Tutuvatu Forum

tkorax

Hi Readers,
You might be keen to point out your views on this planned protest.

I have no idea who is behind it and whether it will truly reflect a collective concern by an entire cross-section of the grass-roots as claimed or if it will be skewed more towards some specific interest group with shady intentions. This to me is not healthy

I have no issue of democratic rights to protest to raise their concerns, but what disturbs me is that this particular group may not be truly reflective of the rest of our society to warrant a demand for PM to resign.

This pattern of overthrowing of PM as also seen during Rini's short term need to be discouraged, otherwise, we will never have a stable govt....Othe the other note, this would be an opportunity i am looking forward to see RSIP force with a small back-up from RAMSI...(no OZ or NZ Army pls)...to take charge of.......that might just help build my confidence...ummm...may be i am being selfish....no seriously, this is a simple thing RAMSI should consider doing to build public confidence with our own force...It is called "Selling RSIP and its capability instead of RAMSI' - never underestimate the power of publicity or adversiting.

I am eagerly awaiting how this protest is gonna end up.

What now views blo you fala.......

One of the threads i raised in this forum is having an Association that is alot more representative involving not just one interest group and independent of political affiliations......but nevermind, it's another point to pnder upon.

Me barava hope protest hem no gettem much support, if so may it happen peacefully.

I pray that God' hand is upon this young protesters so that they are not just curious, and being brained washed, but knows exactly what they are doing.

Good Night Wantoks

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Hi Wantoks, just want some 100 day's government work plan update. Have we achieved anything? The only thing I received from the solomon islands people is pasted below.

Mao

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PEOPLE’S MARCH & CONGRESS AGAINST CORRUPTION & POVERTY

BE A PART OF SOLOMON ISLANDS HISTORY – JOIN US!

Tens of hundreds of protesters are expected to join anti-corruption and poverty march with congress that will start at 8:00 AM from Burns Creek and will march along Prince Philip Highway to its Congress venue at Multi-Purpose Hall near Lawson Tama that will last until 4:30 PM. There will be several speakers being lined-up to deliver their speeches on urban and agricultural land reforms including but not limited to the land issues of various settlements surrounding Honiara; rising prices of fuel, basic commodities and transport costs; unemployment and other basic social issues more particularly on rampant corruptions both in public and private sectors.

The protest actions are being organized by progressive organizations and alliances and other civic oriented forces demanding the Sikua-led regime to refrain from its drunkardness and concentrate in improving the lives of the people of Solomon Island who are living in poverty amidst plenty. The Congress will also address the people’s sufferings, including the incessant oil price increases and sky-rocketing cost of living, the added burden of GST, unabated corruption by the Cabinet Ministers, grinding poverty and hunger, and widespread human rights violations.

“Sikua and his Cabinet Ministers are apprehensive at any possibility that the widespread anger at his regime may result in the continued swelling of protest rallies and threaten to bring down his drunken regime,” said the Grassroots-Network.

There are solutions to all of these problems but the irony of it is that this drunken Sikua regime has no political will to implement them just like the call of Sri Ramon Jun QUITALES for the Prime Minister Office to evoke the Telecommunication Act – Chapter 115 in solving the Telekom industrial dispute but the drunken Prime Minister never done it and instead blamed the NPF Board. The law is already there but they can not implement it – how much more in solving the other serious problems of our beloved Solomon Islands? Our message to Drunken Sikua and his corrupt Ministers – RESIGN NOW!!!

Grassroots-Network encouraged the people’s vigorous participation in democratic protest actions, saying the people have all the right to express their legitimate grievances and demand drastic changes. They have had enough of the rotten, corrupt and drunken rule of the Sikua regime.” Let them hear us in the thousands so they will know the people are already fed up to all of their empty promises since they came to power through corruptions. Our people’s message: RESIGN NOW!!!

