PM joins Premier of Central Province in cutting the anniversary cake.
Central Province celebrated its 44th Second Appointed Day in Tulagi, sending a strong message of unity, resilience, and shared responsibility for development.
Prime Minister Hon. Jeremiah Manele was the guest of honor at the event and congratulated Premier Hon. Kenneth Sagupari and his new Government for Change and Rural Transformation (GCRT).
He praised the theme of this year’s celebration — “Reinforcing greater commitment towards the resilience development of Central Province through openness, sense of belonging, equal participation and sustainability” — as meaningful and timely.
“This theme reflects the challenges we face from climate change, economic pressures, and limited resources,” said Prime Minister Manele. “It also calls on all of us to work together and make sure every family, community, and ward has a role and a voice in shaping their future.”
The Prime Minister highlighted Central Province’s development achievements, including more than 356 projects worth over SBD 36.2 million since 2008 under the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF). These projects have helped improve schools, clinics, water supply, farming, and fisheries.
He also commended the province for receiving four clean audit reports in a row. “This is a clear sign that the province is managing its resources well,” he said. “But we must stay alert — political instability in recent years has caused the province to lose millions in funding, and that is something we cannot afford to repeat.”
PM Manele reaffirmed the national government’s support for the province’s future development. Key projects include:
- Tulagi Wharf and Hospital refurbishment (completed), and the Tulagi Ring Road (soon to be tendered).
- Upgrades to Yandina and Anuha airstrips, with plans for a new airstrip at Belulu.
- A new CEMA processing plant on Pavuvu Island to boost coconut and cocoa production.
- A mini-hospital for the Russell Islands.
- Road upgrades in Small and Big Ngela.
- Plans for Siota and Macmahon schools to offer senior secondary education by 2026.
“We welcome the GCRT’s commitment to align provincial policies with the national development agenda,” PM Manele said. “This partnership will help us deliver better outcomes for our people.”
He also pointed to ongoing national reforms, such as changes to the Provincial Government Act, the Revenue Sharing Bill, and a review of the PCDF system to make development fairer across provinces.
The Prime Minister called on everyone — leaders, churches, chiefs, businesses, youth, and communities — to work together.
“Our peace, progress, prosperity and future lies squarely on our shoulders,” he said. “Let us work together in the spirit of Umi Tugeda and turn our province’s potential into lasting opportunities for all.”
