BY MAINE LIVETT
ISLES MEDIA FREELANCE REPORTER IN GIZO
The RECENT event in the Capital Honiara was a test to leadership, and the unity of the nation Solomon Islands, according to Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.
PM Sogavare was presenting his keynote address during Western Province’s 2nd appointed day 38th Anniversary in Gizo.
“It tests our unity, it tests the motto that we are one nation, one people, and one country,” PM Sogavare stated.
Premier Christian Mesepitu, in his speech before that, described the Honiara events “as regrettable event” which “has brought back painful memories of by-gone years.
Premier Mesepitu pointed out that again the recent events, “should provide the catalyst for us to re-think political direction.”
Prime Minister in his speech thanked the Premier for noting the recent events in Honiara.
“My good people, it really to test my resolve, my patience, and character and not only me, but the parliament,” PM Sogavare said.
“We are one people, we are one nation, we call ourselves Solomon Islands.
“It was only through God’s guidance, grace and wisdom that we have managed the storm. The recent event in Honiara will surely go down again in the history book of this country. But I want it to go down in the history book for the right reasons.
“I don’t want them to remember us as a lawless society, I want it to go down in History for the right reason, and that is we defend the principles of democracy and the Rule of Law against intimidation, against violence, against tyranny that was used to try and tear down a democratically elected government. I want only that to go down in history. Not that we’re a lawless society, No, that would be not good for our history,” Hon. Sogavare stressed.
Sogavare also applauds the people of Western Province for observing the principle of democracy, noting that the province had also experienced political stand-off in recent days.
“I do note the recent political stand-off in the Western Province. But I also acknowledge the adherence to the principle of democracy and rule of law by our people.
“And for that, I thank you and salute you, every one of you here, provincial government our people in western province for allowing the process of democracy to take its own course.
“Thank you very much people of western province, we are a peace-loving people. And we shall always stand up for what is right and live together in peace and co-existence with each other because, we are a melting pot, and thank you very much for accommodating people from every province in this province. My good people from Western Province I’m truly honored to know about that,” He said.
“Thank you very much for inviting me to this second appointed day celebrations here in Gizo.’
