THE Parliamentary Opposition Group has thrown its support towards the country’s bid to host the 2023 Pacific Games in Honiara.
Two countries are bidding for the event, they are Solomon Islands and Tahiti.
Yesterday Acting and Deputy Opposition Leader Rick Hou has expressed his support on behalf of the Opposition Group.
A statement from the Office said, Hou assured the Pacific Games Council (PGC) president Vidhya Lakhan and Executive Director Andrew Minogue of the Group’s support during a meeting with them at the Paul Tovua Complex, Parliament yesterday.
“Solomon Islands bid for those Games has failed in the past but it is time all of us both the Government and Opposition must throw our support behind our bid to host the event here in Honiara,” he said.
He said this bid will definitely draw a great interest and support from people as this has been something the country needs at this particular time.
“We have always been sending our athletes to these Games and it is time we play host and welcome athletes from other pacific countries,” he said.
Mr Hou said at the same time, hosting these Games would also benefit the country in the area of infrastructure development in the long run.
“If there is a time the Government needs a push to upgrade and build new infrastructures for this country, this is definitely the right time and hosting the Games will be the push factor.”
The PGC president Mr Lakhan in response thanked the acting Opposition Leader for availing his time to meet with them.
He briefly updated Hou on the progress and procedures of the country’s bid which is expected to be determined in Port Vila in May.
He explained the purpose of their visit is to evaluate Solomon Islands Pacific Games bid for 2023.
“We would like to thank the Opposition Group for your support as it is important to get support from both the Government and Opposition. The Government must be prepared to support this and work hard if Solomon Islands want to be successful,” he said.
PGC executive director Mr Minogue also echoed similar sentiments and that is to build on the positive level of support from the Government, Opposition and other stakeholders.
“Solomon Islands can benefit a lot from hosting these Games as it has become bigger, better and has attracted interest from all over the world,” it said.
Meanwhile, the acting Opposition Leader Honorable Hou has encouraged the Government and the National Olympic Committee Solomon Islands (NOCSI) to work together to bring the Pacific Games to our shores in 2023.
