parliament that appreciates and fully understands the development status of the country and is willing to take and stand by tough economic decisions that are good for the country and not to be bogged down in the narrow interests of MPs.
“We need a parliament that recognises the potentials of all provinces in the country as worthy participants and contributors to the national wealth and takes steps to utilise these potentials. We need a parliament that understands the issues of concern to our provinces and takes steps to address them instead of paying lip service,” he said.
Mr Sogavare said OUR Party has a point to prove on the issue of seriousness about parliamentary role as the members of the immediate former Opposition Group who founded OUR Party outperformed the CNURA Government in their commitment to parliament business in the eighth parliament.
He said the nation must be rest assured the party has put together a team of men and women who are serious to fully and effectively represent it in the ninth parliament and to ensure its (party) policies are implemented.
The former opposition leader said the current poor state of the national economy is a reflection of bad political decisions and OUR Party is committed to change this status quo through its comprehensive, integrated and peace-conscious decentralisation policy.

Wansolwara Special Report: Prostitution – An unwanted but growing industry

Pacific Scoop:
Wansolwara Special Report – By Ellen Stolz, Fenton Lutunatabua and Ravai Vafo‘ou, in Suva.

This feature report was first published in Wansolwara, and was researched, analysed, and written by final year journalism students at the University of South Pacific in Suva. It looks at attempts to control the sex industry in the Pacific. The journalists found the trade has survived harsh economic conditions and continues to prosper despite its illegality in Pacific island countries.

Prostitution is a problem causing major concerns across the Pacific. Various research reports have been published, detailing the seriousness of the issue. Across the region, poverty, unemployment and low wages are driving sex work.

Prostitution is illegal in virtually all Pacific Island countries. But this has not stopped it from growing.

In addition to locals, foreign sex workers from Asia are now visible in Fiji, Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.

Some Pacific Island countries have realised that existing legislation to control the problem is inadequate so they have revamped their laws.

Last year, Fiji introduced stronger anti-prostitution laws while the Solomon Islands broadened its laws. With reports and surveys revealing that family members, including parents, were forcing underage girls to have sex with strangers in exchange for money, governments felt compelled to act.

In February 2005, Papua New Guinea’s then Minister for Community Development Dame Carol Kidu announced that legislation would be introduced to punish those selling their children to the thriving sex industry in the country.

Dame Kidu said there was an increase in child prostitution and men-with-men sex (homosexuality) in Port Moresby nightclubs. She added that some parents were forcing their children into prostitution.

In 2003, Kiribati temporarily banned all Korean fishing boats from entering Kiribati ports after reports in the Korean Herald that 30 to 50 girls, mostly underage, were servicing the Korean fishermen.

A former Solomon Islands police superintendent, David Diosi, told Wansolwara that prostitution in the country had hit an all-time high.

“Organised prostitution started in 2001 in Honiara and now those who hire prostitutes in Honiara pay up to SBD$8000 a night (approximately FJD$2000),” he said.

In 2006, the United Nations Division for the Advancement for Women (DAW) released a report on 14 Pacific Island states.

The report focused on Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji and Vanuatu as countries where young girls were subjected to various forms of violence, including high rates of commercial sexual exploitation.

The report said that girls in the South Pacific are “sold” for a number of reasons, including poverty, joblessness and the increase in the number of single foreign and local men who are employed by the logging, mining and fishing industries.

The DAW report revealed that in several Pacific countries the, “fear of HIV is driving men to seek sexual relations with very young clean girls. These girls are in turn drawn into the sex industry by relatives.”

Across the world, including in our region, many attempts have been made to stop or control prostitution. All have failed.

Experts say this is because anti-prostitution laws do not necessarily eliminate demand. And the laws of economics say that where there is demand there is supply.

Addressing the deep-rooted and complicated causes of prostitution —such as corruption, poverty, joblessness and low wages— should also be a priority.

The Fiji Women’s Crisis Center (FWCC) coordinator, Shamima Ali, says that people end up in prostitution due to a whole range of factors, including lack of access to education, generational poverty conditions, lack of access to adequate housing and lack of viable employment opportunities.

“They turn to prostitution because of a lack of options and opportunities throughout their life,” says Ali.

“Prostitution becomes a means of survival.”

