LESS than two months after taking office, Solomon Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale has vowed that his country will not repeat the failures of the logging industry.
His GREAT Coalition Government has introduced sweeping reforms in the mining industry and is expected to attack corruption in fisheries and other areas.
“The failures experienced within the logging industry must never, and will never, be repeated in the mining sector,” Wale said.
“I will personally make sure it’s never repeated.”
With around 20 years in the opposition before being elected prime minister, Wale has consistently spoken out against corruption.
Solomon Islands will establish a Sovereign Wealth Fund to ensure temporary mineral wealth becomes a permanent national benefit. The fund will preserve resources for generations after mines close.
Reforms will also guarantee that customary landowners have genuine participation in mining decisions and that wealth extends beyond mine extraction through downstream processing and local manufacturing.
“We offer a clear warning to those who seek to exploit our institutions, manipulate our laws or profit through corruption. The law will apply equally to all. No position of authority will place any individual beyond its reach,” Wale said.
“We are interested in investors who are willing to invest and not someone who wants to just ship away natural resources.”
Mining operations will face rigorous environmental assessment. The Government will pursue sustainable forest management and marine conservation that ensures “development and environmental responsibility advance together.”
Wale welcomed responsible investors welcome, but said partnerships must serve Solomon Islands’ national interests.
“That is not just a policy. That is a covenant with our people. And that is the standard by which this Government will be judged.”
Source: InDepth Solomons
