By Eliza Kukutu
By Eliza Kukutu
Prime Minister Hon. Matthew Wale has apologized to the people of Guadalcanal for not attending the province’s recent Second Appointed Day celebrations.
Guadalcanal Premier Hon. Willie Atu in a recent statement had expressed disappointment over the Prime Minister’s decision not to attend the event, noting that the celebrations were held in Honiara so the Prime Minister could be present.
Speaking in Parliament this evening, Prime Minister Wale clarified that his absence was in no way political.
“Since both the Minister for Provincial Government and the Deputy Prime Minister were going to be present, I decided, after some discussion with them, that this was adequate representation of the Government. I obviously, Mr. Speaker, misjudged the feelings of some in this matter, and I therefore unreservedly apologise.”
“I truly am very sorry. I offer that apology without qualification because Guadalcanal is the province on whose land this Parliament sits, and its feelings are owed respect, not management.”
Prime Minister Wale also said that he may not be able to attend every Second Appointed Day celebration because of his schedule, but he hoped his absence would be kept in perspective and not overblown.
“This is because the measure of a government’s regard for a province is not the seating chart of a single day. It is what the government does for that province across every day that follows.”
He also confirmed that the issues raised by Premier Atu during the Second Appointed Day celebrations regarding statehood and a hospital for the province are already included in the Great Coalition Government’s policy agenda and that the Government is committed to implementing them.
“First, on the long-standing question that stands behind so many others, the Great Coalition Government will bring the question of State Government to a determination by the end of 2027.
A question that has waited upon this nation for decades 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,” he said.
On the matter of health infrastructure for the province, Prime Minister Wale says they are working closely with donor partners to deliver a hospital for the province.
“The Government, through the social sector under the Prime Minister’s political oversight, will work closely with the province, the Ministry, MID, the Ministry of Planning, and other government agencies to begin the work required for this project and to bring the concept paper to caucus and Cabinet as soon as possible.”
ENDS//
