As government through the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) officially unveiled its new office complex in Noro, Western Province on Monday, Premier Billy Veo of Western Province this marks a step towards opening up opportunities for more investment in fisheries.
The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele, Acting Australian High Commissioner Andrew Schloeffel, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury Mckinnie Dentana , World Bank Representative Benard Harborne, senior government officials, the President and Clerk of the Noro Town Council, and key stakeholders from within Noro Township.
Premier Veo said the new office complex is a timely investment that reflects the growing strategic importance of Noro — the nation’s “Tuna Town” and the second industrial hub of the Solomon Islands.
“This is another milestone development for Noro Township,” Mr. Veo said.
“As the host of the country’s only fish processing facility and the second international seaport, this investment strengthens government presence where it matters most.”
He noted that Noro has recently seen a series of government developments, including the new Ministry of Finance and Treasury Office Complex and the Noro Police Station, both commissioned in recent months.
“These are all timely developments that signify Noro’s importance as the second most industrialized hub in Solomon Islands,” the Premier said.
Premier Veo underscored the vital role of the fisheries sector in sustaining the country’s economy, providing export revenue, foreign exchange, and livelihoods for many rural households.
“The fishing industry is crucial to our economy, providing a vital source of income through oceanic fisheries while ensuring food security and employment through subsistence and coastal fisheries,” he said.
He added that having the MFMR office located in Noro will enhance the Ministry’s ability to monitor and regulate the industry effectively.
“The Ministry having its complex here at Noro will better serve its need for monitoring and keeping an eye on the regulatory aspects of the industry,” he said.
The Premier also called on the national government to expand investment in the fisheries sector and help rural communities participate meaningfully in its development.
“We have had investors visiting us who see the great potential of our fisheries sector,” Mr. Veo said.
“There are opportunities in fish farming, beche-de-mer, and other aquaculture ventures. We want the national government to assist our rural people and help make these potentials a reality.”
He said the province already has the resources but now needs technical guidance, investment, and operational support to bring these projects to life.
“As a provincial government, we believe we cannot continue to sing the same song,” he said. “We need to be proactive, think outside the box, and move beyond our comfort zones. Everything in life entails risks — and we must be bold and adventurous if we are to realize our fisheries potential.”
Premier Veo urged residents to take ownership and care of public facilities such as the new fisheries office.
“These infrastructures are built for a purpose — to serve our interests,” he said. “We must respect and look after them, and appreciate the fact that the government has seen it fit to have them constructed here in Noro.”
He said the new fisheries complex will enable the Ministry to step up its work and provide better service to both the government and the people of Western Province.
Quoting a well-known proverb, Mr. Veo concluded, “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
He said the new office complex symbolizes that very principle — empowering people to build sustainable livelihoods through fisheries development.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
