31 May 2022
Solomon Islands is ready to celebrate Her Majesty the Queen’s Official Birthday and Platinum Jubilee on Thursday 2 and Friday 3 June.
The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee is celebrated to mark 70 years of Her Majesty’s service to the people of the United Kingdom, the Realms and the Commonwealth.
The celebrations will begin with a Police Band Drum Beating Ceremony at 8.00am on June 2 in open vehicles along the main road highway from Henderson Police Station to White River amidst cheer groups waving flags along the highway at various locations in the city.
Later in the evening, a Thanksgiving Service, Cake Cutting and Lighting of a Bonfire will take place at the Saint Barnabas Anglican Cathedral from 6:30pm to 9:30pm on Thursday.
The Thanksgiving Service is limited only to invited guests and dignitaries due to covid-19 protocols.
Dignitaries attending the service will include the Acting Governor General and Speaker of the National Parliament Patterson Oti, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, Chief Justice Sir Albert Palmer, British High Commissioner Mr. Thomas Coward and Honiara City Lord Mayor, Mr. Edward Siapu.
On Friday June 3 at 9.00am, invited guests and other dignitaries will witness the Planting of Platinum Jubilee trees at Government House by the Acting Governor-General, the Prime Minister, the Chief Justice, the Lord Mayor and British High Commissioner after the Jubilee speech by the Acting Governor General.
A low key reception will be hosted for dignitaries and guests before the programme concludes by midday.
The Government House confirms that although celebrations will begin on Thursday 2 June, the Official Public Holiday will fall on Friday 3 June.
Source – GCU
Yours sincerely
Frank Short