By Loretta B Manele

“We have to make peace work out today and not wait for tomorrow.”

This was the main sentiment echoed in a security dialogue supported by the United Kingdom, held in Honiara yesterday.

Lottie Vaisekavea, permanent secretary for the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs made the statement referring to Solomon Islands’ efforts in peace whilst speaking at the Peacebuilding and Security Dialogue at King Solomon Hotel yesterday.

When it comes to ensuring there is peace in the country, he voiced that “we have to make it work today and not take 10 years to make it happen with the excuse of not having enough funds”.

“There are funds there. It’s sufficient. Convert it into a seed. Make it work for us.”

Vaisekavea added that they may not have perfect peace but they are joining the peace chain where tomorrow will be better and that means giving or allowing people to take possession of their peace capacity.

Moreover, he pointed out that conflicts should not define the people and country of Solomon Islands.

Vaisekavea said Solomon Islands is the only nation in the Pacific and one of the only countries in the world that has a Ministry of Peace and a dedicated national peace building policy.

He said the policy will be changed to a national peace policy called the “National Hearts and Minds Policy”.

Vaisekavea said they are reorganising their ministry because “we cannot be a country if we do not deliver or if we do not facilitate”.

The dialogue, facilitated by Transcend Oceania and Conciliation Resources with funding support from UK-Integrated Security Fund, ends today.

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