BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
ISRAEL’S Advisor and Counsellor for Pacific Islands Mr Yaron Sultan-Dadon said there is enough talk, let them now act and implement something for the people of Malaita Province.
Advisor Yaron Sultan-Dadon met with the Malaita Provincial Premier Hon Peter Ramohia and his Executive during the past week and learnt of the many challenges facing the people and province in which he said Israel would like to assist.
Having a strong connection in friendship is why the Israel Advisor said they are to see what they can do as a friendly country in rendering some assistance in lifting the well-being of Malaita people being the most populated province in Solomon Islands.
“We will stand with you and your people as you ‘battle’ against the many challenges facing your people and province,” said Advisor Yaron.
“To get rolling, we will assist the people of Malaita through medical services by getting our medical teams from Israel and equipment for Kilu’ufi Hospital in the next few weeks.
“This will include dental, eye, operating theatre and other urgent requirements of the Hospital. Our Israeli specialists will be here at the hospital and clinics throughout the Island in whatever area that you need us to assist.
“When our team is here at Kilu’ufi Hospital, they can also recommend to us what equipment or medical specialists they need to be posted to Auki in helping the people.”
Currently in Malaita Province according to Advisor Yaron, the doctor to population ratio is one (1) doctor to 23,000 people.
“We are willing to address this alarming data in the Health sector and I think Israel can start in this sector whilst the other challenging areas will be attended to,” said Advisor Yaron.
“I am also thankful to have met community Chief Walter Hou of Liwe village at Small Malaita. I will discuss his request with our Israeli investor’s that are already in the region on how to assist.”
Advisor Yaron’s visit was a very successful one as Malaita Province also celebrated the Israeli 70 years Independence Anniversary with friends and families in Auki, hosted by the Pacific Israel Jewish Council, Solomon Islands.
A three-man delegation to be headed by the Minister of Agriculture & Livestock Hon. Augustine Auga Maeue will be travelling to Israel early next month.
The Minister will be Israel’s guest at the upcoming Agritech May 8-10, 2018 under Hon Uri Ariel, Israel’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
“We are looking after all the costs of our guest including his travels and his stay in Israel,” said Advisor Yaron.
During the three days of visit in the country, Advisor Yaron also met National Government officials, the Provincial Government of Malaita, Private sector representatives and civil society organizations.
One of the Private Sectors representatives meeting up with was Mr Tony Tepe of Food Works Supplies in Honiara.
