Central Province Demands Action, Not Speeches

By Georgina Maka’a in Tulagi

Central Islands Province Premier Kenneth Sagupari has challenged the national government to honour long-standing commitments to the province, saying years of broken promises have left people disillusioned.

Speaking at the Central Islands Province Day celebrations in Tulagi today, Sagupari acknowledged what he said was widespread frustration among residents after successive governments failed to deliver on their commitments.

“We have repeatedly been left chasing the wind,” the Premier told the gathering, “grasping for a reality that we hear about in speeches but never see on the ground.”

“I make this call once more – not as a plea, but as a demand,” he said.

“Fulfill your words. Break the cycle of political myth and delusion.”

Sagupari called on national and provincial leaders to work together as equal partners to ensure the province’s development aspirations are matched by concrete resource allocations.

“Let us revive this historic province. Restore our economic dignity. Let us make Central Province great again.”

Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Lazarus Rima, assured the Premier that the GREAT Coalition Government was committed to working with the Central Islands Provincial Government to restore the province to what he described as its rightful place as a pillar of national development.

“Let us move forward together – with honesty, unity and determination – to make Central Province great again,” he said.

Australian High Commissioner Jeff Roach, who also attended the celebrations, said he was pleased to witness the province’s progress and development.

He said Australia sees strong potential in two key sectors—tourism and education—and looks forward to working closely with the Central Islands Provincial Government on future projects.

This year’s Central Islands Province Second Appointed Day celebrations are being held under the theme: “Empowering Transformations, Resourcing Our Future.”

Government officials, community leaders, villagers and other stakeholders attended the event.