SIG-MARA Dialogue gaining grounds

A tone has been set for future dialogue between the national government and the Malaita Provincial Government. This is successfully achieved after a meeting on 22^nd of December 2021 between a national government delegation and Malaita Provincial Government (MPG) delegates at the provincial capital, Auki, Malaita Province.

A Government statement reported, the national government delegation was led by Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), Stanley Pirione.

Representing MPG were Premier honourable Daniel Suidani, his nine executive members and Deputy Provincial Secretary (DPS) MPG.

The meeting proceeded despite a slight hiccup where members of the now unlawful society M4D have blocked the government officials from entering the meeting venue at Auki Provincial Town.

The national government delegation met with Premier Suidani and executive and the agendas included;

 

1. MPGIS and Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) internal matters with MPG,
2. MPGIS- Community Governance and Grievance Management project (CGGMP) meeting with MPG on the future of the program in Malaita Province and
3. To discuss ways in which the current political impasse can be resolved and how best both the national government and MPG can work together in ironing out issues for a way forward thru dialogue, consultation and meetings.

 

After the meeting resolutions were reached and these including MPG will meet in the first quarter of 2022 “…to organize itself and submit possible resolutions to pave a way forward for future discussions”.

 

“We look forward for submissions by the first quarter of 2022 from the MARA Government,” the government statement said.

 

The Malaita Provincial Government is encouraged to utilize this approach since it is the best way forward, it emphasised.

 

The Malaita Alliance for Rural Advancement (MARA) government was given the freedom to choose the mode or form of dialogue, or meeting or consultation. MPGIS stands ready to facilitate such meeting upon request.

 

MARA government is also directed to channel any urgent matters to MPGIS.

 

The National Government through the MPGIS also reaffirmed its support to Provinces “…including the Malaita Provincial government on its mandated functions as required under the Solomon Islands National Constitution and the Provincial Government Act 1997.

 

It appeals for understanding and support from all stakeholders and encourages Malaita Church leaders to pray for a peaceful solution concerning MARA and SIG.

-PM Press Secretariat