Its either Federalism or Independence for Guadalcanal province
THE Guadalcanal Provincial Government will explore the option for full Independence if the Federal Constitution Bill is defeated in the National Parliament.
This intention was made known after the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly successfully ended their two week long Assembly meeting on Friday 26 August at the Provincial Headquarters, Rita Eleven building.
Hon Premier Anthony Veke brought before the Assembly an executive resolution in the form of a motion to be debated by the full Assembly. The resolution reaffirms Guadalcanal people’s wish for Federalism- State Government System – with an additional clause to explore the option for full independence should the Federal Constitution bill be defeated in the National Parliament.
The Motion had it that, “That the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly hereby resolves to: a) Reiterate its position for a Federal System of government for the Guadalcanal Province. b) Explore a parallel sub-national system of government and c) In the event that the Federal System of government failed to get a majority support in parliament, Guadalcanal Province will advance its intention for an independent Sovereign State of Guadalcanal”.
The motion was passed unanimously reflecting the seriousness of the Assembly on behalf of the people and land of Guadalcanal.
Presenting his motion speech, Premier Veke reminded the Assembly about the calls by past and present Guadalcanal people for Federalism. These calls are well documented and substantiated in the Bona Fide Demands of the Guadalcanal people, 1998 and 2000 and also within the Guadalcanal Leader’s Summit Report 2005, SIG/GPG Taskforce Report (Panga Report) of 2005/2006 and the High Level Government Committee (HLGC) report of 2007.
Supporting the motions, Deputy Premier Hon. Peter Aoraunisaka elaborated on the resolutions and explained in the particular the idea behind the parallel system.
He explained that an example of a parallel system is what they have in Papua New Guinea, “they have provincial governance system concurrent with an autonomous region of Bougainville, yet they remain one country”.
Minister for Education Hon Lazarus Rina noted in his contributions that, “since Malaita province want to do away with any talks on the proposed Federal System of Government, this motion is timely and our position is very important. They have their own reasons and we respect that, we have our own reason for Federalism too and they must respect ours”
Former Premier Hon. Vavanga expressed that as the host to Solomon Islands, “we have to express our position clear to the nation, we have to take stock of our human resources, our academics in preparation for the future after this motion.” He said that despite our national parliamentarians not being cooperative, GPG must call for a leader’s summit.
MPA for Wanderer Day Hon. Fr. Longarata welcomed the motion by saying , “that Sparks the light again, we have been used as stepping stone for other people’s glories, Guadalcanal is like a beautiful woman, that people from other islands and outside countries keeps ripping off her clothes. For how long? It’s time we look for what would be brighter for Guadalcanal, having our own state will allow us to utilize our own resources to our maximum benefits”
Hon. Glendal Bob MPA for Talise Ward in presenting his talk, said that, “I don’t blame any system, what I blame so much is the attitude of our people, Guadalcanal will still continue to demand for Federal System, we must change first, however I still support the motion and think Guale is still a blessing for Solomon Islands even if we move into State System or all out independence. We are not selfish; our idea is to give us little bit more power to look after ourselves. People might take our genuine decision and make an issue out of it”
Hon. Isaac Palakonina MPA for Tetekangi ward whilst presenting his contributions said that “this is a very big issue , but we don’t have a choice , we have to make our stand and position clear, the People of Tetekangi want an ‘Independent Sovereign State of Guadalcanal’, we are prepared to give our resources for Guadalcanal”
In all, the full Provincial Assembly supported the Motions. Summing it up, the mover, Hon. Premier Veke said “the cracks of the matter is Autonomy, we want self-determination. We’re not in any event or in anyway want to stop people from other provinces coming into Guadalcanal. This resolution and motion is not discriminating, this comes from the hearts of Guadalcanal People. Note that even if we go full independent, all countries needs each other”.
“The resolutions of this motion will not be achieved tomorrow or by this 8th Assembly. This motion is to get us prepared with available options to choice from. Our people must wake up as we are anticipating a defeat of the Draft Federal Constitution. Our wish will be defeated in parliament.” Veke Said
For any bill to pass in parliament, especially on constitutional matters, it will need a two-third majority. Based on simple mathematics and political calculations, with 14 MPs from Malaita and few from small provinces who are not ready for federalism, the dream of Guadalcanal People shall not eventuate; it’s already water under the bridge.
This plot was clearly expressed in Premier Ramohia’s speech during the Malaita 33rd second appointed day when he said that,” last year (2015) MART government held a consultation with Majority of Malaita Members of Parliament in Honiara and they agree to support provincial intention.”
The intentions are clear; that Malaita shall not be part of any discussion on the proposed Federal System and instead shall go for an Independent Sovereign Country of Malaita.
In closing the motion Premier Veke want it be known that “Guadalcanal province is not against the intentions of Malaita Provincial government’s intention for their own indigenous governance system and to go full independent, this must be communicated clearly.” Premier Veke added.
A Guadalcanal Leader’s summit will be organized in the not distant future following the successful passing on this motion in the Assembly.
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