Western Province marked its second appointed day on 11th December in Gizo. The official day is on 7th December, but this year it was shifted to 11th December to accommodate the schedules of key guests and to fall on a weekday.

The official program commenced with a parade from the Provincial Administration Headquarters, marching through to the field.

Premier Billy Veo, in his remarks, highlighted pressing issues facing the province and called on the national government to facilitate interventions to make them a reality. Specifically, Premier Veo requested:

1. The signing of a communiqué to outline priorities and areas of support between the two governments.
2. Progress on the statehood agenda, including the transition process and the implementation of the Constituent Assembly.
3. A review and revision of the Provincial Government Act (PGA) 1997 and the revenue-sharing policy.
4. An assessment of PCDF funding to ensure fair and sustainable allocation.
5. Infrastructure development, including airport projects, road upgrades, and improvements to the water supply.
6. The transfer of Perpetual Estates under the Commissioner of Lands to the Western Provincial Assembly.

The long-time politician emphasized that these issues are crucial for the development and well-being of the citizens of Western Province and urged the national government to prioritize them.

Minister of Provincial Government Wayne Ghemu applauded the province for choosing a very fitting theme for this year’s celebration: ‘Entrepreneurship, Innovation, Creativity Rooted in Our Culture for the Advancement of Western Province’s Future.’ He emphasized the importance of entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity, which are deeply rooted in the province’s culture and traditions. He highlighted the province’s entrepreneurial spirit, citing examples of successful businesses and job creation.

“As a government, we are dedicated to supporting and nurturing this entrepreneurial spirit, providing the necessary resources, training, and infrastructure to help our local businesses thrive.”

The Ranonga Simbo Constituency Parliament representative remarked that the national government recognizes the difficulties Western Province is facing and is committed to supporting their efforts.

“…A lot of progress has been made in Western Province in recent years since the introduction of the Provincial Capacity Development Fund. Under the PCDF, we have made significant progress in delivering infrastructure projects that enhance our resilience to climate change. Western Province has successfully completed 381 projects, totaling SBD$50.04 million. These projects have included improvements in water management systems, climate-resilient building designs, and coastal protection measures, in addition to education and health sector projects.”

However, he noted that delays in accessing development funds have hindered progress and urged the provincial government to review its decisions to ensure that it meets the minimum conditions for accessing these funds.

Minister Ghemu also highlighted the importance of the tuna industry in the province, which contributes significantly to the national economy.

“The tuna industry, led by companies like SolTuna, is a key part of this contribution, accounting for 18% of the national GDP. This industry not only supports our economy but also provides employment to thousands of Solomon Islanders. SolTuna, based in Noro, Western Province, employs over 1,800 workers, 64% of whom are women. This makes SolTuna a major private-sector employer in the Solomon Islands. As the largest fishery in the country, it not only supports the national GDP but also provides employment opportunities, helping to boost the local economy.”

He further praised SolTuna for its commitment to sustainable practices and fair trade in the region.

On a policy level, Minister Ghemu mentioned that his ministry is working closely with the government to resume revenue-sharing discussions and increase fiscal autonomy for provincial governments. He also mentioned that work has begun on reviewing the Provincial Government Act 1997, with a draft bill expected to be tabled by the second quarter of 2025.

The celebrations were vibrant and lively, bringing together people from diverse ethnic and island backgrounds to share in entertainment and Thanksgiving festivities.

The celebrations will conclude today with an evening Christmas carol program at JFK Stadium.

BY NED GAGAHE

During the Second Reading Debate of the 2025 budget on Tuesday, MP for Central Honiara, Gordon Darcy Lilo raised concerns over the country’s escalating national debt, particularly the substantial increase in debt servicing outlined in the 2025 budget.

Lilo warned that national debt servicing has nearly doubled compared to previous years, pointing to a growing financial strain that could jeopardize the country’s long-term economic stability.

The MP for Central Honiara highlighted that the rising debt burden will likely contribute to a widening gap in the national budget, primarily driven by debt financing.

Lilo said the country continues to struggle with the fiscal impact of debt repayments, which now consume a larger portion of government revenue.

Lilo expressed worry that without careful management, the debt-driven budget deficits could undermine the government’s ability to fund essential services such as health, education, and infrastructure.

“The increasing reliance on debt financing is a significant concern. If we continue down this path, it will not only strain our budget but could also lead to economic decline,” Lilo said.

“Our budget is being driven by borrowed funds, which limits our capacity to invest in other critical areas that would help our economy grow.”

Lilo also questioned the government’s ability to manage this mounting fiscal pressure, particularly in light of the uncertainties surrounding future financing.

He pointed out that negotiations for loans from international institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) could be lengthy and challenging, further delaying any relief from the financial gap.

Lilo urged the government to prioritize transparency and provide clear details on the sources of financing, including where the country would obtain the funds needed to cover its growing deficit.

He also recommended that the government closely monitor its discretionary spending, emphasizing the need to focus on maintaining essential services while managing debt-related expenses.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The leader of the independent group and Member of Parliament for East Are’are, Peter Kenilorea Jnr, has urged government members to use appropriate language when communicating with public.

During the parliamentary debate on the 2025 Appropriation Bill 2024 this week, Kenilorea expressed his concerns regarding the messaging strategies of MPs and their implications for public understanding.

He said that it is often the case that MPs overstate their roles as government representatives through their choice of words.

“We will increase, so, so, so. Terms like ‘increasing’ are misleading. Regarding fisheries, the notion of increasing catches is not our responsibility, Mr. Speaker. That task lies with the private sector, specifically those who possess the expertise in fishing,” said the MP.

“We will be cultivating cassava. It is not our direct responsibility; rather, it will be the community that undertakes this task. It is crucial that our messaging reflects our role in supporting and facilitating the creation of a framework that allows for growth and development,” he said.

He emphasised the necessity for members of Parliament, as representatives of the government, to avoid overstating their capabilities regarding their statements and proposed actions.

“I frequently encounter this type of rhetoric. Even prior to the Public Accounts Committee meeting, we see enthusiastic ministries proclaiming their intentions, suggesting that they will achieve this or that. Such declarations create significant expectations among the public. If we are not cautious, we risk setting ourselves up for failure and disappointment due to these heightened expectations,” Kenilorea said.

“I believe it is essential for us to communicate accurately regarding our roles as policymakers and the objectives we aim to accomplish,” he added.

He said that, as a small nation, much depends on the effectiveness of government delivery, and that the language used must be refined.

“It is essential for the public to grasp the true purpose of government. Our role is not to impose increases; rather, we aim to facilitate, support, and create an environment conducive to development,” he said.

By Indy Maealasia

CHAIR of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Gordon Darcy Lilo has issued a strong reminder to the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) of the importance of internal audits to effectively asses the ministry’s performance.

Lilo yesterday in parliament stressed that “it is important because it will be the basis that shows whether your ministry is improving”.

As the Member of Parliament for Central Honiara, Lilo told MEHRD Minister Tozen Leokana that internal audits provide the ministry with a “clear picture” and a powerful tool that must be utilised.

The PAC Chair further called on Parliament to support the ministry in carrying out this vital activity, noting, “Although it is a small allocation in the budget, we must support it.”

In response, Mr Leokana affirmed that internal audits are a crucial yearly activity carried out by his ministry.

He stressed that this yearly audit is conducted on areas such as school grants and teacher performance among others.