BY CHRIS ALEX
THE Solomon Islands National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) 2024–2027 was launched today with a strong call for a united effort to fight corruption by the government and its stakeholders.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, speaking at the launch event held at the Heritage Park Hotel today, emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing corruption and enhancing good governance across all sectors.
In his address, Prime Minister Manele stated that the NACS represents “our collective aspirations and commitment to address corruption and strengthen good governance across all sectors.”
The strategy is a comprehensive and detailed document designed to guide and coordinate the government’s approach to identifying and prioritizing policy and legislative reforms needed to combat corruption over the next four years.
“The NACS has a comprehensive plan and measurable goals that aim to address corruption across the government and private sectors with support from civil society and communities,” Manele said.
He underscored his government’s, the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) commitment to promoting good governance and fighting corruption at all levels and in all forms.
“We recognize that fighting corruption is not only the responsibility of the government, but it is also a fight that must include all of us,” he added.
Manele highlighted the negative impact of corruption, noting that it diverts critical resources away from essential services funded by taxpayers’ money. “Corruption undermines the public’s right to basic health and education services, as well as access to clean water and other services.
It also undermines our ability to attract critical investments from potential investors,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of starting the fight against corruption within the public service.
“While corruption takes place in all spheres of our society, it is important that the first wave of our concerted efforts against corruption begins within the public service.
I am appealing to all public institutions and officers to take concrete steps toward fully implementing the NACS in fighting corruption in the public service,” urged Manele.
The first national anti-corruption strategy was issued by the DCGA government in June 2017, covering the period from 2017 to 2019. This new strategy, set to run for the next four years, builds on the foundations laid by its predecessor and aims to further strengthen the country’s efforts to combat corruption and promote transparency and accountability.
The launch event marks a significant step forward in the country’s ongoing efforts to address corruption and foster a culture of good governance. The successful implementation of the NACS 2024–2027 will require the active participation and cooperation of all sectors of society, as emphasized by Prime Minister Manele.
