Solomon Islanders must be active partners in development, not passive observers of government, Governor-General Sir David Tiva Kapu declared during celebrations marking the 77th Official Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III at the National Stadium in Honiara last Friday.
“Democracy is not a spectator sport,” the Governor-General said. “The Government cannot achieve these goals alone; we need the cooperation of every citizen. We need your patience, your understanding, and your participation.”
He called on Solomon Islanders to be “partners in development” — whether through maintaining peace in communities, caring for the environment, or contributing to local economies.
“The challenges before us are great, but they are not insurmountable — if we face them together,” he said.
Sir David urged the nation to make the next two years count.
“Let these next two years be defined not by what we lacked, but by what we achieved through unity. Let us show that when Solomon Islanders stand together, we can defy the limitations of time and scarcity.”
He also called on Solomon Islanders to move forward as one people, with one heart, towards a common destiny.
“Let us continue to engage with wisdom, patience, and goodwill. Let us continue to listen to one another, learn from one another, and support one another. And let us move forward together with confidence, guided by our shared interests and our shared hope for a better future.”Governor General Sir David Kapu said.
The King’s Official Birthday is a public holiday in Solomon Islands and one of the country’s most important annual national events. Celebrated every June since Independence in 1978, the day honours His Majesty King Charles III as Head of State, represented in Solomon Islands by the Governor-General.
