THE 2023 Pacific Games Thanksgiving Service took place on Sunday, December 10.
It also coincides with the decommissioning of Team Solomon, GOC Workforce and seconded staff from government Ministries.
Prime Minister and Minister of the Pacific Games 2023, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare MP and madam Emmy Sogavare, His Excellency Sir David Vunagi, the Governor General of Solomon Islands, and Lady Vunagi and the Honourable Speaker of National Parliament, Mr John Patteson Oti and Madam Oti were among guests.
Prime Minister and PG2023 Minister Sogavare took the time to thank Solomon Islanders for their patience, understanding, and support over the past five years as the country prepared to host the 17th Pacific Games.
“It was not plain sailing. There were times we had to fight hard to continue to build your confidence and support. However, I am very pleased that you were always there with us, for the games,” stated PM Sogavare.
He emphasised, this new era of working together must continue.
The Prime Minister underscored, it is time to give thanks to our Almighty God for the successful delivery of the largest and the best Pacific Games ever held since the very first Pacific Games, hosted by Fiji fifty years ago, in 1963.
He adds, the nation is proud of Team Solomon’s best-ever performance in any Pacific Games, wining a total of 80 medals (12 Gold, 37 Silvers, and 31 Bronze).
PM Sogavare recalled, during the entire Fourteen days Pacific Games, God has protected, blessed, brought our nation together and even changed the perception of our visitors, many of whom came to our country with trepidations, because of the negative stories about our people and nation through the media prior to their arrival.
The perfect weather, unity and the games successful delivery goes forth to show, when Solomon Islands is united under God, there is nothing we cannot do.
The 2023 Pacific Games Minister also paid special tribute to development partners, people (nationals and expatriates), government Ministries, institutions and organisations who helped deliver the largest and most successful games ever held in the Pacific.
Pastor Ellison Bako of SIFGA presented an inspirational homily on God’s principles- ‘Pursue, Overtake and Recover’ as the 2023 Pacific Games ended, and the nation begin a new journey post Pacific Games.
