He said the province is encouraged by the Prime Minister’s assurance that the GREAT Coalition is committed to addressing issues important to the people of Guadalcanal.
Premier Atu said he is particularly grateful “to hear the Prime Minister inform Parliament and the nation that statehood and a Guadalcanal provincial hospital are included in the GREAT Coalition Government’s policy agenda.”
He said the Guadalcanal Province and its people are pleased with the GREAT Coalition’s pledge to table the issue of state government in Parliament by the end of 2027.
Hon. Prime Minister Wale told Parliament the state government issue “has weighed upon this nation for decades [and] will not be left to drift any longer. It will be brought to a decision, and the provinces will know where they stand. The legislation for the Constituent Assembly must be dealt with before the end of 2027.”
Premier Atu said Guadalcanal Province has already completed the preparatory work needed to support and inform the Constituent Assembly, the body established to deliberate on the draft Federal Constitution before it is submitted to Parliament.
He said the province has completed its report on “Minimum Criteria Readiness for Statehood under the Proposed Solomon Islands Federal System,” which has been approved by the Provincial Executive.
On the issue of a Guadalcanal provincial hospital, the Premier said he is pleased with the Prime Minister’s assurance that the GREAT Coalition is working closely with development partners and the relevant ministries to deliver this much-needed infrastructure development for Guadalcanal.
Premier Atu assured the Prime Minister of Guadalcanal Province’s commitment to “work with the GREAT Coalition Government to enhance the unity and development of our country and the wellbeing of our people.”
[end]
GP statement
