BY ALEX DADAMU
THE curse of unexploded ordnance is still affecting Solomon Islanders after the Battle of Guadalcanal in the Second World War, 80 years down the track.
Australian Minister for Defence industry and international Development and the Pacific, Pat Conroy pointed out when speaking during the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatchers commemoration event held earlier this week in Honiara.
Minister Conroy stressed that Solomon islanders were drawn into the conflict in Guadalcanal, not because they wanted to pick a side in the conflict, but when needed they answered the call and formed a vital part of the Allied logistical effort, enduring hardships and sacrifice.
“Many of these hardships still affect this country today. I doubt those brave Solomon Scouts and Coast Watchers could have imagined that the terrible conflict brought here to this beautiful country would still be affecting their children and grandchildren, 80 years down the track.
“It is unbelievable and terribly sad that the curse of unexploded ordnance still afflict Solomon Islands today, 80 years after the campaign – we mark today,” Conroy pointed out.
He declared that Australia recognizes this terrible legacy and remains committed to working with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to solve this ongoing World War II era problem.
“In 2022 Explosive Ordnance Disposal collection cooperation is a key pillar of our defence partnership with the Royal Solomon Islands police force.
“We are focused on building up the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s own Explosive Ordnance Disposal capability and supporting Solomon Islands status as a regional Explosive Ordnance Disposal leader.
“This is ultimately about supporting the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to ensure the safety of Solomon Islands people, the safety of people whose ancestors were caught in the crossfire of a global conflict and yet still chose to risk their lives to collect critical intelligence, conducted search and rescue efforts and provided vital logistical support, rescuing 321 allied Airmen, 280 navy personnel, and 190 missionaries and civilians from behind enemy lines.
“I thank and commemorate the Solomon scouts and the coast watches for the sacrifice and bravery, we will not forget you,” Minister Pat Conroy concluded.
Meanwhile, the United States Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman when asked at a press conference (a separate event) if the US have a clear pathway support to Solomon Islands with regards to unexploded ordnances, said the US are very committed to not only continuing with the work, we are about to put out an implementing agreement, tenders for a million dollars in addition to what has already been there.
“But we’re also going to be coordinating with Japan, with New Zealand, with Australia, so that we try to cover as much territory as possible and do it in a coordinated fashion.
“I totally understand the concern, and it is a deep commitment by the United States and all of our partners and allies to do so,” the US Deputy Secretary of State, Wendy Sherman confirmed.
The commemoration of the Solomon Scouts and Coast watchers was held on Sunday, August 7 at the Coast Guard memorial, Commonwealth Street, Point Cruz in Honiara.
The event which was graced with the presence of top diplomats and dignitaries from the US, Japan, Australia, New Zealand and other countries, was part of the 80th Anniversary commemoration of the World War II Guadalcanal Campaign in 1942.
