Stalling of Council Directive

 

INEFFICIENT GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO THE TINAKULA ERUPTION

10 April 2022 | Ioane Taom

Our government is stalling on a potential bill that is being developed to help mitigate the issues caused by recent tsunamis that have hit the Gilbert Islands. It supposedly includes both a focus on local authorities to handle the immediate situation, and pleas to the international community, specifically Australia and New Zealand, to provide aid. Is this a moment of political polarisation, or even worse, is our government simply failing to address our urgent issues?

Even if it were not to stall in parliament, the bill concerningly does not address the problem of the volcanic ash that has been floating in and causing problems. Where are the provisions to clear this ash? It is a pressing concern and one that is urgent for the people of the Gilbert Islands. While this is a frightening series of events, the people of Kiribati are relying on their government to help them and keep them safe.

Another large elephant in the room is China, who has put out an official statement announcing that they also would be open to sending aid to Kiribati if they are allowed to upgrade an airstrip on remote Kanton, built by the US during World War II. “We sympathize with the people of Kiribati and wish to lend our support, which would only be possible with the improvement of transport links.” says Chinese Ambassador to Kiribati, Shen Zhiwei​​. The project would improve accessibility and facilitate the movement of urgent supplies. The relationship between Kiribati and China has been put under fire from outside actors in recent years, but due to the current unique circumstances, there is certainly a need to reconsider.

The governments of Australia and New Zealand have published statements urging government officials from Kiribati to reach out for aid, as they are unable to act without communication from the Kiribati side. “What is going on? How can we help them if we do not know what they need?” said New Zealand's minister of foreign affairs, Nanaia Mahuta.