It saddens me, year after year, SIG pours millions into the celebration of 7th July. No doubt, this day is such an important landmark in young nation's history. But I doubt if 7th July should be a budgetary priority for SIG. These funds could have been best utilised to improve our deteriorating infrustructure needed to facilitate economic growth. That could generate more reasons to celebrate. Every year, independence speeches (including the ones delivered at USP) reflect on the same issues and challenges with no progress. What then are we celebrating? We need to be serious about ourselves and our destiny. SIG, put a stop to this wasteful habit of celebrations and divert these funds to spark economic growth and improvement of quality of life for Solomon Islanders.