The Native Iowan

Some interesting headlines in the Solomon Star. Worth a read.

My favorite…

Parliament dissolves today: End of Chapter

I find it interesting how the report defines this esteemed body…

AFTER four years of political drama, the 8th Parliament dissolves 12 midnight today.

Unlike the 7th Parliament which former Prime Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza completed his four years in office, this House saw three prime ministers.

Snyder Rini was forced to resign after two weeks in office following the April riot in 2006.

Manasseh Sogavare’s Grand Coalition for Change Government (GCCG) took over but was ousted in a motion of no confidence in December 2007.

Dr Derek Sikua’s Coalition of National Unity and Rural Advancement (CNURA) Government carried on in January 2008 up until today.

During the course of the years, four Members of Parliament from Malaita also died while serving their country.

They were:

1. MP for East Malaita, late Joses Sanga,
2. MP for Aoke Langalanga, late Bartholomue Ulufalu,
3. MP for Lau Baelelea, Bentley Rogosomani, and
4. MP for East Are Are, Edward Huniehu.

Former Prime Minister, Sir Allan Kemakeza and MP for Savo Russels lost his seat early this year.

This was after court ruled that he was not qualified to contest the Savo/Russells by-election, which he lost last year when the court found him guilty of ordering an attack on local law firm Sol-Law in 2001.

Then three days before Parliament dissolves, Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua sacked five of his ministers, accusing them of sabotaging the Constitutional (Political Parties Amendment) Bill 2009.

They were, Environment Minister, Gordon Lilo Darcy, Finance Minister, Snyder Rini; Fisheries Minister, Nollen Leni, Agriculture Minister, Selwyn Riumana and Justice Minister, Laurie Chan.

If there was ever a representative statement of our inability to self-rule in the Solomons… well…

So the insanity of campaigning for National Office begins.