Ali’s assertions are supported by the findings of a recent survey in Fiji, Risky Business: Sex work and HIV prevention in Fiji, conducted by Karen McMillan and Heather Worth. The results of the survey reveal that most men and women who are in the sex trade are in it because they can make the money needed to support their families.

“I support my two children; I pay for my rent, I pay for my food,” says Louisa, a 40-year old sex worker.

“I don’t have a man in my life because my two children are my responsibility. When they grow up I may be able to pull myself away from here,” she added.

Twenty-six year old sex worker Lisa says that she needs to do this because, “the wage I get is not enough to pay my bills, rent and things…so I turn to sex-work.” Some of those surveyed said they were in it just to earn money to satisfy their wants.

Fear of HIV is driving men to seek sexual relations with very young, clean girls. These girls are in turn forced into the sex industry by relatives.

Authorities are concerned about other activities associated with prostitution—human trafficking, drug abuse, child prostitution and other serious crimes such as murder and rape.

Fiji Police media liaison officer Atunaisa Sokomuri says, “all these other activities are in one way or the other related to prostitution”.

The FWCC’s Ali is also concerned about violence in sex work. “Firstly, we are of the view that prostitution is a form of violence against women as it is a violation of women’s bodies. So ideally it is something that we would like to get rid of.”

The commercialisation of sexual exploitation of children in the Pacific, which has reportedly increased in the past few years, is one of the reasons why countries like Fiji are bringing in tougher laws.

The newly adopted “Fiji Crimes Decree of 2009” is seen by the authorities as a new approach to controlling a growing problem.

Under the new law “selling or buying” minors under the age of 18 years for immoral purposes is now punishable by 12 years imprisonment. Previously, this fetched a two-year jail term, with or without corporal punishment.

Brothel keepers face five years imprisonment, or a fine of F$10,000 (US$5,000), or both. This used to be classed as a mere misdemeanor too.

Fiji Police Spokesman Sokomuri says the new law aims to protect children. But he says more needs to be done to provide rehabilitation for sex workers.

Australia and New Zealand have decriminalised prostitution.

Perhaps having learnt from experience that prostitution cannot be eradicated completely, these countries have opted to contain it by providing those in the industry a safer environment in which to operate.

The deputy director of FWCC, Edwina Kotoisuva, says that when it comes to prostitution, the trade will go to extreme measures to keep operating.

But there is opposition in the region about decriminalising prostitution because of cultural, religious and traditional values.

PNG’s Melanesian Solidarity Group says it will not stand for the decriminalisation of prostitution. It is clear that multi-faceted efforts coupled with strong legislation are needed to contain prostitution in the region.

EDITORIAL : SI needs Qualified and Quality Leaders.

Solomon Islanders are craving for qualified and quality leaders to take the nation forward.

As the national general election in August 4th 2010 is drawing near, people are making up their minds who to chose or to be their next representative in the highest decision making place in the country- the National Parliament.

Without doubt our citizens need a leader with qualification, meaning he is well educated, he can understand what his job in the Parliament for, he can perform to the expectation of his constituency or the country and he can make wise decisions which can benefit his/her constituency or the entire country.

A qualified leader has a capacity to understand our Constitutions, Parliament protocols and good knowledge of the system of governance in the country.

Or a leader who desire good works; he must be above reproach, must have one wife or vice verser, respectable, and free from the love of money, this qualification might look small but this are some type of qualification we need to see in our leaders.

It has been evident in the past that some of the leaders we (citizens) of this country put them into the Parliament become a laughing stoke to our constituency because they are not qualified enough to be there.

So now let us reconsider our past decisions and make the right choice in this coming national general election.

On the other hand, our constituency and the entire nation are in craving need for quality leaders.
What good is a country if it is managed by leaders who are of no quality; who are corrupt, greedy and are hungry for power? This is the main reason why many individuals in our country are suffering from the wrong doings of many politicians we look to as leaders.

The qualities they possess are their main tickets towards the development of our country and to getting the people's trust and sympathy.
Leaders should give out all their best. It is just the same as how the best stun guns give their full performance when someone is in dire need. Hopefully, leaders will do their best and will really exert an effort towards making a change.
The challenge is upon us the voters; our decision today determines our future,

If we continue to make wrong choices on the 4th of August this year then in term of four years let’s not blame our leaders but blame ourselves for the wrong decision we make when we cast our votes on the 4th of August 2010.