BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Auki
PREMIER of Malaita province, Daniel Suidani has welcomed the announcement by the US Government to re-establish its embassy in Solomon Islands.
The outspoken premier made the statement following the announcement made by US Secretary of State, Antony John Blinken during the US – Pacific Islands leaders meeting held on February 12, 2022.
In a statement, Suidani said Malaita province is a strong supporter of US in Solomon Islands and like the US, they also believe and share the same democratic principles of good and transparent governance and respect of the rule of law.
He said the establishment of the embassy will no doubt continue to increase the presence of US in this part of the world. A place that has now come under intense pressure from the influence of other world powers like China.
Suidani said one thing is for sure that Solomon Islands stands to benefit more from the varieties of support from the US and its funding agencies.
He said Malaita province is a beneficiary of the US25m USAID SCALE program and is happy with such development assistance that targets the economic empowerment of the people of Malaita province.
Suidani said this is the economic development modality that the premier believes will go a long way in improving the lives of the people. Providing opportunities for local businesses to develop the communities is the way forward.
He said Malaita province is looking forward to further engaging with the US in areas that would advance the implementation of its restorative economy policy.
The US SCALE NRM is in Auki, Malaita province since 2020 and they are working with MPG and other stakeholders on arrays of sectors of development for the province.
Late 2021, Suidani has announced a number of projects that the USAID Scale program will implement in the province after an agreement signed by MARA government and Green Power Tech under the program.
The projects are Bonale pineapple factory, Luaniua wharf, pig feeder factory for the province, Gwaigeo Kava factory and warehouse, Afio fishery and warehouse and others.
