PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has come out to clarify the issue surrounding the postponement of the Solomon Games in Rennell/Bellona province.
This is in response to an article in the Island Sun yesterday and concerns raised on social media claiming that the Prime Minister sent a text message to the Member of Parliament of Rennell/Bellona Dr Tautai Kaitu’u, stating that the Solomon Games in Renbel has been postponed and moved to Honiara.
“I wish to clarify that my text to the MP for Renbel was in response to his query regarding the Caucus conclusion in regards to the Solomon Games. The MP for Renbel was not present at Caucus that time and requested an update on that matter,” he said.
The Prime Minister said the decision made by the MP to post it on Facebook was unfortunate and unintended which only the MP himself can answer.
However, the Prime Minister further clarified that the Caucus decision was not final and to be decided by Cabinet.
The statement said that the Prime Minister and his delegation were at Rennell for the second appointed day celebrations in July this year, including some Cabinet Ministers that visited Rennell earlier, which all have raised concerns regarding the preparations on the ground.
The Prime Minister’s statement said Caucus was very concerned with reports that preparations for the Solomon Games is very slow.
Members of Caucus were also disappointed that NOCSI were not able to appear before Caucus to report on their assessment on the progress of preparations.
“The decision taken by Caucus is based on a report by NOCSI. It would be necessary for NOCSI to come out clear and inform all sportsmen and women in Solomon Islands, if the facilities and all preparations are ready for the Games in November this year. That report is necessary for Cabinet to make its final considerations,” the Prime Minister said.
–OPMC PRESS
