Solomon Islands: Creating better and strong communication links.

Solomon Islands: Creating better and strong communication links.

Posted by : frank short Posted on : 22-Jun-2021

The disruption created by the Covid pandemic brings to the fore issues that have been on the minds of researchers at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, at the University of Technology in Sydney.

The team working at the University of Technology has been said to be working on development research and how their development agenda might be reshaped by the experience of Covid-19.

Part of the team’s research has focused on being able to work as international developers with remote communities given they were used to travelling the world engaging with governments. NGOs and particularly with rural people, but because of the coronavirus pandemic travelling has become impossible.

One interesting aspect of their work going forward reportedly focused on communications and it is on this aspect that I believe there are lessons for the Solomon Islands.

Quoting one particular finding of the team was this, quote.

Also, we shouldn’t forget that working remotely is only possible with strong telecommunications. For those with access, the power of inclusivity and connections is amazing. But we know that for those without access, existing inequalities and marginalisation are exacerbatedWe need to be careful to be creative and thoughtful about ways to include voices that otherwise are not heard. This will mean ‘us working remotely’ is not at the centre of our international development research. Rather, our role is to remotely support the local agendas and actors central to international development.”

End of quote,

With 80% or more people living in the rural areas of the Solomon Islands communication has often been difficult but is hoped that once the broadband services are fully functional the communication capabilities will improve and the connectivity will enhance the development plans of the government.

The remoteness of communities at home was highlighted a few days ago when the Prime Minister and his Delegation made the first visit to Tikopia in 27 years.

In the absence of effective communication the central government can often be seen as working in isolation from the people but I must say I have been impressed how adaptable the government has been in adapting to video conferencing and “zoom” calling since the onset of coronavirus.

I very much hope the government will continue to work towards improving local communications taking full advantage of the new technology that the pandemic has hastened.

One major aspect of such technology, which I have touched on before, is tele-medicine practice which if established at home could be beneficial with links to rural health centres and the National Referral Hospital (NRH).

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

www.solomonislandsinfocus.com

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