The push for statehood in Western Province has gained momentum, with the Non-Executive Government reaffirming its firm stance on the issue.
Chairman of the Non-Executive Government, Hon. Rence Sore, MPA for Ward 7 Vonunu, reinforced this position in a speech during the Assembly meeting last week in Gizo.
‘’The Non-Executive Committee of the Western Provincial Assembly has pledged its full support for the Premier and the Provincial Executive Committee, stating unequivocally, “Give Us Statehood!”
‘’Should statehood be denied, the Assembly has signaled that Western Province will take decisive action to chart its own course, potentially seeking independence from the Solomon Islands,’’ Sore further said.
MPA Sore made the statement in the presence of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), which provided a briefing on the Draft Federal Constitution 2018 (DFC 2018) and the historical context of Western Province’s longstanding pursuit of statehood.
Following discussions, the Western Provincial Assembly deliberated on two motions proposed by the Non-Executive Government: the adoption of the DFC 2018 and the province’s demand for statehood.
As a result, the Assembly overwhelmingly endorsed the Federal Constitution, with the 26 MPAs convinced that the economic provisions outlined in Schedule 7 on Revenue Sharing demonstrated the financial viability of statehood.
‘’A key revelation from the DFC 2018 was that mining responsibilities would be transferred to state governments. In anticipation of this shift, the Assembly agreed to develop a Mining Policy to manage the sector effectively.
‘’With the approval of the DFC 2018 by the Constituent Assembly, Western Province will solidify its demand for official statehood by October 10, 2027. However, if the Constituent Assembly rejects the federal constitution, the province is prepared to take further measures to secure greater autonomy, including breaking away from the Solomon Islands,’’ the statement said.
In a proactive move, the Provincial Assembly has also approved the establishment of the State Transition Office in Gizo, which will oversee the transition process.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
