MALAITA Provincial Premier Daniel Suidani opened the Malaita Province 4th Full Assembly Budget Meeting yesterday by reflecting on MARA’s brief history over the past eight months.
Premier Suidani who is well-known for his openness on national and provincial issues reminded his fellow MPAs that Malaita Alliance for Rural Advancement (MARA) over the past 8 months has made history that will remain forever.
“MARA government within the last eight months have made history that will remain with us forever, whether you like it or not.
“This is a history of the struggle for what we believe in in terms of the basic and fundamental principles of democracy and human rights,” he said.
The Premier said the MARA government believes in the effort of its own people and their sweat.
“We believe in the efforts of our own people and their sweat.”
“We believe in working together to drive our own development, and most of all MARA government believes in self-reliance and building a community that will be independent and resilience to support itself in the future,” he said.
The Premier reminded his MPAs that Malaita is not isolated from the rest of the world, assuring all Malaitans that the international community is with them.
“Through the basic and fundamental principles that we stand for; although it seemed we may be isolated from the rest of Solomon Islands, the international community is with us.”
“In fact, the attendance at the launching of the MARA government policy on the February 14 this year was attended by representatives from Australia High Commission Office, the New Zealand High Commission Office, the Papua New Guinea High Commission Office has spoken clearly of this support.”
“As a matter of fact, the Malaita Provincial Government has now actively engaged with our international partners including the USAid,” Suidani added.
The Premier said a United States Government mission has visited Auki just before the launching of the policy in February 2020.
“During the visit, the USA government reps made it clear during a discussion of their intention for more engagement with the province.”
“If this is not enough evidence to justify this claim, the Japanese Government through its embassy in Honiara has now agreed to the development of the new Kilu’ufi hospital project.
Premier Suidani said with international recognition, the MARA government with the support of the Assembly must continue to nurture for the good of our province.
He said in the midst of the approaches taken, the law must be and will continue to be seen as a basis of such engagement.
Premier Suidani adjourned the meeting for Tuesday following a speech from the Deputy Premier Randoll Sifoni who delivered the Finance Minister’s speech, Monday.
By WILSON SAENI
In Auki
