THE Island Sun newspaper’s front-page story about the mass resignation of government Members of Parliament (MPs) is entirely inaccurate and misleading.
The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) remains unbothered by this propaganda.
The story lacks substance and clearly reflects desperation. It appears the source of the story is the same individual who previously spread rumours about six ministers being sacked. GNUT comprises mature leaders committed to serving the nation’s interests, unshaken by petty politics.
The issues raised in the Motion of No Confidence (MoNC) have been thoroughly addressed by the government. Only someone uninformed or unwilling to acknowledge the government’s efforts would dismiss this progress.
The Minister of Finance and Treasury, Honourable Manasseh Sogavare, has clarified that the majority of the over SBD 300 million in tax exemptions were allocated to statutory obligations. These include exemptions for all Members of Parliament (MPs) and designated embassies operating in the country. Additionally, statutory exemptions account for those granted to private companies involved in donor-funded projects.
The Minister of Finance has addressed the issue of tax exemptions by both holding a media press conference and delivering a statement in Parliament on the matter.
It seems that only an uninformed leader would disregard the initiatives put forth by the Minister of Finance.
The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) is fully aware of the impact of tax exemptions on revenue collection and is implementing measures, including enhanced monitoring, to ensure the exemptions align with government policy, are used as intended, and are not abused by recipients.
The GNUT is committed to its transformation agenda by increasing the 2025 development budget allocations for key government ministries in the productive sector, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Fisheries Resources and Management, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration, and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development.
GNUT’s primary policy focus has been to strengthen and develop the productive sector by accelerating investment to sustain the social sector. GNUT remains committed to its core policy direction.
GNUT is committed to political stability and will do everything in its power to maintain stable leadership over the next three years.
For now, GNUT has prioritized the 2025 budget, as it considers it to belong to the people of Solomon Islands. Once passed, GNUT will continue to lead the country until the next National General Election in 2028.
GNUT invites MPs from the Opposition and the Independent group to join us and become part of the solution, rather than the problem. Let us work together to unite and transform our country.
SOURCE: OPMC
