BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The leader of the opposition, Mathew Wale, characterized the government of the Solomon Islands as reactionary.
Wale expressed this viewpoint during the Solomon Island Democratic Party Tok-stori podcast titled “Climate Change: How a Few Young Solomon Islanders Changed the World.”
His remarks were made in response to a question regarding the need for leadership on issues impacting both the nation and the broader region.
He stated, “We are extremely vulnerable, just like Vanuatu, and it is unacceptable that students advocating for climate change should receive significantly more support from Vanuatu to establish formal channels through the United Nations for sponsoring resolutions and ultimately directing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as required in this matter.”
He said that it is regrettable that the Solomon Islands government has not demonstrated a more substantial commitment to these matters.
“I find it disheartening that it appears our government is almost reluctantly allowing itself to be exploited. This observation is not entirely surprising, as our government tends to be reactionary, failing to proactively address the threats we face,’’ said Wale.
He said that while the government may not possess all the solutions, it should actively engage with young people in discussions about issues that are significant to the nation.
” I appreciate your solidarity with other Pacific nations. However, I am also disheartened that our country has not been allowed to voice its concerns,’’ said Wale.
He said that it would have been beneficial for students fighting climate change to have spoken more extensively, particularly in advocating for initiatives aimed at tackling the impacts of climate change from the outset.
“Furthermore, regarding the situation in West Papua, the issues are quite similar. Vanuatu has consistently maintained a principled stance on the West Papua matter, viewing it as both a moral obligation and a geopolitical concern.
“There is much we can learn in this regard, and it would be valuable if the government could approach collaboration with Vanuatu on these issues with greater humility,’’ Wale said.
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