WESTERN Provincial Premier Billy Veo has formally received the report on the review of the Provincial Government Act 1997 last week from a Special Standing Committee appointed by the province.
The report titled ‘The Report of the Special Standing Committee (SSC) for the Review of the Provincial Government Act 1997,’ was produced after a month-long review.
The special committee to scrutinize and review the Provincial Government Act 1997 was appointed by the Western Provincial Government and their appointment was approved and endorsed by the Full Western Provincial Assembly its meeting in February.
The Committee was chaired by the Member of the Provincial Member for Ward 16, who is a former Secretary to the Prime Minister (SPM), Permanent Secretary (PS) and Western Provincial Secretary, Jeffery Wickham.
His members include; MPA for Ward 7, Rence Sore, who is also a former Permanent Secretary, Special Secretary to the Prime Minister and Honiara City Clerk and the Deputy Premier and Provincial Finance Minister Calrick Runimetu.
They were able to complete the review within a month despite being given a three-month timeframe.
Premier Veo, in receiving the report, thanked the three-men team for their effort in completing the task within a short period of time.
The review was to examine the Provincial Government (PG) Acts of 1997, which has been criticized for hindering provincial development because it allows for the centralization of all provincial affairs by the Central Government, leaving provinces to act primarily as service providers.
MPA Sore who is the Secretary of the Special Standing Committee recently said this report spans significant historical milestones from 1893 to 2023 and offers a comprehensive review that underscores the nation’s evolving political landscape.
Key Historical milestones highlighted were:
- 1893 – Declaration of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate (BSIP): The report begins with the establishment of the British Solomon Islands Protectorate in 1893, marking the commencement of formal colonial governance in the region.
- 1977 – The London Congress: A crucial moment in the path to self-governance, the London Congress of 1977 saw representatives of the Solomon Islands engage in discussions pivotal to the country’s future autonomy.
- 1977 – Western Breakaway Movement: The same year saw the emergence of the Western Breakaway Movement, a significant political development reflecting regional tensions and aspirations within the Solomon Islands.
- 1978 – Solomon Islands Independence: The declaration of independence in 1978 stands as a cornerstone event, transitioning the Solomon Islands from a British protectorate to a sovereign nation.
- 1979 – Kausimae Report: Following independence, the 1979 Kausimae Report provided an early assessment and recommendations for the young nation’s governance structures.
- 1981 – Provincial Government Act (PGA): The enactment of the PGA in 1981 established the initial framework for provincial governance, laying the groundwork for subsequent administrative developments.
- 1996 – Tozaka Report: The Tozaka Report of 1996 offered a critical evaluation of the existing provincial governance structures, influencing later reforms.
- 1996 – PGA: Amendments and updates to the Provincial Government Act in 1996 addressed emerging governance challenges and needs.
- 1997 – PGA: Further refinements to the PGA in 1997 continued the process of enhancing provincial governance mechanisms.
- 2018 – Draft Federal Constitution: The Draft Federal Constitution of 2018 represents a significant step towards potential federal restructuring, aimed at accommodating the diverse regional aspirations within the Solomon Islands.
- 2020 – Paia, W. & Hite, T Report: The report by Paia and Hite in 2020 provided a contemporary analysis of governance issues, contributing to the ongoing discourse on provincial administration.
- 2023 – Constitution (Amendment) (Constituent Assembly) Act: The most recent milestone, the 2023 amendment act, introduced the Constituent Assembly, reflecting the continuous evolution of the nation’s constitutional framework.
MPA Sore stated that compiling and analyzing of these events had been an insightful journey as the process unravels the complexities and dynamism of the Solomon Islands governance.
“As the Secretary of the Special Standing Committee, I am honored to have contributed to this significant review, which not only documents our past but also informs our future direction.
“This report serves as an essential resource for policymakers, historians and citizens as it encapsulates over a century of governance evolution and thus provides a foundation for future reforms,” he said.
With the report now with Premier Veo, his executive will now take on the task of reviewing the submitted report.
A press statement will be issued in response to the final outcome of their decision later this month.
By ULUTAH GINA
Solomon Star, Gizo
