BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
EARLIER last month, in February, the Coalition for Accountability Reform and Empowerment (CARE) launched its policy in Honiara, citing issues such as corruption, inequality, and a lack of transparency in government.
CARE wing leader Mathew Wale said CARE is demanding change in the country.
He warned Solomon Islanders that there is a need for a total change of government for the betterment of the country.
“My good people of the Solomon Islands do not be blinded,’’ said Hon. Wale. “We have an economy that takes the national resources from Solomon Islanders to make foreigners rich.”
Solomon Islanders have set April 17 as the official date for a historic election, combining both national and local elections after a seven-month delay.
He stated that the Caretaker Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) government has failed to deliver on its promises and that it is time for a change.
Wale asserted that the Caretaker DCGA was not ruled by Solomon Islanders even though it was made up of them.
“The people of the Solomon Islands did not control our government. Although Solomon Islanders make up the government, they do not hold control over it. Just reflect on the past. Who has given them money to stay in office and maintain their power?
“Their real masters are the interests that provided the funding necessary for them to run their campaign and stay in power. Your government’s allegiance is to those who fund them, not to the people of the Solomon Islands or to you.
“Our government does not want to hear what the people have to say,” he argued. “We have a government that is unconcerned with the struggles and hardships that Solomon Islanders face on a daily basis.”
According to the former opposition leader, such a government will not serve the interests of the people of the Solomon Islands once it remains in power.
“My Solomon Islanders, your hard life is directly under your government. You don’t want another four years of that hardship. We demand change. That’s what this election is all about,’’ he argued.
Vote Wisely
The Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP), led by Matthew Wale, and the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP), led by former Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela, are the members of the “CARE” coalition for the impending election.
“Do not take the choice lightly,’’ Wale appealed. “Your vote matters and holds a lot more than you think. You must value it a whole lot more. It matters more than a bag of rice than the solar you receive, copper. You cannot base your choice or decision on those things if you care. Those things will pass away.”
He said that the Solomon Islands are facing many problems and challenges that require quality leadership.
“This matter is squarely in your hands as voters. It starts with you, the voter. You decide who goes into parliament.
“April is the day of reckoning. April 17th is a day for accountability. Make your vote count. You hold the government to account,’’ Wale noted.
