BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
The Deputy Premier of Rennell and Bellona Province, Collin Tesuatai, says the province is hopeful the new government led by Prime Minister Matthew Wale will finally address long-standing issues that the previous government failed to resolve.
Speaking on behalf of the provincial government, Mr Tesuatai congratulated Prime Minister Wale and his coalition government.
He said that his provincial leaders are looking forward to building a closer working relationship with the new national leadership.
Tesuatai said that one of the main reasons the province supported the new government was because Prime Minister Wale understands the challenges facing Rennell and Bellona.
“There are many outstanding issues affecting our province that the former national government never responded to. Wale had visited the province even before becoming Prime Minister, which gave provincial leaders confidence that the new government would better understand the needs of the people.
“We see signs of change in this new government, and we believe the Prime Minister already knows the problems we are facing,” Tesuatai said.
He describes the new government as a government that reflects the concerns of ordinary people.
“While changes may not happen immediately, the reforms introduced by the government could have long-term benefits,” he said.
Tesuatai said Rennell and Bellona heavily depends on national government support compared to larger provinces, making it important for the province to align its policies with those of the national government.
He also raised concerns over the distribution of national resources, claiming that larger provinces continue to receive the biggest share of government support.
“If the new government considers our issues, we will see positive impacts in Rennell and Bellona. If not, things will remain the same,” he said.
He added that church leaders and elders in the province are hopeful about the new leadership, especially with the province’s Member of Parliament now part of the government.
He ended by pleading with the new government to seriously consider the concerns affecting Rennell and Bellona Province so that the province can benefit equally from national development like other provinces across the country.
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