Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare saw his dream come true in 2023 when the Solomon Islands hosted the Pacific Games, a big win in his time in office. The four-time Prime Minister has also had tremendous influence on international politics during the year.
He took a brave step in forging a bilateral relations security agreement with China despite the protests of some Western nations. PM Sogavare rightly insisted that Solomon Islands is a sovereign nation and is free to choose whatever is good for itself. Richard Naidu, the editor of Islands Business, said these were just some of the reasons why the veteran politician was named their Pacific Person of the Year in 2023.When opening the Pacific Games in Honiara, PM Sogavare said: “Tonight we take the first step in telling our story to the world.”
The hosting of the Games was one of the most successful events of 2023 to be held in the region. There was a lot at stake for Sogavare’s reputation given the very visible Chinese government support of the event. Much of the infrastructure which includes the beautiful sports stadium in Honiara was Chinese built and funded.
Prime Minister Sogavare also deferred the national elections until after the Games.The naming of Sogavare as the Pacific Person of the Year was met with warmth reception throughout the Pacific. In fact, if any Pacific leader had made decisions and done things in 2023 that brought lots of benefits to his country, Solomon Islands’ Sogavare was that person.
Sogavare has been good for the Solomons and thus for the region. And Solomons has been a better place because of PM Sogavare.
