But some politicians are concerned about the response from international neighbors.
This week, the provincial premier of the Solomons’ western province, Alex Lokopio, raised his concerns about the government aligning itself with a regime whose interests appear to differ significantly to the Solomons’ current main aid donors, Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
Solomon Islands Undersecretary for Health Care Dr. Cedric Alependava said it was Iranian money which is likely to help pay the airfares for medical students traveling to Cuba, and that means it is money well spent.
“So long as the money comes for goodwill, then we spend it to help produce doctor[s],” he said.
This week 25 Solomon Islanders left for Cuba to begin their medical studies
In other news, the premier of Solomon Islands’ Guadalcanal has appealed for a halt in violence against the people of his province.
Premier Stephen Panga said conflict over land has increased which is threatening the ongoing peace process.
Land in Guadalcanal, abandoned during the ethnic conflict which ended in 2003,was causing disputes leading to violence. Recent incidents include the murder of a Guadalcanal man by a Malaitan, a sexual assault and the burning of homes.
Panga said the land should not be re-occupied until its fate has been determined by a Commission of Inquiry because of the threat of violence.
“I want the people to respect my people, not to continue killing the people of Guadalcanal because it cannot help the peace process.”
