By Loretta B Manele

The Solomon Islands National Employment Policy (SINEP) has been regarded as a milestone for Solomon Islands.

Mary Elizabeth Ramosaea, National Employment Consultant from Tetra Tech International who is working with International Labour Organization (ILO) to develop the policy referred to SINEP as a “milestone” and highly important.

During an interview with the media halfway through the “Solomon Islands National Employment Policy” validation workshop’s final day at the Heritage Park Hotel yesterday, she spoke of participants feedback and the next step for the draft National Employment Policy 2025-2028.

Ramosaea emphasized that the draft NEP is very important and a big milestone for the country.

She expressed that gathering all the feedbacks, discussions and contributions from every single stakeholder at the workshop representing various ministries, NGOs, private sector and civil society organisations play an important role in shaping this document and taking it forward.

“Just looking around the room, you can feel the vibe that comes out. Everybody pays keen interest and are also criticizing and contributing to the objectives and key focus areas under each particular policy area.”

She said for the day’s discussions; they looked at the aspects of the labour market and formalization of the informal economy.

“I would also like to look at how we can resolve the issues regarding employment and growth and workforce, but also securing the future of Solomon Islands.”

She stated that as a consultant for this work, it drives her to look further into what we have in place, what resources are already available and what potential is out there.

“Where we can pull them together and shape the Solomon Islands National Employment Policy (SINEP) and also, so that everyone benefits from it.”

She explained that after the workshop, having talked with the Ministry of Commerce and Labour and ILO, they will develop the draft policy document and socialise it.

“First and foremost, we will go back to the stakeholders in line ministries, where they are responsible for certain aspects of that particular policy area and if they agree with that objective and key focus area, then we will pass it on and validate it.”

Ramosaea noted that they will also be bring the document to the provinces as suggested by the minister of commerce.

She said this is so that the whole country has their finger prints on the document or in other words, so that everyone has a say in the National Employment Policy (NEP) document.

“This is so that the ownership of this policy is not driven from MCILI alone but from everyone.”

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