THE South Vella Constituency in Western Province was ignited with fervour as its immediate former Member of Parliament (MP), Fredrick Kologheto unveiled his manifesto on Tuesday in Barakoma village.
The message that rang out loud and clear during the launch was ‘Let’s Make Vella Great Again.’
The launch of Kologheto’s manifesto and campaign commenced with a spectacular boat parade, taking a vibrant route from the Vella Development Cooperation (VDC) center to the Barakoma Village launching ceremony site.
With a convoy of up to 100 boats carrying enthusiastic supporters, Mr Kologheto demonstrated his deep-seated determination to secure victory in the upcoming National General Election of the Joint Election on April 17.
A sea of spectators, numbering in the hundreds, gathered to witness the manifesto and campaign launching.
Addressing the audience during the official opening, Mr Kologheto expressed gratitude to representatives from various institutions, Church Superintendents, the House of Chiefs of Vella, members of the Western Provincial Assembly and other dignitaries and guests who graced the occasion with their presence.
As the Caretaker Minister of Commerce and Trade, Mr Kologheto emphasized the theme of “prosperity for all,” echoing the overarching policy of the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) led by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to “Leave No One Behind.”
Reflecting on his tenure since 2019, Mr Kologheto recalled his initial focus on “Planting the Seeds of Hope,” which aimed to foster activities beneficial to the people of Vella across the various spheres of life.
Tangible constituency development projects achieved during Mr Kologheto’s tenure, include construction of clinics, improvements to infrastructure such as the Barakoma Airstrip, establishment of essential service facilities like the Vonunu Police Station and initiatives like the Vella Development Corporation and these underscored his commitment to long-term progress for the constituency.
Mr Kologheto acknowledged the challenges faced by the youths of Vella, particularly in securing employment opportunities.
He called upon South Vella Constituents to leverage the abundant resources of the island, including copra, cocoa, and Kava production, as well as its untapped tourism potential, to propel Vella towards greatness.
A total of five candidates are vying to unseat Mr Kologheto in this year’s NGE. Kologheto is the Parliamentary Wing Leader of the Solomon Islands People’s First Party (SIPFP) and the party’s candidate for the South Vella Constituency Seat in this year’s NGE.
The five rival candidates include Lionel Alex, Ronald Ivapitu, Dr Kubota Kaniki, Conrad Rore and Jacob Kwan.
(SIPFP) was a coalition partner in the OUR Party-led Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement. SIPFP is fielding a total of seven candidates in this year’s NGE.
Four of the candidates are from the Western Province and they include Chachabule Amoi for Marovo Constituency, Fredrick Koloqeto for South Vella Constituency, Josephine Kama for South New Georgia-Rendova-Tetepare Constituency and Wayne Ghemu for Ranoggah-Simbo Constituency.
The event concluded with feasting and live band music entertainment.
Mr Kologheto is a mechanical engineer by profession, specializing in Robotics Programming.
As Mr Kologheto launched his campaign, the theme of making Vella great again resonated throughout the constituency, igniting hope for a brighter future under a vision-based leadership.
Other candidates are also conducting their campaign programs.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
