The momentum to push for a federal system of government by Western Province Government is still intact.
That’s according to Premier Hon. Billy Veo in a statement he issued on Wednesday in Gizo to rebuff a statement suggesting that move for federal system is losing momentum.
However, Premier Veo said, Western Province remains steadfast in its pursuit of statehood and will not back down from its federalism ambitions.
This follows a recent meeting between the Prime Minister and leaders of all nine provinces over the weekend, where it was reportedly agreed to prioritize a review of the Provincial Government Act 1997 instead of pursuing a federal system.
However, Western Province maintains that this decision does not represent its position.
In an exclusive interview with Solomon Star, Premier Veo said statehood for Western Province is “non-negotiable” and that his government will continue to fight for it.
“It is understood from the recent meeting with Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele and all nine provinces that the agenda of federalism is fading away,” Mr Veo said.
“I want to tell the Prime Minister and the country that Western Province will not back down. Statehood is not negotiable.”
He said the province has recently completed its 10-year strategic plan, which will guide its pathway toward statehood once approved by the provincial executive.
“This will pave the way for us to attain the statehood system. So when the Prime Minister says other provinces do not agree to federalism, Western Province is not included,” he stressed.
Premier Veo added that even if other provinces choose not to support Western Province, his government will continue to push forward.
“If any province does not want to stand with Western Province, we will still fight and attain our statehood and our aspirations,” he said.
“Our ACAREA Government remains steady, and we will pursue statehood as long as we live. We are not weak — we are strong and will fight for statehood.”
He also called on non-executive members of government to work together with the provincial administration to achieve a shared vision for statehood.
“This is not a political issue — it is the collective wish of the people of Western Province,” he said.
“I appeal to the Prime Minister to clarify which provinces have faded from federalism. For Western Province, we will not be silent.”
Meanwhile, Western Province, through its Provincial Assembly, is currently working on establishing a “State Government Office” as part of its plan to transition into a state government by 2027.
This follows a motion passed in the Western Provincial Assembly supporting the adoption of the 2017 Federal Draft Constitution and the immediate establishment of a Transitional Management Unit (TMU) to guide the province toward greater autonomy.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
