“We are NOT a cassava republic” as MPs’ call for dignity in public offices

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Members of the Bills and Legislation Committee have called for greater respect and dignity in public offices, with strong criticism of practices such as playing darts, drinking alcohol, and chewing betelnut in government workplaces.

The concerns were raised during a hearing into the Public Service Bill, where the Public Service, led by Permanent Secretary Luke Cheka, appeared before the committee.

Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale did not mince words, saying the reckless behaviour of some officers was unacceptable.
“We are not a cassava republic,” Wale said. “Let’s make our public offices places of dignity where people have high respect for them.”

He cited reports of public officers playing darts in office compounds and said the office space belongs to the people of Solomon Islands and must be treated with respect. Wale also shared an account of a former diplomat who remarked on the lack of respect in public offices, pointing to the sight of officers spitting red betelnut juice into office bins.
“We must clean up our act. We have to be better than this,” Wale said. “We are not discriminating against anyone. People who want to chew can continue, but you can do it at home or swallow everything.”

The MP for West Are’are, John Maneniaru, echoed the call, stressing that “dignity must be restored in public offices.” He said government compounds should not be turned into recreation spaces.
“If there is consistency, then public officers should not be playing darts there. These are public offices,” Maneniaru said.

Permanent Secretary Cheka told the committee that his ministry is reviewing regulations to close loopholes and strengthen discipline in the Public Service.