PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) Government strongly believes a public –private sector partnership is a way forward to boost tourism industry in the country.
He highlighted this when speaking before the Council of Tourism Ministers meeting yesterday at the second day of the meeting held at Heritage Park Hotel.
“My Government is a strong believer on the public-private sector partnership. We believe in inclusive decision making and I’m pleased this sector has taken that approach. This is the way forward, if we are to achieve a united goal with our people in our provinces.
“As we gather for this important meeting today (yesterday), let me say to you once again that my Government is not here to ponder on petty issues that do no good to our development. DCC Government is committed to embrace development that brings tangible benefits to Solomon Islanders. That vision can only be realized when all of us work together as a team,” Mr Sogavare said.
He said, everyone must be committed to build relationship and close structural gaps between national gov’t and provincial government.
“I would like to tell you my good provincial ministers and your provincial secretaries today (yesterday) that we must be committed to build relationship and close structural gaps between National Government and provincial governments.
“We must be committed to break silos and build bridges with the private sectors and build relations with donors and other stakeholders to be active participants in our tourism development.
“This is a challenging proposition when one considers the chains of underdeveloped and unfinished tourism infrastructures in many parts of the country,” Prime Minister said.
Mr Sogavare encouraged all provincial tourism ministers and provincial secretaries to create collaboration to the plans to address pertinent issues of tourism in Solomon Islands.
“I would like to encourage all provincial tourisms ministers to embrace this plan so that it can collectively work with the private sectors. It is plan that believes on public-private partnership approach to development. It is also a plan that tackles key challenges and obstacles to development.
“It is a plan that capitalizes on opportunities by minimizing risks. I would like to encourage you all to create collaborations to this plan so that we can all work together to address the pertinent issues to our tourism industry.
Meanwhile Mr Sogavare encouraged the tourism ministry and provincial tourism office to put their discussed plans into actions.
“My good Ministers and PSs would like to tell you plan promises a lot of good things. It was put together by professionals who understand the issues that hinder the successful development of this sector.
“But like all plans, unless it is implemented it will remain a good plan. I’m highlighting this point because it is one of the major weaknesses in our country.
“Good plans are often left to collect dust and fail to achieve their objectives because we do not allow them to guide the way we organize the supporting institutions and strategies. This includes the allocation of budgetary resources, strategic support to our service providers, and the list goes on.
“Your discussions will not be complete without touching on the possible reasons why this plan will not bring about the desired outcome,” Mr Sogavare said.
Council of tourism ministers meeting ended on Thursday.
By DENVER NEWTER