EXPRESS YOUR SUFFERINGS – JOIN US WITH YOUR FAMILY!!!
BRING YOUR EMPTY POTS SO OUR PARLIAMENTARIANS WILL KNOW THAT WE HAVE NOTHING TO EAT EXCEPT THEIR PROMISES OF
“COME BACK TOMORROW”

Date: Thursday, 7th day of August 2008
Starting Point and Time: Near Burns Creek / Betikama Junction at 8:00 AM
March Route: Along Prince Philip Highway to Lawson Tama Area
Congress Venue: Multi-Purpose Hall
Closing Time: 4:30 PM

DRINKS AND BREAD WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE
IF POSSIBLE, LIVE BANDS WILL PROVIDE MUSIC IN BETWEEN SPEECHES

Main Sponsor: GRASSROOTS-NETWORK FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE
Email: peoplescongress@nonpartisan.com

Mataaku · Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 20

This sounds like Sogavare, puting words to someones else month. It will be interesting to know who are the key note speakers. This could be the motion of no confidnece, now turn into a key note address to the rally.

I would encourage friends and families not to participate and also our media not to cover such stupidity.

Eddie · Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 129 Location: Kiwi

Yes, this is interesting and sounds to me that someone is desperate for power. The issues raised are not something that can be solved or addressed over night. I hope, hooligans don't take charge of this. It would be interesting to know the initiators of this. Finally, it sounds someone is personally don't like the PM, by referring to his personal characters.

kulau · Joined: 06 Mar 2008 Posts: 38

wantoks,

i suggest that we all e-mail the organisers (e-mail provided above) and express our opposition to the march and the fact that it does not represent us (solomon islanders). we should all bombard them with e-mails. i am sending one.

dakivolo · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 89

When I first read the above notice a few questions came to mind:

(1) Who constitute the Grassroots Network for Good Governance?
(2) Who are the initiators of this network and protest march?
(3) Since when was this network established?
(4) Who financially supported this network and will provide the bread and drinks for refreshment for the planned March?
(6) Does this network have any links with the civil society?

Please excuse my ignorance. I would appreciate it very much, if someone can enlighten us on the above questions.

I found the above notice for the protest march very interesting because it highlighted the same issues and sentiments that Ramon Quitale and the Opposition group tried to use to qualify the Vote-of-No-Confidence motion on the current government, which was recently withdrawn. The involvement of Guest Speakers, who will more likely to speak against the current government during the planned day-long protest is also very interesting to note. It seems more likely that the organisers are looking for an opportunity to openly criticise and air their grievances against the current government.

I would agree with such planned protest marches if they are planned properly and are representative of the views and interests of the Solomon Islands populace. More importantly, such protest marches should be supported if they have well defined objectives and are organised by genuine Solomon Island community leaders who will endeavour to ensure that they are carried out in a peaceful manner.

Eddie · Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 129 Location: Kiwi

The timing of this proposed march is also quite suspicious. The opposition group wants the motion of no confidence to be held 8th of August a day after the march. This could perhaps give some light and power to them so that they can refer to the group in their debate as the voices of the people, which, in fact, indirectly could be the voices of the few power hunger.

It is ok to march peacefully, raising concerns of important issues for the government of the day to take heed, however, calling for the PM to resign is premature and could be another hidden revelation somewhere. You only call for resign if things are getting worse and out of hand, and numerically you don't have the support.

Eddie · Joined: 13 Feb 2008 Posts: 129 Location: Kiwi

Grassroots-Network for good governance comes under the umbrella of SoCred party. The president is Soga and the general sec. none other then the famous womens bank advocacy Mr. Ramon Quitale another infiltrator virus like Moti, comes with big dreams and sweet, only to make monies for themselves.

AK47 · Joined: 08 Nov 2007 Posts: 233

Sogavare is trying to gain the confidence of the public, something that worked effectively against him last year. I am not sure if the country really believes everything he says.

As for last year, the civil society turned against him when he lied to them. I don't think that his strategy will work cos the people who should support him have lost confidence in him long time ago.

