King Charles III’s Solomon Islands representative, Sir David Vunagi, highlights the key symbolism of the monarch’s birthday anniversary as Honiara celebrates the 74th anniversary
THE Governor General, Sir David Vunagi, has ascribed the celebration of King Charles III’s 74th birthday anniversary by Solomon Islands last Friday as a celebration of connectedness, world peace, unity, friendship and human rights and time of reflection on challenges facing humanity.
In his speech at the official celebration of the 74th birthday anniversary of the monarch of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realm of nations, including Solomon Islands, in Honiara, Sir David highlighted the key symbolism of the event.
“So today, in celebrating His Majesty’s Birthday, we are celebrating connectedness, world peace, unity, friendship, human rights and reflect on ideals to address economic inequality, gender equality, equal opportunity in education, elimination of poverty, reduce unemployment, elimination of disease and free trade.”
Sir David said these challenges are ‘life issues’ that King Charles III encouraged the Commonwealth nations and the world to realise in creating a peace-loving society.
The Governor General said Monday 8 May 2023 was declared a public holiday for all the United Kingdom following the coronation of the king.
“The day was set aside for volunteering or as it was called, “The Big Help Out.”
“And people in the UK were encouraged to involve in activities or projects in their local communities.
“I could remember the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children volunteered to help with building work at the Upton Scouts Hut, while the Prime Minister and his wife were helping to prepare lunch in a Community Centre,” he added.
Driving the message home, Sir David said as Solomon Islands prepares to host the 17th Pacific Games later this year, the country should encourage its men, women, and girls and boys to voluntarily support the state in hosting the event.
The Governor General also seized the opportunity to commend the ‘diligent effort’ by the state through the COVID-19 Oversight Committee and the men and women at the frontline in enabling the nation to mitigate through the period of public emergency for their courage, foresight and selfless commitment.
He highlighted that the impacts of the pandemic have resulted in the abandoning of Queen’s Birthday celebrations in the last three years and moreover, devastated the country’s social and economic development and these negative impacts are still felt.
“And even to this day, we are yet to fully recover from the effects of COVID19. The cost of living is still high while salaries are low, making it impossible for individuals and families to make ends meet.”
Sir David even added that such financial difficulties as brought about by the pandemic contributed to people compromising their integrity by indulging in corrupt activities.
