The Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) has come under fire following the resignation of West Kwaio MP, Claudios Tei’ifi, who cited the administration’s failure to prioritise the Bina Harbour Project as his main reason for leaving.
Tei’ifi, who joined the GNUT government last year after leaving the Parliamentary Independent Group, said his decision was driven by the belief that the government would commit to implementing the Bina Harbour Project—a long-standing national initiative situated in his constituency.
“From the beginning, I joined the GNUT with the hope that it would prioritise and implement the Bina Harbour Project, which is not just vital for West Kwaio, but for the entire country,” Tei’ifi explained.
Despite being appointed as Chairman of the project by Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele, Tei’ifi said the government showed no real commitment to seeing the project through.
“During a recent caucus meeting, I asked the Prime Minister directly whether the project was part of the government’s flagship policies or a priority commitment. His answer was simply, ‘No,’” Tei’ifi revealed.
The Bina Harbour Project has long been regarded as a critical economic development opportunity for the Solomon Islands, with the potential to boost trade, create jobs, and drive regional growth. Tei’ifi’s remarks suggest that the current government has sidelined this national priority in favour of other political interests.
He also expressed concern over Prime Minister Manele’s leadership style, saying he listens only to his deputy, Bradley Tovosia, and ignores the voices of fellow MPs.
“That is what pushed me to resign,” Tei’ifi said.
He warned that the country’s economy is in deep crisis and needs a leader who will act decisively to address it.
“Our economy has hit rock bottom. We need leadership that puts national projects like Bina Harbour at the forefront of economic recovery,” he said.
Tei’ifi further highlighted the suffering of ordinary Solomon Islanders, particularly the lack of basic health services in rural areas.
“People are crying out for good services. In the villages, if you test positive for malaria, you have to pay for your own treatment. These are real problems. Leaders must respond,” he urged.
Tei’ifi is now part of a new political coalition formed by defecting MPs, who say they aim to restore integrity and prioritise the real needs of the people—including long-overdue national projects like Bina Harbour.
– By Rodrick Desuri, Freelance Journalist
ENDS