Tokos, we aren't ready for him, at least for the next decade, and our public must do their best to avoid this kinds of nonsensical rhetorics. Hem useless!
_________________
For of all sad words of tongue or pen,
The saddest are these:
It might have been.
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John Greenleaf Whittier

Chala · Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 144 Location: Fiji

Wantoks,
I'm amazed at the planned action of the so-called grassroot network. Their lack of rationale and narrow-mindedness poses a great danger to political stability and threatens peace and security within our country -mark my words. It will be interesting to know who are the perpetrators of this planned protest and these people should be closely watched by the police and RAMSI. I think these people are not wise to make such a move for the following reasons
1.their primary reason for lack of trust in the current PM/govt is because of his (past)drinking habit(inadequate) and that their request to do away with the Telekom Act was rejected - this is some disgruntled people who couldnt have their way
2. There is insufficient evidence to show that the current govt caused the various world-wide problems they stated and this is not the proper way to display grievance - asking innocent people to support a wolf in sheepskin.
3. This is too early for such a protest while our country is trying to rest and heal and especially while we'd never had any political stability in a while
4. These kind of people are pulling everyone's nose to follow blindly and run the risk of ruining our very existence
5.I question the legality of the grassroot network as an organization or should they be disbanded
6.If a politician is involved then its not about representing the peoples' wishes especially at this time
7.On the whole these views seem to ill-represent that of the majority and whoever decides to follow them is helping to destabilize our govt, economy and future.
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One's Life is a journey in a world where one's destiny is influenced by one's surroundings

sv · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 195 Location: japan

this planned protest march should not be allowed to proceed by the responsible authorities (HTC & RSIP) on security grounds.
this is due to the current sitting of parliament and especially the planned MNC vote which will occur a day after the planned protest march i guess.
also converging at the multipurpose hall is not conducive and may poss some risks to the china town business area, if and when protesters are not satisfied and decided to go on rioting and rampage again.
Instead, law authorities should postphone the planned protest march for a later date after the completion of the current sitting of parliament. MPs need a secure environment to discuss issues freely rather than under duress from possibility of rioting by protesters.
Can someone reveal the organizers of this planned protest march?

sv · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 195 Location: japan

It is a relief to learn that the planned protest march scheduled for thursday 7th of august will no longer eventuate as, law authorities did not permit it to go ahead. Furthermore, other NGOs including the national council of women have questioned its neutrality and deemed it a political movement thus, they have also opted not to take part.
It is a relief because finally our good citizens can clearly distinguish between a political and a non-political event. Napu lo Socred na........stands for stupid, crazy and power hungry grass roots NGO.
think of some other better ideas Socred.

Mataaku · Joined: 25 Jun 2008 Posts: 20

I must salute NGOs and ordinary citizens of solomon Islands that realised the truth about this planned march and make a stand not support it. May I also thank all authorities who make
such wise decision, not to give permission or okay for the march to go ahead.

The action by the Socred Party and so called grassroot for good governance, is nothing but trying to gain political support. When they personalised the overall theme of the march, I wonder, will the Socred party and Grassroot for good governance head by non other then Ramon (foreigner), have the political will to stop or total banned alchol or second marriage (O2) in the party itself before others????

esia · Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 5:36 am Post subject:

GrassRoot Network president Ramon Quitales Jun....who na this fala man ia? Does this name sounds like a filipino name from the philipines? I think he should go back to his place and do something for those street kids in Manila. The ones who beg and sratch on the windows of vehicles stopping at an intersection on your way to manila city from the airport. Organise grassroots movement to help the very poor, homeless people in his country rather than making noise lo ples blo nara man doing something totally useless

sv · Joined: 06 Nov 2007 Posts: 195 Location: japan

Ramon is another opportunist trying to take advantage of our peoples' arrogance.
I would be really surprised if public servants are taking part in a political rally organized by a foreigner in trying to bring down the current govt.
Esia rightly stated that there are more poor people in phillipines than in the solomons. Ramon should just go back to his country of birth and establish such grass roots organization.
can't he be deported as another security threat to the govt? there are more people with no food, cloth, water, clinis and banking services in his country of birth than solomons. there is more violence in philippines than in the solomons. why waste his time in honiara?

Anna · Joined: 17 Dec 2007 Posts: 93

I heard from ABC pacific beat that Ramon is a citizen so we must not say he is from another place because we will be accused of racism.

It would be good if Ramon could share with us what the allegations of corruption against the Sikua govt are. Rather than just shouting that the govt is corrupt, tell us what they did or are doing or their members are doing, that is corrupt. In other words expose the corruption.
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