BY JOY OFASIA
MELINDA Tombakelu Kii, a dedicated community advocate in Guadalcanal Province, is gearing up for the upcoming 2024 joint election on April 17.
The woman candidate is contesting the provincial election for Tandai Ward 1 for the provincial assembly seat in the north-west Guadalcanal Constituency.
With formal work experience in social and economic research, Melinda, 41, has worked as a research consultant for various government ministries, national and regional academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations in the Solomon Islands.
Melinda, married to Paul Kakai Junior, enjoys working in Barana, a community further up Mt. Austin, promoting traditional “Lala” and supporting tribes and the Tandai House of Chiefs.
She is a dedicated community leader and advocate for the environment and conservation, has been actively involved in various social and development projects in the province. Her passion for serving the people of north-west Guadalcanal has earned her respect and admiration from the local community.
With the upcoming provincial race fast approaching, Tombakelu is ready to take on the challenge and work towards creating positive change in the ward and province.
With extensive experience in voluntary work with Barana Nature and Heritage Park, she now feels confident in representing her people in provincial leadership. In 2019, Melinda declined a provincial election invitation from the Tandai House of Chiefs due to her incompetence and lack of political knowledge in provincial governance.
If Melinda wins the provincial seat, she claims there would be a lot more opportunities for Tandaians, and she is convinced she can invest in the families living in Tandai Ward 1in a way that is inclusive.
In an interview with SOLOMON WOMEN, Melinda, a mother of two sons who is from the provinces’ of Guadalcanal and Malaita, said she hopes to make a significant change and positive impact on the local community in Tandai Ward 1.
Melinda identified land as a key issue that can be resolved for sustainable living among the residents of Tandai Ward 1.
She said one main outstanding challenge is the status of customary and alienated land rights in Tandai Ward 1, North-West Guadalcanal.
She also noted the high rates of school dropouts, unemployment, and the necessity of revitalizing and improving the basic water supply and sanitation as major challenges faced by residents in Tandai Ward 1.
“Working together” is my main message,” according to Melinda.
“Working together” is my key message that involves three pillars or values: Vei Kukunihi”—respect each other. 2.”Vei Sangahi”—help each other, and 3.”Vei Pandahi”—think of each other. With this key message while practicing the pillars to implement our way forward, I know that Tandai people will be secured and have a sustainable livelihood,” the candidate explained.
As the only woman candidate contesting the Guadalcanal provincial assembly seat for Tandai Ward 1 in the North-West Constituency, Melinda faces a challenging campaign amidst 11 other male candidates.
“I would like to pass on to the 4716 voters of Tandai Ward 1 to please have a thorough think about the next leaders they will be voting for in this year’s national and provincial elections. Look at the past and then at the future. Discuss together to understand what a leader is and think of a current good leader from your home, community, nation, and globally. Prayer about it, and best of luck on your choice and vote,” she said.
