SOLOMON Islands Government observed Choiseul Province’s 34th Second Appointed Day Anniversary Celebration in Taro on 25 February with the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Bradley Tovosia and three other Cabinet Ministers.
The DPM, who was the Guest of Honour, was accompanied by Minister for Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Wayne Ghemu Kituru Osopo, Minister for Education and Human Resources Development and MP for South Choiseul, Tozen Leokana and Minister for Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration and MP for North West Choiseul, Harry Kuma.
The theme for the celebration was “Together in Partnership, Uphold Unity to Enhance an Empowered and Progressive Province.”
In his keynote address, DPM Tovosia acknowledged the government and people of Choiseul Province for their observance of the 34th Anniversary and noted their contributions towards the development of the province and the nation.
The DPM highlighted that Choiseul Province continues to play a significant role in national leadership in Solomon Islands, mentioning figures such as the late Sir Moses Pitakaka, a former Governor General and the current Minister for Finance and Treasury and MP for East Choiseul, Manasseh Sogavare, who served four terms as Prime Minister.
“Hon Premier, Choiseul Province is among the top five provinces contributing significantly to national revenue. Last year, the SIG collected SBD20 Million in revenue from logging in Choiseul and I also note your province’s interest in mining,” the DPM stated.
DPM Tovosia said SIG supports Choiseul Bay Township, allocating SBD 5 Million for its development this year, with SBD2 Million currently being processed for immediate payment, demonstrating the collaboration between Choiseul Province and SIG.
He added that SIG is providing financial support to the copra and cocoa industries through the Commodity Export Marketing Authority, with SBD 200,000 already released.
The DPM said Choiseul’s seaweed production generates income for local farmers and boosts the national economy, prompting SIG to increase budget support for this industry.
The DPM also stated that SIG has allocated funding for various projects, including the Wagina Health Centre and the upgrade of the TB Ward at Taro Hospital, for which he had pledged a personal contribution of 10,000 bricks to initiate work on Taro Hospital’s Tuberculosis Ward.
For eight years, Choiseul excelled in the annual Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF performance assessment due to the collaboration of Public Service officials and executives. This cooperation has maximised its PCDF earnings.
The province has completed 195 projects worth SBD39 Million, with $13 Million for education and health infrastructure. These projects have improved living conditions and boosted economic activities, including new shops and a shopping mall in Taro.
“Despite the recent difficulties encountered in meeting the basic minimum criteria, I encourage the Provincial Secretary and the Executive to work closely with each other to bounce back and start qualifying once more,” DPM Tovosia said.
Choiseul was the first province to establish Ward Development Committees (WDCs) in all wards once the policy blueprint was finalised. The province consistently transfers funds to WDCs, completing over 28 projects across 16 wards, with 38 ongoing. This compliance reflects its commitment to integrating communities into local development planning.
For the past decade, Choiseul has achieved qualified audit opinions, highlighting its accountability for public funds. With business arm issues resolved, the province aims for a clean audit report, following Central and Isabel provinces’ lead.
In the past two years, the province failed to meet the minimum qualifying conditions. The DPM advised the province to adhere to MCs of PCDF to access development funds and service delivery.
He underscored the review of the Provincial Government Act 1997, including the Revenue Sharing Bill, with provincial consultations expected to commence in March. These bills are anticipated to provide resources for the provinces, subsequently improving service delivery.
The DPM commended Choiseul Province for the proposed sister relationship with Hebei Province of China and urged the signing of the MOU for stronger connections for development between the two provinces. He assured the Premier that SIG is prepared to facilitate the relationship for the benefit of the province.
He encouraged Choiseul Province’s elected leaders to set aside political differences and work together to foster political stability for development progress, as stated in the theme for the celebration.
“Your collective efforts will certainly improve and transform provincial services for the betterment of the lives of our people.”
Premier Harrison Pitakaka, in his speech, expressed gratitude for the DPM’s presence.
He highlighted the challenges faced by Choiseul Province such as financial constraints and limited resources, and called for improved legislation and collaboration with the national government.
“Despite difficulties, Choiseul Province made progress in social sectors and entrepreneurship, but still faces threats from climate change and unsustainable resource management.
“The anniversary theme Together in Partnership, Uphold Unity to Enhance an Empowered and Progressive Province underscores the government’s commitment to collaboration for prosperity,” Premier Pitakaka said.
Premier Pitakaka emphasised the need for support on the Choiseul Bay Township Project, which includes plans for an international seaport and telecommunications infrastructure. Infrastructure developments aim to boost economic growth, investments, connectivity and community livelihoods.
He also highlighted Taro Hospital’s poor condition and stalled reconstruction project and called for refurbishment support.
Premier Pitakaka also highlighted plans to upgrade Choiseul Bay Secondary School and promote investments in agriculture, tourism, fisheries, forestry and energy.
He said Choiseul is open to mining investment in Siruka Nickel Mining that is complies with relevant laws and focuses on sustainable development.
The premier affirmed his government’s support for SIG’s development goals and foreign policy of being a ‘friend to all and enemy to none.’
Premier Pitakaka also mentioned Choiseul Province’s upcoming sister relationship with China’s Hebei Province.
He also encouraged his provincial men and women to back the government’s development plans and welcome infrastructure projects and investments.
– MPGIS
