SOGAVARE PRAISES NORTHWEST GUADALCANAL FARMERS DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has praised the initiative by a rural Farmers’ Association established in Northwest Guadalcanal to develop their resources for economic self-reliance.

Sogavare led a delegation of cabinet ministers, backbenchers and senior officials upon invitation from the Northwest Guadalcanal Development Association (NWGDA) to visit their establishments and to listen to their initiatives.

Prime Minister Sogavare described the Association as a classic example of a great initiative that engages people in agricultural activities that contribute to positive economic development and financial self-reliance.

Members of the Northwest Guadalcanal Development Association during PM Sogavare’s visit

The site visit was useful for government leaders to engage at the rural level and to see first-hand what is happening on the ground that will help in focusing government policies in the right direction.

Sogavare highlighted the need for eighty percent of the rural population to take part in economic development activities.

“The culture of dependency is becoming a norm in our societies and have left many to contribute less and less in economic development and there is a need for more Solomon Islanders to contribute to the economic development of the country,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare congratulated the executive and members of the NWGDA for setting a benchmark for others to follow.

The NWGDA was established this year when the Government announced its Economic Stimulus Package initiative as a way to properly organise local farmers who are willing to enhance their economic activities.

The Association is inclusive of Copra, Cocoa, Noni, Root Crops, Poultry, Fisheries, Youth events, Programs, Training, Tourism and Networking.

ENDS///

Media Release from Government Communication Unit