Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare Reflects on Resilience and Unity in Christmas Speech
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has commended the resilience and unity of Solomon Islanders in the face of the many challenges throughout 2023 in his Christmas address on Sunday.
While highlighting the collective strength of the nation, Prime Minister Sogavare credited Solomon Islanders for their firm commitment to a shared vision of uplifting the country for future generations.
“The year 2023 is one of the most challenging, too much is transpired during the course of this year however, with God’s divine grace, with tremendous help from our development partners, we faced our challenges head on together and emerged as one people united in our common vision to uplift our country together for our collective future, the future of our children and the generations that will follow.
“…Our nation has been tried and tested during the course of the 11th parliament, but we have seen God’s intervention in all these challenges, our people to have demonstrated the spirit of unity and cooperation in the face of adversity, for instance, during the riots of April 2021, many of our residents in Honiara also took to the streets after the riots Join hands to clean up our city,” Sogavare expressed.
He highlighted the accomplishments of the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) during its term, stating it the most resilient in the country’s history, withstanding political storms and external pressures.
He commended the government’s political stability during the 11th Parliament, labelling it a testament to the country’s political maturity.
“As the 11th parliament draws to its natural death, given the environment we had endured, the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) has to go down in history as the most resilient, determined to stay the course and committed to deliver on its mandate.
“As I said, in my Sine Die statement, no government has delivered more game changing and transformative projects and reforms in the most difficult times, than the DCGA.
“It has been five years full of drama, twists, and turns, we would not have come through it all without the power of the redemptive miracle of God, which we are celebrating.
“The government has learned to draw lessons from its challenges, which only serves to strengthen our resolve to serve our people.
“11th Parliament enjoyed political stability, despite attempts by some to cause instability. This is a demonstration of political maturity.
“The Democratic coalition government for advancement leaves behind a legacy of political stability, and legacy that is worth emulating by future governments,” Hon Sogavare pointed out.
As the 11th Parliament nears its natural death, Prime Minister Sogavare acknowledged the forthcoming National General Elections in early 2024. He called upon the nation to engage in the democratic process with unity and peaceful participation.
He pointed out the importance of seeking divine guidance in electing new leaders.
“In the first few months 2024 our country will engage in the most important democratic process of our country, our National General Elections, to be implemented concurrently, with elections in seven provinces, and the Honiara City Council.
“Let us all seek God’s leadership as we dissipate collectively and peacefully, to elect our new leaders,” He advised.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sogavare concluded his address by urging Solomon Islanders to reflect on Christian values of unity, hope, giving, sharing, and love.
Drawing from Ephesians chapter four, verse 33 and 34, he encouraged a holiday season marked by holiness, free from conflicts and negativity.
Ends///
By Alex Dadamu