FORMER Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), Jerry Maiki Tengemoana, officially launched his political campaign in Honiara on Wednesday night.
Tengemoana, who brings with him wealth of experience in business and strategic leadership, is a top contender for the Rennell-Bellona Constituency parliamentary seat.
The launching event, held at the White River School Hall in West Honiara, attracts a diverse crowd, dominated by members and leaders from his two-island constituency.
The launching event has set a positive tone for a dynamic period of community engagement.
Tengemoana is contesting under the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP). Wing leader of DAP and a onetime Prime Minister, Rick Hou, along with executive members of DAP graced the launching.
Hou said DAP has joined force with the Solomon Islands Democratic Party (SIDP) to form a Coalition for Accountability, Reform and Empowerment (CARE) with a slogan ‘We CARE’ as it heads to the National General Elections set for 17 April.
Among other things, Hou said a CARE-led government is confident in making free education a reality, ensuring that medicine is stock, pay rise to public servants and economy of the country is well look after.
He said the country is at a crossroad and Rennell Bellona people must make their vote count by casting their ballot on 17 April and by choosing Tengemoana who understands and is capable of pushing key initiatives a CARE-led government will pursue.
In his remarks, Tengemoana thanked past and present leaders of Rennell Bellona Province for bringing the province to where it is today.
He said the constituency needs to set a vision that encompasses inclusiveness and progress and embrace cultural values of empathy and respect in order to restore confidence and integrity to the province and the constituency office.
Tengemoana, of Matangi in Bellona and Mugihenua in Rennell, hopes to leverage his expertise for the betterment of his constituency and country.
“People will be campaigning about various things. What I am excited about is our greatest assets and that is our people. We have skilled, talented, creative and capable people in various works of life who make us visible and remain relevant people in this country,” Tengemoana said.
He said creating an inclusive environment will enable communities to unlock their collective potentials and achieve sustainable progress.
