Temotu Province has thrown its support behind the reform agenda of the GREAT Coalition Government.
Temotu Premier Stanley Tehiahua made the statement during a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Matthew Wale and his executive today.
Premier Tehiahua said the provincial government and people of Temotu fully supported the leadership of Prime Minister Wale.
He said Temotu also supported the reforms and policies being pursued by the GREAT Coalition Government.
“The reforms reflect the heart and cries of our people,” Premier Tehiahua said.
“We fully trust your leadership in moving our country forward.”
He said Temotu would continue to promote unity and contribute to the development of Solomon Islands.
Premier Tehiahua also briefed Wale on the province’s priorities, achievements and challenges.
He identified maritime connectivity as one of Temotu’s biggest challenges.
The Premier said the province continued to face serious difficulties with maritime transport.
He said successive governments had failed to adequately address the problem.
Premier Tehiahua also raised concerns about alleged illegal logging and mining activities in the province.
He said the provincial government faced difficulties enforcing its regulations against such activities.
In response, Prime Minister Wale thanked the Premier and his executive for the visit.
He assured them that his government remained accessible to provincial governments.
“My door is always open,” Wale said.
The Prime Minister asked Premier Tehiahua to formally document the alleged illegal logging and mining activities.
He directed the Premier to submit the information directly to his office.
Wale said the information would enable the Government to initiate appropriate investigations.
The Prime Minister also outlined several reforms being pursued by the GREAT Coalition Government.
These include a review of the Provincial Government Act.
Wale said the review aims to strengthen relations between the national and provincial governments.
On maritime connectivity, Wale said the Government plans to support Temotu with two shipping vessels.
He said one vessel would operate within Temotu Province.
The second vessel would provide services between Temotu and Honiara.
Wale said the initiative would improve maritime connectivity for Temotu and its people.
