Main Menu

OPPOSITION LEADER JOINS PRIME … Second SI Bidding delegation departs today

THE SECOND batch of the Solomon Islands bidding delegation for the 2023 Pacific Games will leave the country today for Port Villa, Vanuatu.

The delegation that will travel today will include Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, his Deputy, Manasseh Maelanga and the Leader of Opposition Jeremiah Manele, and other dignitaries.

A statement from the Parliamentary Opposition Group, Press Secretary to the Opposition Leader, Douglas Marau, yesterday, said the Opposition Leader is honoured to be part of the delegation as it is important that both the Government and Opposition unite to support the bid.

“The Leader of Opposition Jeremiah Manele will be accompanying the Prime Minister to Port Vila as both leaders unite in support of the country’s bid for the 2023 Pacific Games.

“This is a national commitment that both sides of the house must show support to indicate our seriousness and commitment in getting the Games to our shores in 2023,” Mr Marau said.

Marau adds that the Parliamentary Opposition also acknowledged the commitment shown by the Government in supporting the bid.

“Solomon Islands bid for those Games has failed in the past but it is time all of us both the Government and Opposition must throw our support behind our bid to host the event here in Honiara,” Mr Marau spoke on behalf of the Opposition Leader.

Meanwhile, there has been rising scrutiny on social media from members of the general public regarding the government’s decision and focus on ensuring the 2023 Pacific Games comes to Honiara.

Many have criticised the nation’s leaders for wasting time and money on bidding for the games:

“Literally, Lucifer style. We go to neighbouring countries to buy their votes or sell our ideas in the hope that we convince them.

“It’s like we’re trying to tell people how good we are. But it should be the other way round. Build some facilities first, host some smaller regional tournaments first, etc.

“Show them our capabilities first…then it will be a bit easier to convince our Pacific Island neighbours.

“Ma diskaen barava no enting iumi garem den campaign ia ()…..huuuuu!!!! Blind. (This kind of campaigning when we have nothing to show for is just a waste of time),” one Face Book user expressed.

However, Sun SPORTS understands that President for the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) Martin Rara is optimistic and hopeful that Solomon Islands will win the bid after being denied the opportunity for quite some time now.

The voting for the Solomon Islands and Tahiti’s bid for the 2023 Pacific Games will take place Wednesday next week in Port Villa, Vanuatu.






Comments are Closed