Premier Atu calls on HCC and vendors to respect farmers

The Premier of Guadalcanal Province, Hon. Willie Atu is urging the Honiara City Council ( HCC) and vendors at the Central Market to respect Guadalcanal Farmers.

Premier Atu made the call in his official speech for the Guadalcanal Province 41st Second Appointed Day.

He stressed that farmers from the province contribute significantly to food security in Honiara.

” Please, treat our farmers with fairness and respect. The women and men from rural Guadalcanal have ensured that we, living in Honiara have access to fresh produce every day.”

Premier Atu then called on the Honiara City Council to address ongoing concerns regarding the unfair treatment of farmers.

” I call on HCC to work in partnership with the Guadalcanal Provincial Government to address ongoing concerns about unfair treatment, and ensure that our farmers are supported and welcomed when they bring their produce to the market.”

SIBC News understands that over the past weeks, numerous concerns have been raised  regarding alleged harassments by re-sellers in Honiara towards farmers from Guadalcanal at the Central Market.

Following concerns raised, a local non-government organization, Vois Blong Mere Solomon (VBMS) launched a campaign aimed at addressing issues raised by local farmers.

Through the campaign, a multi-stakeholder Task Force was formed which includes members from authorities and key stakeholders such as the Ministry of Commerce, the Honiara City Council, the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

The task force is now developing a Terms of Reference and Action Plan that would help find solutions in addressing the issues faced by farmers.

ENDS//