HONIARA, Solomon Islands (29 July 2003) - New Zealand's small police and military contingent departing for the Solomon Islands could achieve something that most intervention forces fail to. There is a real chance the New Zealanders and Australians will bring stability to the country, even lasting peace. The Solomons Islands is a basket case --- inter-tribal violence has destroyed what low growth prospects the country had --- but it is not a hopeless case. If it were then the Anzac force would be wasting its time and (Anzac) taxpayers' money. The Solomons is not another Bosnia or even a Fiji for that matter. Since independence from the UK in 1978 it has made modest progress, most of it peaceful. But deep historical antagonism between the residents of the main island, Guadalcanal, and neighbouring Malaita re-emerged as enterprising Malaitans assumed dominant roles in the commercial, professional and political life of the country. Despite the Solomons' deeply Christian culture - most Solomon Islanders are regular churchgoers - heathen tribalism has never been far from the surface. The Commonwealth played a constructive role in ending the worst violence on Guadalcanal three years ago but political stability has yet to arrive. In a country that invented the cargo cult --- the first cargo cult was in Malaita --- the arrival of the Anzacs could prove deeply significant. Unlike many other pip-squeak Pacific nations, the Solomons has the potential to be an economic success. With a small population (less than 500,000), productive land on Guadalcanal (though not properly unitised), reserves of gold, bauxite, lead, zinc, nickel and phosphates, and tourism potential, the country could easily pay its way. | | Heritage tourism --- following the trail of the Pacific War in World War II --- is one of its key attractions. The Solomons' crystal-clear waters are littered with the remains of Japanese and Allied navy ships that are a drawcard for scuba divers and adventure tourists alike. And Solomon Islanders, not especially friendly to each other in recent years, have generally been courteous to foreign visitors. New Zealand also has a special relationship with the Solomon Islands dating back to the foundation of the Melanesian Mission in Auckland in the 19th century. Today New Zealand institutions continue to educate its clergy and other professionals and New Zealand is seen as a friend and honest broker. With the exception of disgraceful "blackbirding" by mariner-trader Bully Hayes, who was based briefly in New Zealand in the mid-19th century, New Zealand's relations with the Solomons have been honourable. Our role in bringing peace to neighbouring Bougainville also counts in our favour. As for the future of the region, observations by Australian Prime Minister John Howard are worth considering. He questions the viability of tiny Pacific nation-states --- states much smaller in population and area than the Solomons --- hinting that federation might be the answer. That would not work where tribalism survives but some form of common civil administration and economic union is worth considering. SOURCE - Solomon Islands Broadcasting Company |
