SOLOMON Islands Prime Minister Matthew Wale says his government will not accept “business as usual,” emphasizing that the country must now move forward with purpose and determination.
Wale declared that the familiar barriers cited over decades such as cost, capacity, risk, and timing can no longer justify delay, noting that the country has heard these excuses decade after decade.
“For too long, these obstacles have been used to defend the status quo,” he said.
“With respect, but without apology, we say: get used to it, the status quo is no longer.”
He reaffirmed that the government is committed to a transformational national vision. A vision that seeks to fully harness the nation’s natural resources for the benefit of its people and deliver genuine freedom from long-standing economic and social constraints.
He described this transformational vision as a “paradigm shift” aimed at building a middle-income Solomon Islands.
Addressing the robust debate in Parliament, Wale said it has not weakened this vision but instead reinforced confidence in the nation’s ability to rise to the challenge.
“The debate has proven that this House when it argues hard and honestly, is equal to the size of the task before us,” he said.
Emphasizing the national motto “To lead is to serve” Wale stressed that both government and opposition will be judged by their commitment to this principle.
He called for a renewed sense of unity and responsibility across all leaders as the Solomon Islands approaches its Golden Jubilee of Independence in 2028.
“Let it be said of this Parliament that it not only spoke well but worked faithfully for the people,” he added.
Wale underscored that the time for action is now, and the era of excuses and inaction must end.
