PM Manele highlights Unity and Development at Central Province’s 44th Second Appointed Day celebration

Central Province commemorated its 44th Second Appointed Day with a strong message of unity, resilience, and shared responsibility for development.

Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele attended the official celebrations in Tulagi today and congratulated Premier Hon. Kenneth Sagupari and his Government for Change and Rural Transformation (GCRT) on their recent election and policy direction.

The theme for this year’s anniversary — “Reinforcing greater commitment towards the resilience development of Central Province through openness, sense of belonging, equal participation and sustainability” — was described by the Prime Minister as both “timely and forward-looking.”

“This theme reflects the challenges we face from climate change, economic pressures, and limited resources.

“It also calls on all of us to work together and make sure every family, community, and ward has a role and a voice in shaping their future,” the Prime Minister said.

Highlighting the province’s progress, PM Manele noted the impressive delivery of more than 356 projects worth over SBD 36.2 million through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) since 2008. 

These projects span education, health, water, sanitation, agriculture, fisheries, and more — showing a commitment to improving lives at the grassroots level.

Central Province has also demonstrated strong governance, receiving four consecutive clean audit opinions. 

“This is a clear sign that the province is managing resources responsibly.But we must remain vigilant — political instability in recent years has cost the province millions in lost PCDF funding, and that is a setback none of us want to repeat,” Prime Minister Manele said.

The Prime Minister reaffirmed the national government’s support for Central Province’s ongoing and upcoming development priorities. These include:

• The completed Tulagi Wharf and Hospital refurbishment projects, with the Tulagi Ring Road soon to be tendered following completion of scoping work.

• Upgrades to the Yandina and Anuha airstrips, and plans for a potential new airstrip at Belulu to boost tourism and connectivity.

• The establishment of a CEMA processing plant on Pavuvu Island to revive coconut and cocoa production in the Russell Islands.

• Construction of a mini-hospital in the Russell Islands to improve health access for island communities.

• Road infrastructure improvements in Small and Big Ngela to enhance agriculture and rural transport.

• Upgrading Siota and Macmahon schools to offer senior secondary education (Forms 6 and 7) from 2026.

“We welcome the GCRT’s commitment to align provincial policies with the national development agenda.

“This alignment means we can work hand in hand towards shared goals and deliver better outcomes for the people,” the Prime Minister added.

Central Province’s focus on tourism, agriculture, fisheries, infrastructure, and education fits squarely with the national Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) policy pillars: Unity and Stability, Economic Transformation, Infrastructure Development, and Human Capital Development.

The Prime Minister also highlighted ongoing reforms to strengthen provincial governance, including amendments to the Provincial Government Act 1997, consultations on the Revenue Sharing Bill, and the review of the PCDF framework to ensure fair and effective development funding.

PM Manele urged all stakeholders — government, churches, chiefs, private sector, youth, and community members — to renew their commitment to Central Province’s progress.

“Our peace, progress, prosperity and future lies squarely on our shoulders.

“Let us work together in the spirit of Umi Tugeda and turn our province’s potential into lasting opportunities for all,” he said.

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The Prime Minister’s Press Secretariat