Ministry of Culture & Tourism: 2023 Independence Message

From: The Honourable Minister, Hon. Bartholomew Parapolo, Permanent Secretary Bunyan Sivoro, Deputy Secretary and Staff of Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) in Honiara and Provincial Offices.

TO: The Governor General, Sir David Vunagi and Lady Vunagi, Prime Minister, Hon.Manasseh Sogavare and Madam Sogavare, Members of Cabinet, Speaker of National Parliament, Chief Justice, Leader of the Opposition, Leader of Independent Group, Members of Parliament, Provincial Premiers and Members of Provincial Assemblies, Heads of State Owned Enterprises, Heads of Private Sector Entities, Non-Governmental Organizations, Church Leaders, Chiefs and Traditional Leaders, Development Partners, Women Leaders, Youth Leaders, Stakeholders in Tourism development in Solomon Islands.

Happy 45th Independence Anniversary Celebrations!

On this memorable occasion, we wish to join other government ministries and agencies to recognize the unceasing commitment, dedication and partnership of our political masters, government officials, elders and leaders of our communities, tourism operators, donor partners, private sector organizations, and NGOs  for the invaluable support rendered in our continuous drive to achieving our Ministry’s Vision Statement; “a robust service to agencies for effective delivery and sustainable protection of the diverse culture and traditions of the people of Solomon Islands through sustainable tourism development agenda”.

In progressing our Independent Democratic State of Solomon Islands endeavors in tourism sector, the Ministry continues to engage and partner with its stakeholders (both state and non-state actors locally and internationally) to manifest our National Tourism Agenda to support our country’s economic recovery. With this we are truly grateful to all agencies in the government, private sector, development partners, and non-government organizations in collectively driving the tourism agenda at the country level.

Despite of our many challenges such as covid-19 and riots-we all face as a country; we continue to thrive and steadfast with our Christian and Democratic principles and values.

Such challenges had tested the very foundation of our structures and systems but with strong leadership and our combined resilience in whatever circumstances, we continue to remain united, stronger, and determined to chart a brighter future for our future generations.

In this occasion we also want to thank all Solomon Islanders for your continuous priceless contributions and efforts in advancing the broader sustainable tourism agenda in our beloved happy Isles.

As we focus on this year’s 2023 Independence Anniversary’s theme: “RISING ABOVE ANDOVERCOMING OUR CHALLENGES AS ONE PEOPLE”. Let’s put our differences aside and join our hands together as One Family -called Solomon Islands Family-to rebuild our Only Solomon Islands to reach its Happy Isles status again.

A country that once enjoyed free and safe travel for all mankind regardless of ethnicity or whatever affiliations to enjoy our natural endowments.

On this day, may we as individual citizens renew and reaffirm our allegiance to our God and our State by singing of the National Anthem.

May we continue to remain loyal and committed to lead and serve our people, and may love, peace and joy of the King of the Universe –Jesus Christ -fill our hearts as we celebrate the 45th anniversary of our nation hood.

Happy 45th Independence Celebrations! God bless Solomon Islands from Shore to Shore!