Postcolonial town planning in Commonwealth nations: A case study of the Solomon Islands - an agenda for change

This is the author's PDF version of an article published in The Round Table: The Commonwealth Journal of International Affairs© 2007. The definitive version is available at www.informaworld.comThe principal argument advanced in this paper is that spatial planning in the Solomon Islands has failed to deliver any substantive benefits and is therefore in urgent need of reform. The present model of planning, derived from a combination of colonial practice and legislation originating in the UK, does not add much, if any, value to the development process. The poor quality of planning in the Solomons cannot be seen in isolation. There are similar systems in use throughout much of the Commonwealth and anecdotal evidence suggests that the failings are widely duplicated. The Solomon Islands only appear exceptional in the extent to which other government systems have demonstrably broken down, following the 'Ethnic Tension' of 2000 - 03. The Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI) provides a unique opportunity for a review of the way in which planning operates. A number of issues are identified which any reformed system must address

Gender-related violence in the Solomon Islands: the work of local women's organisations

With its historical roots in the struggle for land and resources and the migration of ethnically diverse peoples, the Solomon Islands' crisis of 1998-2000 caused untold trauma and suffering for many people. Because of their gendered position in society, however, women were arguably more adversely impacted by the conflict than men. Many women were raped by members of both warring parties and many felt guilt and hopelessness when the social and economic impacts of the conflict restricted their ability to fulfill traditional gender roles and responsibilities