Western Provincial Premier Hon. Billy Veo has clarified Western Province’s role in the 54th Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) Leaders Retreat in Noro, emphasizing that despite frustrations over the event’s organization, the province remains proud to have hosted the prestigious regional gathering.
Speaking during the Western Provincial Assembly session on Monday at the Chahcha Conference Room in Gizo, Premier Veo described the retreat, held on 11–12 September, as a success and a moment of pride for Noro and the province.
He acknowledged that some local stakeholders and community representatives were unhappy with the organization of the event.
“Understandably, some of our key stakeholders and community representatives were not happy with how it was organized, perhaps due to feeling marginalized or excluded from the planning process,” he said.
Premier Veo clarified that the Western Provincial Government (WPG) was not directly involved in planning, funding, or managing the retreat.
“This event was funded and organized by the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat and the National Organizing Committee.
“As a provincial government, we were only briefed on the program and on which parts I would participate in as Premier,” he explained.
He also noted that his attendance was funded by WPG, not the organizing committee, and emphasized that the program was under the control of national authorities and the PIF Secretariat.
Despite these organizational shortcomings, the Premier expressed sincere appreciation to the Solomon Islands Government and the Organizing Committee for selecting Noro as the venue.
He also acknowledged the Prime Minister’s legacy gift of vehicles to the province, including two Hiluxes and a bus, benefiting Noro Town Council and other agencies such as the police.
Premier Veo concluded by reaffirming Western Province’s pride in hosting regional leaders and its ongoing commitment to partnership with national and international partners for future development opportunities.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
