The Coordinating Committee for the Solomon Islands Independence Anniversary Celebration is preparing for the country’s 46th Independence Anniversary on July 7th and 8th, 2024.

This year's theme, “Charting our United and Transformative Future Together,” was approved by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC).

The official events include a Thanksgiving Service at Saint Barnabas Cathedral on Sunday, July 7th, and the Independence Anniversary Program at the National Stadium on Monday, July 8th. The Thanksgiving Service, open to invited guests, VIPs, and the public, will begin at 2:00 PM, with Honorable Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele delivering his reflection.

On Monday, July 8th, two float parades will start at 6 AM from the western and eastern ends of Honiara, converging at the National Stadium. The eastern float will depart from Henderson Police Station in East Honiara, while the western float will start from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) compound. Led by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), the parades will include cultural groups, government ministries, members of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries (SICCI), Honiara City Council (HCC), state-owned enterprises (SOEs), schools, and other invited groups.

The main official parade, speeches, honors and awards ceremony, entertainment, and the Swearing-in ceremony will be held at the National Stadium. This year’s celebrations will also feature the swearing-in of the new Governor General Elect, Reverend David Tiva Kapu from the Central Islands Province, who was elected on June 17th. He will take the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath for the due execution of the Office of the Governor General.

The official programs on July 7th and 8th will be broadcast live on radio and online by the National Broadcaster. Additionally, an entertainment program for youths and the public will be held at the Honiara Youth Hub at the Multi-Purpose Hall area from Saturday, July 6th to Monday, July 8th. This program will feature live performances from gospel and secular music groups, cultural dances, and live string band performances.

The organizing committee encourages business houses and communities in Honiara to participate in the programs. Communities across the country are also urged to join the celebrations and display the national colors during the weekend festivities.

 

Source: Press Release, Government Communications Unit