The Speaker of the National Parliament of Solomon Islands Ajilon Jasper Nasiu has acknowledged and welcomed the presence of Honorable Jonathan Richard O’Dea and Mr Simon Johnston from New South Wales Parliament for accepting the invitation to attend the MPs second induction program currently underway.
“I thank you most profoundly for accepting the request made by the National Parliament to attend this induction Program and enlightened us on the topic of Separation of Powers and Leadership Role of Members”
He was speaking during a dinner he hosted to mark the opening of the induction program at the Heritage Park Hotel on Monday night.
Honorable Richard was invited as guest speaker for the program because of his vast experience since becoming an MP in 2007 in the New South Wales Parliament, while Mr Simon Johnston is the twining coordinator for the Bougainville House of Representative, Solomon Islands Parliament and New South Wales Parliament, respectively.
Mr Nasiu told Members of Parliament that the presence of the two officials is a testimony to the deep and genuine relationship that Solomon Islands Parliament has continued to enjoy with New South Wales Parliament.
“Honorable Members, of course this Program would have been pointless without your participation. I wish to kindly request all of you to attend and participate in our program for this remaining couple of days”
Mr Nasiu encouraged all MPs that this program will be meaningful and important for them as they will use the knowledge they have acquired through the program wisely in the next four years.
The Speaker reminded Members of Parliament that the induction of Members is an ongoing process, not a one off process.
“There is no such thing as a one off induction for Parliamentarians, as political national leaders, you will gradually learn your trade over the next four years both in and outside Parliament.
“I urge you to always keep an open mind and not to resist change unnecessarily.
“A politician never stops leading; please bear that in mind,” Mr Nasiu urged.
He said the induction program is important because it gives MPs an opportunity to pause and listen to each other, share ideas and experiences on issues that they as Members of Parliament commonly face in executing their responsibilities.
“Lets us all strive to make a difference in ourselves by being better leaders for our nation-the Solomon Islands, using this induction program as a stepping stone towards that difference.”
The Speaker then concluded by thanking the facilitators and presenters from the government ministries and other stakeholders who have willingly spared their time to contribute to this induction program upon invitation.
He further thanked the Solomon Islands Government for generously supporting this program through the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and for assisting the Parliament staff to strengthen the highest institution of governance in the country.
This Induction program was an initiative of the National Parliament office and the UNDP Parliamentary Strengthening Project. Much preparation was put into this initiative by the hard working staff of National Parliament and their untiring dedication shows their ultimate mission to serve Members and Parliament as the highest institution of the land.
The program will end on Thursday 14th 2015.
