The growing culture of bribery within government ministries in the Solomon Islands is placing huge pressure on ordinary citizens who are already struggling to make ends meet. Reports reaching our news desk reveal a disturbing trend, what should be public services offered freely and fairly are increasingly tied to under-the-table payments and personal connections.
Locals who approach government offices in need of basic services now face an unofficial requirement: pay a little commission or know the right person. This informal system of bribery has taken root in multiple ministries, from those responsible for issuing licenses to departments managing contracts and social services like issuing passports. It has become so normalized that many locals feel they have no choice but to comply.
A victim who spoke on condition of anonymity said, โThis has gone out of control. From high-ranking officials awarding contracts to basic frontline workers handling services, nothing seems to move unless you offer something extra. The ones who suffer most are people like us, those who barely have enough to survive.โ
This situation undermines public trust in institutions meant to serve the people and deepens inequality. While wealthier individuals or those with connections can navigate the system with relative ease, the average Solomon Islander is left behind, forced to either wait permanently or give up important services altogether.
Calls for stronger oversight, transparency, and accountability are growing louder. As citizens push back against this systemic corruption, it remains to be seen whether government leadership will take decisive action to restore integrity to the public service sector before public faith is completely destroyed.
End///
Thoughts? Iumi stori
