The Malaita Provincial Premier Daniel Suidani continues to attract large crowds in his visits around the province.
During his latest visit to Afio in Small Malaita over the weekend, Premier Suidani was welcomed in style as the people of Small Malaita carried the Premier on their shoulders in a canoe, a highest form of welcome in the Small Malaita culture only for leaders who the people think deserved such welcome.
According to Graham Tau on the ground in Afio, people have gathered in huge numbers as they anticipate, excited and curious to hear from Premier what are the MARA government’s development plans for the southern region.
The premier also visited Rokera Provincial Secondary School on Sunday before returning to Auki.
The only two other people who have been welcomed in this way in recent years are the former Australia High Commissioner to Solomon Islands His Excellency Roderick Brazier and Member of Parliament (MP) for Small Malaita Rick Hou during the 2018 Yam Festivals.
After returning from his medical trip overseas, the Premier visited Ward 28 in West Kwaio, Dala and Fauabu in Ward 4, and over the weekend Afio Ward 23 in Small Malaita.
His recent visits attracted thousands of rural Malaitans who poured in to listen to their Premier talking about the way forward for the province under the MARA government.
By WILSON SAENI
Auki News Bureau
