BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Prime Minister Matthew Wale said the country’s future depends not only on government policies but also on the choices made by every citizen.
Speaking during the National Thanksgiving Service held as part of the country’s 48th Independence celebrations last week, Wale said building a greater Solomon Islands requires strong moral leadership, accountable institutions and responsible citizens working together for the common good.
He said development should not be measured solely by infrastructure such as roads, ports, schools and hospitals, but also by the character of the people, the integrity of leaders, the strength of families and the nation’s commitment to placing the common good above individual interests.
“The 48th Independence theme served as a timely reminder that nation building is a collective responsibility shared by every Solomon Islander. While the government, Parliament and the judiciary each have important roles, churches, traditional leaders, provincial governments, communities, families and young people also have vital responsibilities in shaping the country’s future,” he said.
Wale said every citizen is essential to national development regardless of their position or status.
“When one part suffers, the whole body feels its pain,” he said.
He said it is a matter of concern when large sections of society continue to suffer while others remain indifferent.
He said that such attitudes reflect poorly on the nation’s character.
Wale said a truly united nation is not one where only a few prosper while the majority remain poor, stressing that future generations would benefit when today’s leaders and citizens choose responsibility over self-interest.
“Our future depends not only on what government does, but on what each of us chooses to do every day. The choices we make every day are what make us a great nation,” he said.
He said that unity and responsibility are essential to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.
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