The president of the OUR Party in Solomon Islands says the party is right to be concerned about the influence of aid donors and the Regional Assistance Mission.
The Solomon Times reports that Manasseh Sogavare has raised concerns about the sustainability of aid programmes.
Speaking at the launch of the party in Kirakira, Mr Sogavare said there is a vast difference between using aid money responsibly and using it blindly.
Mr Sogavare says there are also legitimate concerns about the powers and privileges accorded to the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.
He points to a logistical gap between the Solomon Islands police and the participating police force, tax exemptions accorded to Australian companies providing support to RAMSI, and a lack of capacity building programmes for Solomon Islanders.
