Official events include Thanksgiving Service at Saint Barnabas Cathedral and Independence Anniversary Program at the National Stadium
The Coordinating Committee for the Independence Anniversary Celebration is preparing for the country’s upcoming 46th Independence Anniversary, scheduled for July 7th and 8th.
This year’s theme, “Charting our United and Transformative Future Together,” was approved by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC).
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.
The Thanksgiving Service, starting at 2:00 pm, will be attended by invited guests, VIPs and the public. Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele will deliver a reflection during the service.
On Monday, July 8th, two float parades will start at 6 am from opposite ends of Honiara. The Eastern float begins at Henderson Police Station in East Honiara, while the Western float starts from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) compound, both proceeding to the National Stadium. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), 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 invited groups will participate in the float parades.
Main events at the National Stadium include the official parade, speeches, honors and awards ceremony, entertainment and the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected Governor General, Reverend David Tiva Kapu.
The official programs will be broadcast live on radio and online by the National Broadcaster.
An entertainment program is also organized for youth and the public at the Honiara Youth Hub at the Multi-Purpose Hall area from Saturday to Monday. This program features live band performances, including gospel and secular music groups, cultural dances and live string band performances.
The Independence organizing committee encourages business houses and communities in Honiara to participate in the scheduled programs, while communities across the country are urged to join the celebrations and proudly display the national colors throughout the weekend.
Solomon Islands gained Independence from Great Britain on 7 July 1978.
