Nauru gets a bank again, and looks back at two years of progress
As the two year anniversary of the
Nauru Waqa Government nears, it has declared itself a "can-do"
administration, citing a range of reforms and advances the nation
has made.
President Baron Waqa said like any reformist government, they have
had to make the hard decisions, but progress like yesterday's
opening of the Bank of Bendigo agency, back-payments to public
servants and landholders, the establishment of a future fund, and a
more independent and efficient legal system are indicators of a
nation that is maturing.
Mr Waqa said under his government the nation has "removed itself
from the mismanagement and corruption of previous administrations"
and rediscovered unity.
"It is a joy to see progress, and yesterday was a significant
milestone for our country with the opening of our first bank after
the collapse of the previous bank over a decade ago," he
said.
He said as well as an obvious practical benefit, the opening of
the bank agency was an act of symbolism.
"The past two years has seen a rebirth of sorts, as we put the
past behind us and focus on the future direction of our
country."
The President said he is disappointed that some foreign media
continue to depict Nauru negatively without understanding the
country's progress.
"Before we were elected with a clear mandate for change, this
country was run in a way that rewarded a few, while the majority
suffered. We have cleaned it up and given the power back to the
people."
Major advances in Nauru over the past two years include:
· Reform of the
legal system - The country now has three judges and more
accountability. The cronyism that existed prior is gone.
· Payments to
government workers - Public servants were owed money from previous
administrations. They have now been back-paid.
· Landholders -
Landowner payments commenced by the Government, after decades of
abuse and corruption under former administrations including that of
the period when Nauru was run by the current Opposition, which was
funded largely by landowner royalties whilst landowners themselves
went poor. We have stopped this practice.
· Infrastructure -
The nation is building more infrastructure. Also a port for the
island is currently being considered.
· Restructure of
fuel supply - Today is a milestone with Vital taking over the
country's fuel supply. This means there will now be a secure and
reliable supply of fuel to Nauru.
· Bank - The Bank
of Bendigo agency is open this week, after over a decade with no
bank.
· Future Fund -
Finance Minister David Adeang has overseen the establishment of a
future fund, with support and oversight from other nations. This
means that never again will corruption steal the future finances of
Nauru.
· The success of
our airline, which has brought economic benefits to our nation and
region.