BY NED GAGAHE
The President of the Malaita Youth Council, Phillip Subu, has issued a strong statement following the tragic death of a young man from Makira Province, allegedly at the hands of youth.
In a statement, Subu expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the incident, describing it as a collective wound to the nation and a painful reflection of underlying issues affecting young people in Malaita.
“The act of taking another youth’s life is a stain on our community. It shatters hopes and dreams, and reveals that something has gone terribly wrong among our youth,” Subu said.
He said that the senseless act of violence does not reflect the values of all Malaitan youths and called for calm, unity, and peace among young people especially those living in Honiara.
“We seek to live in a world where there is peace and respect towards our provincial brothers and sisters. What has transpired does not reflect the heart and values of Malaita at all,” he added.
Subu acknowledged the current despair faced by many young Malaitans, citing lack of education, employment, and meaningful opportunities as major contributing factors to social unrest and violence.
In a direct appeal to Malaitan leaders, the youth president urged a re-evaluation of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), calling for a more youth-focused approach to development.
“The funds and resources allocated through the CDF should be redirected towards initiatives that directly benefit the young people of Malaita. We need to invest in education, vocational training, and job creation.”
He proposed several solutions, including: Improving access and quality of education, expanding vocational training in trades such as carpentry, plumbing, agriculture and supporting youth entrepreneurship and return migration to Malaita for economic development.
Subu thanked the Members of Parliament from Malaita who have constructively engaged with the grieving family and helped calm the situation.
“Let the tragic loss of this young life be a wake-up call for all of us. Let it be a catalyst for change.”
He concluded by urging all unemployed Malaitan youths living in Honiara to return to Malaita and invest their time in agriculture and local industries, contributing to rebuilding their province and creating a sustainable future.
“If you have no purpose to live for in Honiara, you must return to Malaita and help build our province,” he said.
Subu reaffirmed that Malaita Youth Council’s stand for peace, unity and development and calls on all Solomon Islanders to work together in respect and solidarity.
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