THE 8th Premiers Conference was officially opened yesterday by the Deputy Prime Minister (PM) and acting PM Douglas Ete, at the Ginger beach, North West Guadalcanal.
Hundreds of people gathered for the program with guests including government officials.
With the theme “Community Participation in Local Economic Development” the Premiers are all set to take part in the week-long program.
In his message during the ceremony, acting Prime Minister Ete said that he is proud to officiate the program yesterday, as a guest of honour.
“I feel very honoured to be here officiating over the 8th Premiers’ Conference co-hosted by the Guadalcanal Province and Honiara City Council governments, a momentous occasion which would be remembered for a long time.
“For this I sincerely thank the Government and People of Guadalcanal Province and the Lord Mayor of Honiara City.
“Hon Mayor of Honiara City and Hon Premiers just let me welcome you to Honiara and Guadalcanal.
“I trust that this conference will be a very special and enjoyable one where you will discuss, debate over important government agendas ranging from the New Federal Constitution, the climate science, food security, education, health issues, economic development, community and ITC connectivity, infrastructure developments, the evils of extractive industries, removing red tapes, streamlining economic processes, and curtailing corruption at the local provincial level, and statehood building and governance,” Mr Ete said.
The DPM also thanked the Premiers for all their hard work and contributions in endeavouring to improve the living standards of the people in the rural communities and that the government appreciates their contributions towards the national statehood building efforts carried out in the last 37 years.
Entertainments and refreshments were also provided in the officials opening ceremony.
Meanwhile, this is a historic event given that it was co-hosted by two separate governments.
By RONALD TOITO’ONA
