THE Safe and Green Games has been officially launched in Honiara, Friday.
More than a thousand people took part in the day’s event hosted at the Lawson Tama Stadium.
The initiative was officially launched by the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare in the presence of the City Mayor Eddie Siapu.
Prime Minister Sogavare in his speech highlighted the importance of the initiative and thanked everyone who participated in the official launching program.
“I want to acknowledge you all for being part of today’s program to officially launch the Safe and Green Pacific Games strategy.
“The preparation to host a successful Pacific Games has two parts; the first part belongs to the NHA and its constituent bodies and partners.
“The second part belongs to the Government and the people of the host country.
“It is the second part that we are here today to join the launch of Safe and Green Games strategy for the 2023 Pacific Games.
“This strategy’s simple objectives are, one to provide a safe and secure environment in our host city and support the Government to successfully host the Pacific Games
“Secondly, to beautify our capital city to achieve a long lasting legacy that lives beyond the Games for the benefit of our generations.
“Thank you all for joining us to celebrate today to commence our strength towards our goal, which is the successful hosting of the Pacific Games,” he said.
Solomon Islands will receive the largest number of visitors in the country from November 19th to December 3rd.
The Prime Minister said it is important that all visitors during the Games return with a good impression of the host country.
“Solomon Islands will welcome more than 8000 visitors during the Games.
“These 8000 plus people will broadcast to the world the impressions and perception of our country, especially the impression of Honiara.
“Already Honiara is regarded as one of the dirtiest cities in our region.
“This is not the image of our country we wish our visitors take back when they depart from our shores after the Games.
“Instead we want each of our visitors to have a pleasant and memorable experience of our country and our capital city from the moment they step off their flights on their arrival until the moment they board their flights to take them home,” PM Sogavare resonated.
Prime Minister Sogavare concluded by urging all citizens to work together in the next 262 days to ensure Honiara city is safe, green and clean.
City Mayor Eddie Siapu highlighted that the day marks as a very important day in history for the Solomon Islands.
He stressed that keeping Honiara city safe and green is paramount with the support of all citizens.
The start of yesterday’s event was marked with a float parade, starting from three different locations, one group from the SMI grounds, HCC car park and the third from SINU Panatina Campus and paraded towards Lawson Tama.
The participants include Government Ministers, Members of the National Parliament (MPs), Office of the Parliamentary Opposition, Solomon Islands Government Ministries Officials, Government Constitutional Institutions, Faith-based Organisations, SOEs, NGOs, Wards in Honiara, Honiara Schools, Diplomatic Corps and other Civil Societies Groups and the general public.
The program will continue today with a clean-up campaign.
By CARLOS ARUAFU
Solomon Star, Honiara
