Transform Aqorau

Inserted 2 years ago

“People might elect our members of parliament, but it is the logging companies, mining companies and other largely Asian-owned companies that underwrite the formation of government, influence the election of the Prime Minister, and keep ministers and government supporters under control after the elections. In return, if they want anything, or need special favours, they go directly to ministers and even the Prime Minister. Indigenous Solomon Island business owners do not have the same access to our leaders. The political governance arrangements in Solomon Islands are shaped by the cozy co-existence between foreign loggers, miners and businesses. The influence of non-state actors in shaping political undercurrents in Solomon Islands cannot be ignored.”

Solomontimes

CEO, iTuna Intel and Founding Director, Pacific Catalyst and a legal adviser to Marshall Islands, former CEO of the Parties to the Nauru Agreement Office