MALAITIAN LEADERS IN GOVERNMENT CALL FOR CALM

Deputy Prime Minister Honourable Manasseh Maelanga appeals to Honiara based Malaitians to keep calm and respect law and order.

Honourable Maelanga made the call on behalf of leaders from the Malaitians bloc in the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA).

Maelanga made a reminder that assembling of people is unlawful under the current State of Public Emergency laws and any planned protest march must have the approval of appropriate bodies.

Maelanga pointed out that as law-abiding citizens, Malaitians must not take the law into their own hands. 

The Deputy Prime Minister further call on church and community leaders to preach about unity as at this uncertain times the least we need is to be fragmented.

Honourable Manasseh Maelanga pointed out that we are still under attack by a common enemy- COVID- 19 pandemic, records have shown from other countries that the pandemic takes stronghold when people are fragmented and disillusioned by politics of a few.

 “As a Malaitian leader and speaking on behalf of fellow Malaitian leaders in the DCGA, I humbly call on Malaitians to exercise restraint and let’s be united with the rest of the country in the fight against the pandemic,” Maelanga highlighted.  

While announcing the Malaitian bloc’s deep allegiance to DCGA, Maelanga reassured Malaitians that development for the province are on- going.

“Development in whatever form does not happen overnight, it takes time and involvement of all willing stakeholders,” Maelanga reaffirmed.

Maelanga strongly added that Malaitians must be given the highest assurance that developments earmarked for the province are progressing and government ministries are at the forefront in implementing some of these developments.

The Deputy Prime Minister pointed out that few of the projects that are on- going and completed including;

• The proposed Bonale Pineapple Factory in West Kwaio. Currently the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration is in the process of calling for public tenders for the design of the factory.
• Under the Economic Stimulus Package, government has funded the Malu’u wharf and Taba’a bridge both infrastructures in North Malaita.
• The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has also invested in training for Kava farmers of Malaita Province.
• Stakeholders are currently in dialogue on the tar sealing of Auki road as well.

Honourable Manasseh Maelanga strongly contended that there are other projects for Malaita Province that are on the pipeline and government is equally adamant to implement them going forward.

Maelanga further said that the Solomon Islands economy is at the mercy of the covid19 pandemic just like the rest of the world.

“No country has come out with a strong economy at this time, the pandemic has stalled trading movements, and Solomon Islands is no exception to the negative impacts of the pandemic,” Maelanga explained.

Maelanga, however, assured that government is doing all it can to ensure the economy remains afloat and testament of that is in the implementation of the Stimulus Package policy.

The Deputy Prime Minister further call on Malaitians to channel their grievances through appropriate channels such as the Malaita Provincial Government (MPG) as the MPG by law is an agent of the national government.

“The MPG is the right entity to carry the issues of the people of Malaita to national government.

As national leaders, we are also here for dialogue so we can look at ways to address whatever issues you have.

“To hold the country at ransom is not Malaitians way, as law abiding citizens we can do better than this. Honiara is city with people from other provinces living in it. We must respect them and our host, Guadalcanal Province as well.

Our people, business houses, schools and children are tired of these protests that turn into riots, looting and destruction of property. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank those of you have seen the need to refrain from public protest that can potentially turn into a riot. I thank you for your understanding,” Maelanga concluded.

ENDS///

Government Communications Unit