The election of a new Prime Minister has not pleased many Solomon Islanders and has been followed by two days of rioting and looting. Mainly targeted have been Chinese businesses in the capital Honiara, and much of the Chinatown district has been destroyed. The disorder seems to have stemmed from allegations that new Prime Minister Snyder Rini is supported by Chinese or Taiwanese financing. Both China and Taiwan are anxious to gain influence in the South Pacific, and both use investment as a tool to diplomatic recognition.

The Pacific Casino Hotel on the island of Guadalcanal was reportedly burning after being attacked by protestors. The hotel on Kukum Highway overlooks the ocean some 5 kilometres from both the Honiara International Henderson Airport and the town centre. Ethnic conflict erupted in the Solomon Islands in 2000 and since then the government has sought to improve the image of the island. The tropical rainforest, spectacular waterfalls and peaceful lagoons should make the islands a tourist haven.

There are presently two casinos on the Solomon Islands and a third project for another on the beachfront grounds of the old Government House. The sale of the property led to protests last year, as by law casinos are limited to the two presently operating, something the government has been seeking to amend. The Constantinou Group, based in Papua New Guinea, wants to build a casino as part of its development plan. Prime Minister Rini apparently asserted, “My government will work closely with development partners. We will have close dialogue with them because they are important for the development of this nation.” Australia and New Zealand are likely to send police and armed military personnel to help restore order. The Preservation of Public Security Act will be invoked to enforce a curfew in and around Honiara. (E-04.19.06)

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