Wale says economic opportunities for young Solomon Islanders scarce

OPPOSITION Leader Hon Matthew Wale says Solomon Islands as a nation cannot be truly secure and stable when around 80% of our population is unemployed.

In a recent media statement, Hon Wale said Solomon Islanders are a very tolerant lot, but their patience has been running thin for a while now.

He said the reach and quality of government services to the majority of Solomon Islanders are very poor.

“The education system continues to produce a substandard quality product for the 21^st century. Solomon Islanders wonder why, with all the natural wealth being exploited in the country, access to education still expensive and beyond the affordability of many,” he said.

Hon Wale said Solomon Islanders are continuing to ask the question why poor health and death must continue to be taken for granted as a matter of life for the majority.

“Are these unreasonable questions to ask of their government?” he questioned.

The Opposition Leader said even the economic opportunities for young Solomon Islanders are scarce, and the playing field for entry into meaningful economic participation is grossly uneven.

He said this is because their own government is too busy looking after foreign interests to care about their own people.

“Is it an unreasonable expectation for a young Solomon Islander to look forward to a job when leaving school? A job that pays a reasonable living wage, on which he or she can build a meaningful life?” he questioned.

Hon Wale said serious substantive structural reforms are needed to make the Solomon Islands economy work for Solomon Islanders.

ENDS//