PRIME MINISTER’S REFLECTION ON INDEPENDENCE THANKS-GIVING SERVICE
This afternoon, we come together in fellowship to offer thanks to our Almighty God for the never-ending blessing and grace upon us for the past 47 years as a nation. We give thanks for the peace and prosperity we experienced, for the unity and strength that have carried us through tough times, and for the opportunities to grow and thrive as one people and one nation.
As I reflect on our journey as a nation, two factors stand out for me, the power that comes with a united people and the importance of stability in governance at all levels. These two factors are mutually reinforcing. They cannot be separated, as we honour and learn from our past, capitalise on what we do now, to sail into a future that is peaceful and prosperous.
The theme for this independence anniversary is “unity and stability for transformation and prosperity”. Unity is not about sameness; it is about the spirit of umi tugeda with our diversity. Stability is not about being static, it is about being resilient and innovative. The theme is a reminder of the power of coming together as one people. Furthermore, it is about being agile, anticipatory and uncompromising in our endeavours to secure sustainable development outcomes for all. It serves as a call to action for each and every one of us, to draw on our strengths and work towards a common goal of progress and success.
Our journey in the past 47 years was not that easy. Our unity and stability have been tested but with God’s grace, and support from our partners we have prevailed as nation. Our past experiences have taught us that only through unity and stability we can truly achieve transformation and prosperity.
The Bible teaches us to be united in love and to live in harmony with one another. Just as a house divided against itself cannot stand; a nation divided will struggle to thrive. We gained independence because our people and leaders were united on that important undertaking. We bounced back from COVID-19 and successfully hosted the Pacific Games because we were united and had political stability. By coming together and working towards a common goal, we can have progress that is built on mutual respect and understanding.
The GNUT’s policy commitment on fostering unity and stability within our nation is crucial in navigating the challenges that confront us and to seize and create opportunities for our nation. However, fostering unity and stability must include hearing from diverse voices and perspectives – including having frank discussions on issues of importance to our nation.
In the letter to Philippians 2:2, Apostle Paul reminded us to be “united in spirit, intent on one purpose.” Therefore, let us take heed of these words and come together as one. I call on every Solomon Islanders to strive for unity. Create new relationships (partnership and collaboration), mending those that may have fallen to disrepair, and amending those that may no longer be appropriate. We need to do this at all levels; from our homes to our communities; from our nation to other nations. Similarly, I call on our leaders, to unite our people, strengthen our institutions, focus on sustainable development outcomes for all, to bring stability to our communities and nation.
This call for unity and stability for transformation and prosperity is needed now than ever before. Let us not weaken in our commitment to creating a Solomon Islands and world where everyone is valued and respected. To our partners, thank you for your commitment and support to this country.
To my beloved Solomon Islanders, let us celebrate, reflect and reaffirm our commitment to unity and stability for transformation and progress. Let us stand together as one people, embrace our diversity, and strive towards the future envisioned in our national anthem of – joy, peace, progress and prosperity.
To God be the glory, great things he had done!
Happy 47th Independence Anniversary Celebration!
God bless Solomon Islands from shore to shore!