SO, it had been announced that the United States (US) Naval Hospital Ship ‘Mercy’ will return to our shores come November 19 when the 2023 Pacific Games will commence.
This is made possible through the understanding of the US Government of the importance of allowing this floating hospital to return to Solomon Islands to support the country in hosting this biggest Pacific regional sporting event.
In the history of Pacific Games, there was never a time that the US offered to provide health support through such arrangement.
Thus, it is something to be proud of as should there be any emergency health issues affecting the athletes converging in Honiara for the two-week games, there are top-notch medical professionals on the standby to provide support when needed.
Not only that, the presence of the vessel will also help to boost security confidence during the games because undoubtedly, US military personnel will also be visible in Honiara during that time.
The positive response which was formally conveyed to Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, by United States National Security Council Coordinator for the Indo- Pacific and Deputy Secretary to President Biden, Dr Kurt Campbell, in Honiara this week should be commended.
Prime Minister Sogavare made the request last August when Mercy made its inaugural visit.
The availability of Mercy means the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the Games Organising Commitee can be comforted that the medical and health needs of the regional athletes are in good hands.
It is welcoming to hear Prime Minister Sogavare acknowledge US for confirming the availability of Mercy for the games.
During the meeting between the Solomon Islands Government and Dr Campbell and his delegation number of important issues were discussed.
These included the; opening of the US embassy here in Honiara which is a sign of commitment by US to strengthen its partnership and relations with Solomon Islands, the need for US to invest in transformative projects particularly in infrastructure and renewable energy to drive economic growth and prosperity, the need for US to take active stand to rebut or deny media publications that have implied US’s involvement in internal affairs of the country, the issue of Unexploded Ordnance or UXO expressing the need for US to assist in removing the UXOs both on land and in specified areas in the sea, availing more scholarships for Solomon Islanders, partnership between the Solomon Islands National University and US education institutions, easing visa requirements between the two countries and the resumption of the Peace Corp programme.
This week’s visit by Dr Campbell was his second. His first visit was immediately after Solomon Islands signed the security agreement with the Peoples’ Republic of China.
Thus, it is good to see US now showing great interest in the country and supporting its development aspirations.
