31 October 2014
From the High Commissioner’s Desk
Former US President Franklin Roosevelt once said that “democracy cannot succeed unless those who express their choice are prepared to choose wisely.” As we approach the national election on 19 November, I’d encourage all Solomon Islanders to think carefully about their vote: what is it that particular candidates are offering? How will they serve their community and the nation? Can I rely on them to work hard and make good decisions once they’re elected? Will they spend Constituency Development Funds in a way that benefits the whole constituency?
I’d also like to acknowledge the efforts of the staff in the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission. They’ve worked hard throughout this year, successfully introducing biometric voter registration and a new voter list. Coordinating an election in a country like Solomon Islands is a big logistical and administrative challenge. I’m sure all the staff at the Commission are working long hours at the moment to make sure the election goes smoothly.
On election day you may notice some of our Australian High Commission staff in your constituency. Alongside domestic observers, the Commonwealth Secretariat and other foreign missions in Solomon Islands, we’ll be observing the conduct of the elections. We hope to be able to contribute to the transparency of polling and counting processes and provide data that will assist the Electoral Commission with future electoral reform. If you see one of our staff at a polling station on election day, feel free to say G’day.
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Speaking to one of the women at the local handicrafts stall
This week I was again able to visit the Mere’s Market, which is always a great pleasure. And doubly so this time, as I was also able to announce Australia’s continued to support for the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA), which (among many other things) organises the Mere’s Market.
Our support to SIWIBA is an important part of our efforts towards the economic empowerment of women in Solomon Islands. I’m convinced that one of the keys to unlocking the potential of Solomon Islands is to bring more women into the formal economy. It makes no sense at all to ignore the potential contribution of half the population.
That’s why we’re providing support for things like financial inclusion, to give more women access to bank accounts and financial management skills. Or clean water for rural areas, so that instead of spending hours each day fetching water, women can use their time more productively. Or the Markets for Change initiative, which has been doing some great work with women vendors at the Central Market. And not least, it’s why we’re supporting SIWIBA, to help give more women the skills, support and confidence to unleash their inner entrepreneur!
So our $3.2 million contribution over the next three years will allow SIWIBA to establish a business development centre, which will offer specialised training to women to help increase their incomes. The skills that women gain through the centre might include learning how to run a small business, using new agricultural techniques, managing small livestock or being a board member.
And it’ll also allow SIWIBA to continue running and improving the Mere’s Market. Speaking of which, I’d encourage readers to get down to the market at the Art Gallery grounds. It’s an ideal place to pick up some Christmas presents!