Government remains united after Hilly's sacking: Acting PM

By George Herming

The Government remains unified despite the sacking of former Commerce, Employment and industries minister, Hon. Francis Billy Hilly.

Acting Prime Minister, Job Duddley Tausinga said on Friday the National Coalition Partners, National Party, Solomon Islands Democratic Party, Solomon Islands Rural Advancement Party, Liberal Party and Socred Party have all pledged their continued support for Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare.

“The recent events, though regrettable, have not affected the GCC governments commitment to pursue its policy direction including the rural development strategy.

“As a government we have in-house differences, but these are in-house issues which can be mutually solved.

“This has been achieved through dialogue and our shared vision that people do not want to see political instability, infighting and wrangling,” he said.

He said people want to see a government committed to advance the interest of Solomon Islands. We will not turn away from this goal.

“In light of what has transpired, the government’s numerical strength had grown upwards and stable, which is a welcoming outcome.

“I would like to emphasize that the benchmark for rural development lies in action rather than just translation of policy documents.

“This must not slip past us because setting goals is one thing, achieving them is another,” he said.

Mr Tausinga assured the good people of Solomon Islands and development partners, that the issues which have caused slight instability during the last few weeks are now matters under the bridge.

“They remain part of our recent history.

“However, we now share the same belief that together we can realize the aspirations of our people by encouraging unity and economic progress integrated with a consistent effort to provide a stable environment,” he said.

Source: Government Communications Unit