In New Year’s greeting, Governor Onaga expresses determination not to back down on base issue
Governor Takeshi Onaga makes his new year’s greeting to prefectural employees on January 4 at the Prefectural Office.
January 5, 2016 Ryukyu Shimpo
On January 4, Governor Takeshi Onaga made his new years’ greeting to prefectural employees over the Prefectural Office’s broadcast system. In the greeting, he expressed his determination to continue working to prevent the construction of a new U.S. military base in Henoko, Nago as part of the planned relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma. “The U.S. military base issue is a critical issue for Okinawa,” said Onaga. “I believe that if our generation provides an example by taking on the responsibility [of dealing with this issue] and refuses to give in, it will instill in the next generation a sense of confidence, courage and pride.”
Regarding the issue of childhood poverty, Governor Onaga stated, “Even as Okinawa’s economy continues to grow stronger, the fruits of that growth are not reaching every sector of society. I especially intend to work hard on tackling childhood poverty.”
2016 marks the fifth year of the “Okinawa 21st Century Vision Basic Plan,” a ten-year development plan for Okinawa. Regarding this, Governor Onaga stated, “We will powerfully promote Okinawa’s development in the next five years based on a review of our successes to date and an assessment of the challenges that remain.” Regarding economic development in particular, Governor Onaga remarked on the “Okinawa Asia Economic Strategy Initiative” announced last September, saying, “In order to achieve the goals [put forth in the Initiative], I hope to see concrete plans formulated and measures enacted to hasten the development of an independent Okinawan economy.”
(English Translation by T&CT and Sandi Aritza)
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