Solomon Islands will host the Melanesian Spearhead Group-Prime Minister’s (MSG-PM) Cup 2024 in December.
This came after MSG Secretariat together with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) officially signed the MSG-PM’s Cup host agreement on Thursday.
The signing was done at the Ministry of Home Affairs conference room in Honiara.
The deal allows the country to host the MSG-PM’s Cup2024 in Honiara from 8th to 10thDecember 2024.
Speaking during the official signing, the MHF supervising Permanent Secretary (PS) Stanley Wale said, the MSG PM’s cup host agreement signing signifies crucial milestone for the Solomon Islands as the country embarks on the journey to host the MSG PM’s this December.
“Today signifies a crucial milestone for the Solomon Islands as we embark on the journey to host the forthcoming MSG PM’s Cup in December 2024.
“This tournament, which has evolved from its earlier incarnation as the Melanesian Cup, transcends the realm of sports; it is a celebration of our collective culture, unity, and the vibrant spirit that defines Melanesia.
“As many are aware, the MSG PM’s Cup carries with it a rich legacy, having been revitalized in 2022.
“Last year saw Vanuatu host the event under its new title, where Papua New Guinea emerged victorious.
“In 2023, New Caledonia graciously hosted us, and it was our great honour when the Solomon Islands claimed victory, securing the title in a thrilling match against New Caledonia.
“We are indeed privileged to carry the mantle as the current champions,” Wale said.
Supervising PS Mr. Wale in his remarks confirmed that preparation towards co-hosting the tournament is currently underway at the moment.
He said, the country’s preparations for the 2024 tournament are now underway.
“The GNUT Cabinet has endorsed our hosting of the MSG PM’s Cup in Honiara, and we are devoted to ensuring this event is a tremendous success.
“The preliminary schedule has been set, with strategic meetings planned leading up to the official opening on December 8th, followed by the tournament from December 10th to 22nd”, Wale added.
“We look forward to showcasing our world-class sporting facilities,” he said.
Wale further assured the MSG Director General Mr. Leonard Louma that the government will work closely with the Secretariat to ensure the forthcoming tournament a great success.
He said he has confidence in the organizing committee to work progressively on the preparation in the coming weeks.
On that note the Director General of the MSG Louma thanked the Solomon Islands government for the efforts behind the agreement to host the tournament and as it was officially signed.
“Now as we witnessed today the official signing of the agreement ceremony that will definitely states to us that the MSG PM’s Cup will be host this year.
“This is a significant event, and the important of it should never be underestimated. If you look at the results of the Pacific Games, the Melanesian teams did very well and even went to the finals and it does suggest me that we are doing something right and correct in the PM’s cup, we are preparing our teams to be able to compete with other teams in the region.
“The idea to host the MSG PM’s cup in Solomon Islands, in our earlier discussions we were told that you will not able to host the tournament but now that you have successfully navigated through your own government system and now that you have a decision to host it, all of us can only say thank you,” Louma concluded.
Meanwhile, during the official agreement signing the Supervising PS Mr. Wale confirmed that the preliminary schedule of the tournament has been set with strategic meetings planned leading up to the official opening on December 8th, followed by the tournament from December 10th to 22nd.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
