The leader of the opposition in Solomon Islands is calling on the government to waive school fees and broaden considerations for its proposed economic stimulus package.
Matthew Wale the MP for Aoke Langa Langa, who is one of the two candidates contesting the prime ministerial election in Solomon Islands on Wednesday 24 April. Photo: Island Sun/Charles Kadamana
The country's central bank earlier this month declared the economy was entering a recession and the government had promised to cushion the blow.
Matthew Wale said although economic stimulus packages usually focused on helping businesses, in the Solomon Islands context most people were engaged in the informal sector.
Mr Wale said he was calling on the government to take a broader approach in its assessment of beneficiaries under its proposed package.
Matthew Wale's call came as cabinet sat today to deliberate on the much-anticipated package.
"The government must consider liaise with the responsible ministry with the view to foregoing all schools for 2020.
"While such a gesture may not directly trigger ongoing economic activities, it is a noble thing for the government to do for our people in these trying times," he said.
