BY SHOREYANN RAGOSO
Rennell and Bellona Province has marked its 33rd Second Appointed Day Anniversary with a strong call for unity, reform and continued efforts to improve the lives of its people.
The celebration brought together provincial leaders, government representatives, communities, churches, chiefs, women and youth to reflect on the province’s journey since becoming a province and to look ahead towards a stronger future.
Delivering the keynote address as Guest of Honour, Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Hon. Lazarus Rina praised the people of Rennell and Bellona for their achievements, resilience and commitment to development.
“We come together not only to celebrate your rich history, your unique identity and your vibrant culture, but above all to honour the remarkable achievements and enduring spirit of your province,” Hon. Rina said.
He encouraged residents to remember the progress made over the past 33 years and to renew their commitment towards creating better opportunities for future generations.
“Today is also a precious moment to look back on the challenges you have overcome and the milestones you have reached since becoming a province. And to rekindle your heartfelt commitment to shaping a brighter, more hopeful future for generations yet to come,” he said.
This year’s anniversary theme, “Embracing Reform, Unity and Progress,” was praised by Hon. Rina as timely and important for the province’s future development.
He said reform was necessary because strong institutions, good governance, accountability and transparency were the foundation for sustainable development.
“Reform is necessary because strong institutions, sound governance, accountability and transparency are the foundation of sustainable development,” he said.
Hon. Rina said true progress would come when reform and unity were transformed into practical actions that improved the lives of ordinary people.
He welcomed the Premier’s reform commitments, saying they matched the national government’s focus on accountability, better service delivery and strengthening institutions.
The minister highlighted achievements made through the Provincial Capacity Development Plan (PCDP), which has supported development activities across Rennell and Bellona.
“Our records indicate that since the beginning of the Provincial Capacity Development Plan, the Solomon Islands Government and our development partners have transferred more than 12.9 million SBD to Rennell and Bellona province,” he said.
Through this funding, the province has completed about 27 development projects across different sectors.
“These projects are not just statistics on paper, they represent tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary people,” Hon. Rina said.
He explained that the achievements were possible because the province met accountability and performance requirements under various government and partner-supported programmes.
Hon. Rina also announced that Rennell and Bellona would receive SBD3.6 million in PCDA funding this year, following changes to the funding allocation system and PCDA model agreement.
While recognising the hard work of provincial officers who continue delivering services under difficult conditions, he also acknowledged the challenges facing the province.
He highlighted concerns including roads, airport services, shipping, law and order, health, education, sports facilities, infrastructure and the need for more economic opportunities.
“Being one of the most remote provinces in Solomon Islands presents unique development challenges,” he said.
Hon. Rina said the province’s geographical isolation created higher costs and made development more difficult.
He referred to the recent fire aboard MV AJeanette, which resulted in the loss of cargo, as an example of the challenges faced by island communities and the need for stronger and more reliable transport services.
The minister said the government would continue working with relevant ministries, development partners and the provincial government to address these challenges based on available resources and national priorities.
On decentralisation and provincial financing, Mr Rina said his ministry supported discussions on increasing provincial resources, improving revenue sharing and reviewing the provincial government framework.
However, he reminded provincial authorities of the importance of following financial rules to maintain access to development funding.
“The accountability requirements are simply a reflection of good governance, transparency, accountability and sound financial management practices,” he said.
Hon. Rina also recognised support provided through the Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme and other donor-funded initiatives that have helped Rennell and Bellona employ technical officers.
“With the province being fully staffed, Rennell and Bellona is now better positioned to translate development resources into meaningful outcomes for its people,” he said.
He encouraged the province to make full use of its improved capacity and continue working together for development.
In his closing remarks, Hon. Rina called on leaders and communities to embrace the anniversary theme and work together for the benefit of all residents.
“Today, I call upon the leaders and the good people of Rennell and Bellona to embrace the spirit of this year’s theme, Embracing Reform, Unity and Progress for Rennell and Bellona,” he said.
He urged leaders to act with integrity and called on churches, chiefs, women and young people to support peace, unity and participation.
“Let us protect and maintain the infrastructure we build. Let us support good governance. Let us work together to create opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, tourism and other productive sectors,” Hon. Rina said.
He reminded the people of Rennell and Bellona that the future of the province depended on collective effort and investment in young people.
“The journey ahead will not be easy. There will be challenges along the way, but if we remain united, if we continue to strengthen our institutions and if we remain committed to accountability and service, there is no limit to whatever Rennell and Bellona can achieve,” he said.
