The Guadalcanal Provincial Government has expressed disappointment over Prime Minister Matthew Wale’s decision not to attend the province’s 42nd Second Appointed Day celebrations in Honiara.

Premier Willie Atu said he acknowledged the Prime Minister’s reasons for not attending but believed his presence would have been a significant gesture of respect to Guadalcanal Province and its people.

He thanked Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Public Service and MP for North West Guadalcanal, Francis Sade, for representing the Prime Minister, but said the province had been looking forward to welcoming Wale in person.

“The Deputy Prime Minister is a former Premier of Guadalcanal Province who, during his tenure, championed issues affecting the province, including our call for a federal system of government,” Atu said.

“ Therefore, we did not expect him to address these matters in the same way as Prime Minister Wale, the leader of the GREAT Coalition,” he added.

Atu said many Guadalcanal people travelled long distances from their villages, with some even crossing flooded rivers, to attend the celebrations.

“They came to Honiara to listen to their Prime Minister, showcase their culture and share food with fellow Solomon Islanders. They were disappointed that the Prime Minister did not attend,” he said.

Premier Atu said Guadalcanal deserved greater recognition as the province that hosts the nation’s capital and the seat of the national government.

He said the celebrations were deliberately held in Honiara to make it easier for the Prime Minister to attend.

“The National Stadium is only a short distance from his office.

“Our people came to his doorstep out of respect, but the Prime Minister could not spare even an hour to be with us,” he said.

Premier Atu noted that Guadalcanal contributes about 30 per cent of Solomon Islands’ domestic revenue through its natural resources and industries.

“That contribution comes from our land and our resources. It deserves recognition and respect from the leader of our country,” he said.

He also said several policies outlined by the GREAT Coalition would have significant implications for Guadalcanal Province, particularly proposed reforms to the mining sector.

Premier Atu welcomed the Government’s intention to introduce the Mineral Resources Bill 2025, strengthen national ownership of the mining industry, improve landowner benefits and establish state-owned mining enterprises, including a gold trading framework in partnership with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands.

“These are promising policies, but the Government must work closely with Guadalcanal Province, which hosts the country’s largest mine and remains the biggest contributor to mining revenues,” he said.

He also welcomed the proposed establishment of a Sovereign Wealth Fund, describing it as an important initiative for the country’s future.

However, he noted that the fund would likely rely heavily on revenue generated from extractive industries, particularly mining and fisheries, as logging revenues continue to decline.

Premier Atu said gold exports were valued at approximately SBD3.025 billion in 2025, generating about SBD952 million in government revenue through taxes and royalties.

He also noted that Guadalcanal accounted for 26.5 per cent of the country’s log production in 2025, ranked second after Western Province, while the province produced 74 per cent of Solomon Islands’ cocoa and contributed palm oil exports worth US$27 million.

“Given Guadalcanal’s significant contribution to the national economy, the least the Prime Minister could have done was honour the province with his presence.

“That would have demonstrated respect.”

Premier Atu said holding the celebrations in Honiara was also intended to remind the national government of Guadalcanal’s longstanding call for a federal system of government.

“It would have meant a great deal for the Prime Minister to attend, hear our call for federalism, understand our preparations, and respond to us in person,” he said.

While he appreciated Deputy Prime Minister Sade’s address on behalf of the Government, Premier Atu said it would have carried greater significance if delivered by the Prime Minister himself.

Despite the Prime Minister’s absence, Premier Atu described the 42nd Second Appointed Day celebrations as a great success.

He thanked representatives of the national government, Members of Parliament, provincial premiers and ministers, church leaders, members of the diplomatic corps and the public for joining the celebrations.

He also thanked Guadalcanal people for their overwhelming support and all Solomon Islanders who participated by sharing their cultures, food and traditions.

“Guadalcanal is proud to use this occasion to unite Solomon Islanders,” he said.

Premier Atu said the strong turnout reflected the unity of Guadalcanal’s people and the commitment of the Provincial Government, Provincial Assembly members and public servants.

“This gives us hope for the future of Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands. May God bless Guadalcanal Province and Solomon Islands from shore to shore,” he said.

Comments are being sought from Wale’s office.