I will no doubt be accused of cultural insensitivity for saying this but the claim for compensation for events that took place in 1927 should be dismissed out of hand by the Government. There can be no legal or moral responsibilty on the part of SIG for events that took place over 80 years ago and before Solomon Islands became an independent nation.

If the Government gives in to this claim it could open the flood gates to all sorts of dubious claims. What about Solomon Islanders killed during World War 2? Would their relatives be able to claim too?

Custom compensation still has its place in 21st century Solomon Islands but it is so often abused and discredited as a result of baseless claims being made. The Government should be careful not to set a dangerous precedent.