DEAR EDITOR – I join the nation in passing our Province and people’s deep condolences to the families and relatives of those who have tragically lost their lives in the recent Honiara flooding.
It is heartbreaking learning of families losing a number of their loved ones. Losing one member of a family to disaster is very sad indeed, but to lose a few is quite unimaginable.
Some of us who have not experienced such loss may never fully understand the grief and pain you are all going through right now. Rest assured of our thoughts and prayers.
We also send our sympathies to those who have lost their homes, properties, businesses and livelihoods to this disaster.
Watching all that you have worked so hard for in building up over the years taken away in a split moment is heartbreaking. It is our sincere prayer that you have the strength and courage to recover from this loss sooner.
To all of those in town and communities in Guadalcanal who are adversely affected by this disaster, we also think of you all.
No doubt services will be affected. You are probably experiencing issues with food and water. Life would be more difficult than it was before this disaster. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
To those who are working so hard in trying to provide relief support to the affected families and communities, we thank you for your sacrifices and dedication and support.
In moments like this, the emotions can be overwhelming, but I do hope that you stick to the task without fear or favours.
To all our leaders, particularly political leaders of Honiara City, and Guadalcanal, please be strong. Disasters have no political boundaries.
This is a time when we all come together regardless of our political affiliations to deal with the issues at hand. No doubt resources will be scarce as you endeavor to address the devastating situation around you. Our Prayers are with you.
To our national leaders, thank you for your respect and concern for our people who are suffering from this disaster.
As Honiara is our national capital and home to people from all provinces, we are all affected either directly or indirectly.
Services to all provinces delivered through various government ministries and even the private sector would be affected.
Any disaster to Honiara is a disaster to the whole nation, in terms of all the services delivered centrally from Honiara.
This is probably not the best time to score political points, but perhaps “decentralization” should be given due consideration.
I think we can all learn a lesson or two from this disaster, and I hope and pray that we have the strength, wisdom and will to do what is just and right- for now and into the future.
Jackson Kiloe
Premier
Choiseul Province
