BY CHRIS ALEX
IN a poignant address during the official opening ceremony of the 2023 Kirakra Peace Cup Games on Saturday, August 26, 2023, Member of Parliament for West Makira Constituency Hon. Derrick Manuari, the guest of honor and national leader, emphasized the significance of unity and peace in the face of the Solomon Islands’ current financial challenges.
Addressing a diverse crowd at Kirakira, the capital of Makira province, for this year’s annual Games, Hon. Manuari acknowledged the foundational divisions of the nation, be they cultural, racial, religious, or linguistic, and how these differences often lead to challenges.
Quoting the late SS Mamaloni, he reminded the audience that the Solomon Islands is a nation conceived in division, one that has struggled to fully unite. However, he stressed that fostering unity and advocating for peace become even more vital during times of economic hardship.
“Our nation’s strength lies in our ability to come together despite our differences,” Hon. Manuari declared, highlighting the need for solidarity during tough times.
With the country grappling with financial difficulties, including high inflation, unemployment, and shortages of essential supplies like medicine, he urged the citizens to rise above their individual struggles and support one another. Drawing inspiration from history, Hon. Manuari referred to former U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s famous quote:
“Ask not what the government can do for you but what you can do for the government,” end of quote. “He paralleled this sentiment to the current situation in the Solomon Islands, where the call should be to ask not only what the country can do for its citizens but also what citizens can do for the country.”
The Kirakira Peace Cup Games, a symbol of camaraderie and friendly competition, serves as a platform to bring people together, fostering a sense of unity that extends beyond cultural divisions. As the guest of honor, Hon. Manuari praised the event for its role in promoting friendship and understanding among various rural communities within the particular region of the country.
Likewise, Hon. Derrick Manuari emphasized the collective responsibility of all citizens to contribute positively to their nation during trying times.
By embracing the spirit of unity, empathy, and cooperation, he urged Solomon Islanders to transcend the divisions that have historically defined the nation and instead work towards building a more peaceful and resilient future.
The official opening ceremony was attended by various dignitaries and citizens, with Hon. Manuari being the sole representative of the Members of Parliament present at this year’s Games opening ceremony. As the Kirakra Peace Cup Games continue, the message of unity and resilience is sure to resonate throughout the nation.
