Historic Tourism MOU Signed by GPG and HCC
The Guadalcanal Provincial Government (GPG) and Honiara City Council have signed a historic tourism MOU at the GPG headquarters today morning.
According to Article 2 of the MOU, the main “purpose… is to establish a working relationship between both parties of jurisdiction and further establish the common understanding and shared values to develop the tourism sector to maintain and compete both regionally and internationally.”
It moves on to state that the MOU “re-emphasizes the values and diverse cultures present in both jurisdictions and thus enables both parties to protect, appreciate and add value(s) in a sustainable manner.”
The MOU is also inclusive towards the Pacific Games 2023, and aims “to pull in relevant stakeholders to make the games a memorable event” because despite the fact that Honiara City will be the hosting city, “HCC cannot work in isolation from GPG” hence the MOU “gives equal responsibility for both parties to prepare the venues and the landscapes to be visitor-ready and visitor-friendly” before November 2023.
It is believed that the Tourism MOU is not only the first in the tourism sector but also the first MOU between the two parties since their establishment.
In opening today’s low-key, but historic ceremony, the Minister for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Richard Reti states that his Division is not only humble but elated to achieve the historic MOU with HCC.
“As the Minister responsible, I’m not humble, but happy to state that today’s ceremony is a milestone between these two governments,” Minister Reti says.
He adds, “This MOU is the symbol of working together, despite the challenges especially the global pandemic COVID -19, to improve the livelihoods of Honiara City residents and Guadalcanal Province people inside and outside of Honiara City’s boundaries in regards to the tourism sector. We are hopeful that the MOU will also help us better prepare for the Pacific Games 2023 next year”.
In his remarks regarding the historic Tourism MOU, Honiara City Mayor Eddie Siapu first pays respect to the indigenous people of Guadalcanal on behalf of the Honiara City residents.
“I would like to take this special opportunity to pay homage to the chiefs, elected leaders, women, and people past and present of the land in which we stand for this important occasion today,” he says.
Mayor Siapu also states that HCC Tourism Division is now fulfilling its 10-Year Strategic Plan through the MOU with Guadalcanal Province.
According to the Honiara City Mayor, the HCC Tourism Policy highlights the need to build a strong partnership with the Guadalcanal Provincial Government. For instance, Part 2 (14) of the HCC Tourism Policy says “…HCC to link with Guadalcanal Province…on historical values and to coordinate and strengthen links”, Part 4 (i) states “HCC emphasizes sports and recreational activities such as action adventures and tropical exotic experiences in partnerships with Guadalcanal Province” and Part 7 (17) says “HCC to establish cooperation with Guadalcanal Province to develop tourism products and activities”
Honiara City Mayor Mr Siapu also shares that forging a mutual partnership with GP is an important step in the right direction because HCC operates and is situated in Guadalcanal. Thus, it is timely to have the MOU not only in tourism, but in other issues including, waste management, Green Urban Space – beautification, and other social and leisure activities that would build and enhance more cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
He concludes “There are important issues that are pending between two governments to discuss, however this MOU now paves the way for more dialogues in the future. I pledge my government’s support and cooperation in working closely with the Guadalcanal Provincial Government in matters concerning our common interests”.
In response, Deputy Premier Hon. Lazarus Rina, on behalf of the GP Executive, also welcomes the historic MOU. He congratulates the HCC team and GP Tourism Division for their effort and time to finalize the MOU.
He states that MOU is timely and is envisaged to address some of the issues concerning the common interests of both HCC and GPG.
Deputy Premier Rina also furthers “This historic MOU will be the first of many to come due to the fact that GPG and HCC issues, especially on land settlements, land space, land boundaries, waste management, health and enforcements of ordinances sometimes overlap”.
In conclusion, the Deputy Premier congratulates the minister and councilor of Culture and Tourism from GPG and HCC for the Tourism initiatives.
The MOU will also have an advisory committee with the HCC Clerk and the PS of GPG as co-chairs.
It is effective today until 31st August, 2026 unless terminated accordingly between the two parties.
The ceremony is also attended and witnessed by the GP PS (Ag), Mr. Maesac Suia, HCC City Clerk Justus Denni, Minister of Lands (GPG) Hon. Amaziah Keith Rubo, HCC Cr. for Culture & Tourism, HCC Legal Officer, GPG Senior Legal Officer, and GPG Tourism Officer.
-GP Media
