The Island Sun today published the following article, which I quote.
Malaita is witnessing a revolution as communities across the province establish bylaws to strengthen and empower themselves.
More than 30 communities have passed their laws; about the same number are having theirs at the draft-stage, and many more are trailing this same path.
Ambu community, near Malaita capital, Auki, is the latest to enter the fold of law-empowered societies with the launch of their community bylaw held Friday last week.
Both the national government DCGA and the provincial government of Malaita put aside their political differences to witness this historic step in Ambu.
Guest speaker during the launching ceremony, Permanent Secretary of the national ministry of provincial governance (MPGIS), Mr. Stanley Dick Pirione thanked Ambu community and its bylaw committee and all stakeholders for inputs and contributions answered in the launching of the bylaw.
He said Ambu like other communities has been governed by certain rules, norms and regulations that existed since the establishment of the community.
“These rules are based on teachings of biblical-Christian principles and also on custom practices based on our traditional beliefs and livelihoods.
“By enforcing these set of regulations and common beliefs, we may have a sense of authority and control in the manner we govern our affairs. That is what bylaw are all about.
“It is about rules, control and management of the community and even church affairs so that we can live and participate in socio-economic development in a manner that is peaceful and more beneficial to us the community,” Mr. Pirione said.
He explained that a ‘bylaw’ has significant contributions or benefits to the communities which include; maintaining consistency in the management of community affairs and helping church and community leaders manage affairs of the community.
“Communicate purposes and resolving of internal disputes, discipline community members and facilitate development of young people, assist in community governance, enforcement and avoids potential conflicts.
“Restore peace, harmony, friendship and improve livelihood of people within community, paves way for development and delivery of government services and confidence for nation building,” Mr.Pirione said.
He called on the Ambu community to encompass commitment and enforce regulations within the bylaw document “though it could be challenged”.
“Teach our kids and ensure they know the consequences that may come about when breaking our community rules.
“The launching of the bylaw elevates the significant of the bylaw framework for us community to improve on our laws and enforcement management capabilities as we venture into the future,” Mr.Pirione said.
The establishment of community bylaws in Malaita is the fruit of the Community Governance and Grievance Management Project (CGGMP) of the MPGIS.
CGGMP is being run in other provinces, but none as vibrantly as what is being seen in Malaita.
The accomplishment for the project in the province and credit must be given back to the CGGMP office in Auki through the MPGIS, all contributing stakeholders and World Bank for the achievement.
Ambu joins 34 other communities in Malaita that have bylaws: 27 communities in ward five, three in ward 28, two in ward 29 and one each for ward 10 and nine in the province. More community bylaws are in the draft stages.
End of quote.
Comment
I had been following the introduction of the so-called ward bylaws in Malaita but wasn’t sure how they had been instituted and drafted but see that they apparently were established by the Community Governance and Grievance Management Project (CGGMP) of the MPGIS with seemingly some assistance from the World Bank.
I very much hope the bylaws will serve the communities well, help in restoring the traditional role of chiefs and compliment the work of the RSIPF in community policing.
I trust that any breaches of the bylaws when dealt with will be justifiable, lawful and in accordance with legal principles, and enforcers of such bylaws will be fair in their enforcement.
If the bylaws will serve to bring about community harmony, friendship, lawful activity and promote livelihoods and pave the way for cooperative development in the spirit of overall national unity, then I personally welcome the initiatives underway across Malaita.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
