MTGPEA CONDUCTED THE TRADITIONAL GOVERNANCE POLICY UPDATE AND THE 2023 PACIFIC GAMES AWARENESS PROGRAM
The Ministry of Traditional Governance Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs (MTGPEA) just recently conducted a joint awareness program on the Traditional Governance Policy update, Pacific Games 2023 and the National General Election in Guadalcanal Province.
The awareness program also includes various updates on the Solomon Islands National Peace-Building Policy (SINPP) review that is currently underway, and the Honiara City Council Litter Ordinance and it’s on the Spot Fine.
Speaking at the opening of the awareness program, the Director of the Ministry’s Traditional Governance Division, Chris Tabea on behalf of the Ministry had thanked and welcomed all the participants who have attended the program.
“It is with great honour and privilege to welcome you all to the program, despite your busy schedule and commitment but you still made it” Director says.
Your acceptance to the invitation shows your commitments and support to the Government commitments and its policy mandates. Also it reveals your obligation toward MTGPEA mandate in enhancing and fostering peace and unity through its programs and activities in the communities.
He said despite the revenue cash-flow challenges of the government, the Ministry through its Guadalcanal Provincial Office still managed and able to deliver this series of awareness programs to certain parts of Guadalcanal province.
Chris added that the four wards that were covered from the awareness program are namely; Tandai Ward, Malango Ward, Ulloa Ward and Ghaubata Ward. These wards are identified given their strategic representation and geographical location to the Honiara City.
He says “The purpose of this awareness program is to provide updates on the important Government policies that the Ministry has mandated for that were mentioned earlier.
He highlighted that since the formation of DCGA Government one of its policy mandates is to Recognize, Empower and Strengthen the various traditional government systems and structures in the country through a Bill.
In 2018, the Bill was withdrawn following the Recommendation made by Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC), foremost of which, is to carry out an intensive nation-wide consultation on this Bill given its significance to the diversity of the country.
Since then, the Ministry has been actively engaged together with its stakeholders and partners to implement the BLC recommendations. He added that this awareness program is also part of this nation-wide consultation as recommended by the Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC).
Therefore, the program will provide inputs for the Ministry to develop a Traditional Government Policy and adhere to other BLC recommendations to provide inputs on the re-drafting of the Bill.
Director calls on the participants to fully contribute on the consultation. He added “Your views and comments are very important to assist the re-drafting process of the Bill”.
He also urged the participants to inform their communities and schools on what they have acquired from the presentations that were delivered during the awareness program.
Meanwhile, Chiefs, Traditional Leaders and Elders from the four wards fully support institutionalisation of the TGCF Bill 2018, the statement echoes at the program.
They called on the Government to support the Ministry to fasten the re-drafting and the re-tabling of the Bill.
Also the participants acknowledged MTGPEA for the information that were shared through the presentations during the awareness program.
The program concluded at Ghaubata Ward, North Guadalcanal Constituency.
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-MTGPEA Press