Malaitans must collectively participate in development initiatives: Premier Na'amo

By Alfred Maesulia

The newly elected premier of Malaita Province, Hon. Richard Na’amo made his brief maiden speech after taking his oath last Friday.

Mr. Na’amo admitted that without the support of development partners, Malaitans would not be what they are now.

He said: “As a Malaitan I know our people have suffered as a people and a province socially, politically, economically and spiritually.

“We must acknowledge our partners in development who have helped us to rise above the minimum level of survival.”

Premier Na’amo asked Malaitans not to become spectators in development but “to actively participate one way or another to further improve the welfare of our own people.”

The new premier said his government would review existing ordinances and fully utilize development partners such as EU, AusAid, NZ Aid, Japanese Grassroot and others.

He also said his government would work closely with the National Government to successfully implement its bottom-up approach policy.

“Our forefathers developed the initial economic bases of Australia, Fiji, Samoa and our own country.

“The question for us to collectively answer is: ‘Can we all Malaitans – women, youth, men, church leaders and chiefs do the same for our province like our forefathers did for others?’” the new premier challenged his people.

Source: GCU