Malaitans urged to delete cargo cult mentality

By Editor's Desk

Opposition Leader, Hon Steve Abana has urged individuals and informal Malaita Movements to delete the “Cargo Cult” mentality from their brains as development talks between Malaita and Israel representatives continues in Auki.

Opening the Malaita Economic Development Planning Conference in Auki Tuesday this week, Mr Abana said the proposed Israeli-funded Malaita Economic Stimulus Package is not a “windfall of cash” to be given into Malaita.

He made the call in view of fresh misleading stories and beliefs circulating around Malaita that Israel will rescue Malaitans with cash handouts and boat-loads of cargo.

He instead clarified that the Israeli assistance package is aimed at improving the livelihood of Malaitans that are renowned for their spirit of hard work.

“In this regard, let me remind my good people of Malaita that this economic package is not a “windfall” of cash to be thrown into Malaita without “sweat and hard work”.

“In fact if anything, this is a stimulus package to stimulate the “working spirit in all Malaitans” recognized throughout the country but fast losing its reality as more and more Malaitans or Solomon Islanders move into a “handout mentality” unheard of in our traditional culture,” Mr Abana explained.

He said under the arrangement, Malaita is now dealing with people well renowned throughout the world their hard work, ingenuity and survival.

“We are dealing with inventors, investors and intellectuals of a high order. To think that they will bring bags of money and shiploads of cargo is a fallacy I wish to delete from the minds of all Malaitans,” Mr Abana said.

The Conference enters its second day on Wednesday.

A document to guide the stimulus package is expected to be discussed, developed and drafted throughout the conference.

It will be officially launched at the close of the workshop next Wednesday.