AUSTRALIAN High Commissioner H.E. Rod Hilton wished all Malaitans a happy 41st Second Appointed Day during celebrations at the Auki Showgrounds, after being warmly welcomed back to Malaita by Premier Elijah Asilaua and Members of the Malaitan Provincial Government Executive.
High Commissioner Hilton said on his first trip to Malaita, he heard Malaita’s priorities were building improved infrastructure across the province, and growing economic opportunities.
“Australia is delivering on these priorities through our support on the Malaita South Road, the thousands of Malaitans in Australia on seasonal work, and new investments in tourism operators in Malaita.”
“On this visit, I witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Malaita South Road long-term rehabilitation project, a crucial piece of infrastructure and a keystone for economic growth in Malaita Province.”
“In addition, of the 5,000 seasonal workers currently in Australia, around 2,700 are from Malaita, with another 1,000 ready to deploy.”
“I was also pleased to launch Australia’s new partnership with three tourism operators in Auki, helping to improve their infrastructure, so more people can visit beautiful Malaita, and we can grow Malaita’s tourism industry and economy for the benefit of all Malaitans.”
“Australia has always been Malaita’s nambawan friend, nambawan family, and nambawan partner, and is committed to working with Solomon Islands on their priorities for economic growth”, said High Commissioner Hilton.
