Western Provincial Premier Hon. Billy Veo has urged provincial leaders to take a cautious and well-prepared approach toward achieving Statehood and not to rush.
He further stressed that the process must be gradual and firmly built on three key prerequisites.
Premier Veo made the remarks during his Motion of Sine Die on Thursday in Gizo, the provincial capital of Western Province.
In his keynote address, Premier Veo underscored that Statehood must not be rushed, warning that a premature transition without solid economic and administrative foundations could lead to instability.
“For Statehood to be genuinely realised, we must first strengthen our foundational pillars,” Premier Veo told the Assembly.
“People, land, and financial resources are essential to build a strong and sustainable state,” he stressed.
Premier Veo outlined three non-negotiable pillars that the Western Provincial Government (WPG) believes are vital to prepare the province for Statehood;
Human Resource Development: He called for major investment in education and capacity-building to ensure the province has skilled people to govern effectively and contribute as technical experts.
Proper Land and Natural Resource Management: The Premier stressed the importance of reclaiming alienated lands—estimated at 27 percent of the province—back to the Provincial Government to support economic and development initiatives.
Financial Resources: He said provinces must have substantial financial autonomy to manage their state affairs and pursue development aspirations.
Premier Veo reaffirmed WPG’s commitment to the federal vision but insisted that it must be pursued in a way that promotes unity, stability, and sustainable growth.
He also acknowledged the National Government, through the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC), for facilitating the recent Premier’s consultation, describing it as an important step in ensuring provincial leaders fully understand the implications of the Draft Federal Constitution.
“The four-day consultation meeting aims to gather feedback from provincial leaders before the draft document advances further in the national reform process,” Veo said.
Its understood that Western Province is expected to archive statehood by 2027.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star Gizo
