THE Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, Rod Hilton has expressed gratitude to Malaita Province for its significant role in providing labor to Australia under the Pacific Australia Labor Mobility (PALM) scheme.
His remarks came at the official celebration of Malaita Province’s 41st Second Appointed Day in Auki last Thursday.
High Commissioner Hilton was joined by representatives from various donor partners, including China, Japan and the United States, who were invited to the celebration.
In his address, the Australian envoy expressed acknowledgement for the contributions of Solomon Islanders, particularly those from Malaita, in making a positive impact on Australia.
Currently, approximately 7,500 seasonal workers from the Solomon Islands are employed in Australia, with nearly 2,700 hailing from Malaita, marking it as the province with the highest number of workers in the program.
High Commissioner Hilton noted that nearly 1,000 additional Solomon Island workers are preparing to travel to Australia for employment.
He emphasized that these workers have made substantial contributions to both Australia and the Solomon Islands, particularly to Malaita Province.
As Australia’s primary infrastructure partner in Solomon Islands, High Commissioner Hilton signed an MoU with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development and the Malaita Provincial Government for the improvement of the South Road in Malaita Province.
This signing took place in front of the crowd that gathered for the official Second Appointed Day celebration.
The $11.5 million Australian-funded project will focus on emergency work along the South Road, which extends from Auki to Bina in the West Kwaio electorate.
This funding will support communities in three constituencies – Auki Langalanga, Central Kwara’ae, and West Kwaio.
Australia’s commitment aims to enhance sustainable infrastructure and create more job opportunities for the people of Malaita.
By SOLOMON LOFANA
Solomon Star, Auki
