TRANSPARENCY Solomon Islands commends Warren Paia’s view on the ill conceived Traditional Governance Bill 2018.
Paia’s view on the bill aligns with concerns TSI raised in its various articles published in the media.
More importantly he raises a very important concern that this proposed bill will weaken and eventually wears away the leadership systems in rural Solomon Islands, a leadership system that is inclusive and appropriate for the communities, tribes where these are accepted by them according to their tradition and practices.
When it comes to land, the proposed bill is gender biased and does not accord women the importance that custom accords them in land matters.
Transparency Solomon Islands attest to Paia’s view that there should not be an alternative to what is already in place in each province.
“As per our argument a possible solution to what this drafting instruction is trying to address is to assist tribes/communities to improve their own structures under the current legislation and the constitution,” TSI said.
“We fully support Mr Paia’s point on expressing the end result of the bill would be thoroughly subjected to Central Government control and regulations and call on right thinking Solomon Islanders to raise your concern on this proposed bill.”
Transparency Solomon Islands understands government frustration when more than 80 percent of land in this country is customary land and does not directly accessible to the government for its development plans.
TSI urges Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) to conduct wider consultation throughout the country, a consultation that must include, women, youth and all and just the chiefs like in a number of provinces so far.
People must be allowed to also hear opposing views during this consultation and not just what the drafters want them to hear.
–TSI
