4 August 2018
Extending appreciation and thanks for helping the Solomon Islands
Last week, the Hon. Prime Minister, Rick Hou, warmly welcomed the increased funding by the New Zealand Government under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme.
The New Zealand high commissioner to Solomon Islands, H.E. Don Higgins, presented a letter from the acting New Zealand prime minister the Rt Hon Winston Peters, to the PM giving the details of the new funding arrangement, which announced the approval of an indicative funding envelope of NZ $ 104.07 million (SBD$528m) for ODA to Solomon Islands over the coming triennium (2018-2021), and on top of that a reported additional funding of $10.41 Million for renewable energy and other NGO activities.
The PM sincerely thanked the New Zealand government for the huge commitment, as I am sure we all do as well.
My thanks are offered to the Member of Parliament for the Malaita Outer Island (MOI) constituency, the Hon. Martin Kealoe, for having overseen the construction of 70 houses built under the housing scheme of his constituency.
It is believed the homes consist of two bedrooms and each has a large veranda.
The MOI MP is understood to have commented that the housing scheme will continue as it is one of the major projects that aim to improve the livelihoods of his constituents, which have been struggling for so many years to build a decent home.
The Loloma Foundation Medical Mission recently arranged for volunteer dentists optical specialist and doctors from the USA and Australia to visit the Russell and Florida Islands and there carry out free dental, optical, paediatric, women’s health, general medical and pharmacy services to over 2300, men, women and children.
Thank you Loloma Foundation Medical Mission and to all the specialist volunteers for the tremendous medical assistance rendered to those in need of medical and dental services.
A final word of appreciation and thanks is extended to the Chief Electoral Officer, Mose Saitala for having it made public knowledge that “people with disabilities” will be provided with special booths at every polling station during the upcoming national general election.
Mr Saitala said this initiative was considered to make life more significant for people with disabilities during the national election.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
