Government Services Integration Committee launch vital for PG23 prep

The launching of the Government Services Integration Committee (GSIC) for the 2023 Pacific Games last Friday marks the beginning of preparations to host the Games.

All 24 Government Ministries attended the launch as well as representatives from the National Hosting Authority (NHA) including senior officials from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.

In his remarks at the officially launching, the Chief of Staff in the Policy Implementation and Monitoring Unit (PIMEU) in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Mr Robson Djokovic, commended all Ministries for this important undertaking and stated that the Pacific Games 2023 is a flag ship project of the DCGA Government as reflected in the Government’s Redirection policy.

He added that the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, which coordinates the Games preparation, would ensure the Games are resourced and successfully hosted in 2023.

The Chair of the National Hosting Authority (NHA) and Secretary to Prime Minister, Dr Jimmy Rodgers, in his opening remarks, stated the principal purpose of the GSIC is to mobilize a “whole of Government’ commitment and support to help the government deliver on its mission to successfully host the 2023 Pacific Games.

He added that the GSIC being an integral part of the GOC would report to and assist the GOC on behalf of the NHA. It will also advise the NHA directly on areas that it may require the support of the respective ministries and departments represented in the committee.

The Chair further stated that the successful delivery of the Pacific Games would depend on substantial support from all government ministries and departments. The GSIC once established, will develop its own work plan to address many of the areas that will require the support of the respective ministries and departments represented in the committee.

He also added that the GSIC might also make recommendations to the Government on activation programmes relating to the Games, including possible school, health and environmental initiatives. While reporting to the GOC, the GSIC will also work closely with the NHA and the Cabinet Subcommittee for the Pacific Games.

The Chair of NHA stated that the2023 Pacific Games will be one of the single biggest projects in Solomon Islands to date and for the next decade. It is not just about a two-week event but a catalyst for development.

The Games will bring in more than 5,000 Athletes and officials from 24 participating countries in the region, including Australia and New Zealand.

He congratulated all Ministerial Representatives in the Committee and urged them to work together and support the Government and NHA in delivering the Games successfully in 2023.

The Chair of the Government Services Integration Committee (GSIC) is the Deputy Secretary to the Prime Minister, in the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Dr Derrick Mane.

There are three Government nominated members to the GOC, who will represent the GSIC in the Games Organizing Committee. They are the Deputy Secretary to Prime Minister, who chairs the Government Services Committee, Dr Alex Munamua, Specialist, Orthopedics Dept., NRH, who chairs the Health subcommittee and Ms Evelyn Thugea, Assistant Commissioner of Police, National Operations, RSIPF, who chairs the Security subcommittee. The fourth member is from the Honiara City Council.

Following the official launching, the GSIC held its first meeting where its Terms of Reference (TOR) and proposed key Activities and task were discussed.

The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet will provide secretariat support and services to the GSIC.

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