Speaker and Clerk of Western Province who preside the meeting
BY BEN BILUA In Gizo
MEMBERS of the Western Provincial Government will be briefed with the latest update on the status of COVID-19 in the country.
Speaker of Western Province, Adrian S Gina informed the house as part of agenda two (2) of the Order Paper (Messages and Announcement).
He says a team from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services will travel to Imagination Island where the Assembly is being held to update the leaders.
Gina says the information session is very important for leaders to get a better and latest information about COVID-19 status of the country.
THE Solomon Islands Tobacco Company (SITCO) has committed itself to empowering its women by adopting an approach that looks to empower women through women.
This is carried out under the umbrella, Discover & Expand your Wings (dubbed DEW) which is an initiative taken by SITCO women to participate in motivational discussions with some of Solomon Island’s most inspirational women.
Women empowerment in Solomon Islands is a hurdle which many are committed to overcome in order to improve the welfare of women and the nation as a whole.
The DEW initiative invited women such as Atenasi Ata (former CEO SICCI), Ethel Sigimanu (former PS Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services), Juanita Matanga (Deputy Commissioner Operations Royal Solomon Islands Police Force), women advocate Dr Alice Pollard, Pamela Alamu (CEO Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants), Ruth Liloqula (Head of Transparency Solomon Islands) and Natalina Hong (Current CEO of SICCI) who shared knowledge relating to personal and professional challenges in their journeys.
Among the messages shared, women were encouraged to be confident in taking up challenges in their respective fields and to persevere during difficult times. Besides this, the importance of having a strong support system from home was also highlighted as key to women reaching greater heights.
The combination of success stories from the speakers was key to transformation of mindsets for the younger DEW members.
24-year-old staff, Kylie Alekevu said that the DEW sessions inspired her to take control of her life at work and also at home.
“Stories shared by the speakers increased my confidence in women- we are definitely capable of taking the lead in improving our society,” said the young lass.
Women empowerment and gender equality is essential for Solomon Islands in achieving its Millennium Development Goal.
At SITCO, about thirty percent of employed staff are women with also thirty percent female representation in top level management.
Premier of Central Islands Province, Stanley Manetiva
BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
No confidence motion against Premiere Stanley Menetiva will be decided at the Assembly Chamber in Tulagi today.
This comes after the Speaker of the Central Islands Provincial Assembly, Francis Moah rescheduled the date from Tuesday, March 23 to March 25 to debate the motion.
Premier Manetiva has, since notified of the motion, been openly expressing confidence in defeating the motion.
He claims commanding a majority government, with all MPAs in his team loyal to him.
Meanwhile, Speaker Moah has clarified that the motion of no confidence against Premier Manetiva will be valid on March 25 not March 23.
He said the provincial executives did not debate the motion of no confidence against Manetiva during the Full Assembly Meeting on Tuesday. This is because it does not meet the seven days’ notice required under Standing Order 107.
According to Speaker Moah, his office received the motion on Monday, March 15 and the notice was issued dated March 16 to meet the seven days notice.
Moah said after seeking legal opinions, they were advised to reschedule.
“This is based on Part 1, section 3(f) of the Standing Order which explains the meaning of Clear Days. The seven clear days required by Section 107 of the Standing Order, does not include Saturdays or Sundays or Public holidays.”
THE Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) has consecrated and installed Reverend Arthur Stanley Abui as the fourth Bishop of the Diocese of Hanuato’o (DOH) at Saint Peters Cathedral, Kirakira on Sunday.
The Most Reverend Leonard Dawea, Archbishop of the ACOM assisted by the Senior Bishop and Bishop of the Diocese of Malaita the Rt Rev Sam Sahu, the Assistant Bishop of Malaita the Rt Rev Rickson Maumauru, Bishop of the Diocese of Ysabel the Rt Rev Ellison Quity, Bishop of the Diocese of Temotu the Rt Rev. Willie Tungale, Bishop of the Diocese of Guadalcanal the Rt Rev Benedict Loe and Retired Bishop the Rt Rev Alfred Karibongi officiated the ceremony.
Immediately after he was consecrated; the Vicar General of the DOH Rev. Clayton Maha installed the Rt Rev Arthur Abui in the episcopal chair of the Diocesan Cathedral as a sign of his role and responsibility as chief shepherd of the diocese.
(From left) Retired Bishop Alfred Karibongi, Bp Sahu, Bp Quity, Bp Abui’s Chaplain (in white), Newly Consecrated Bp Arthur Abui, Archbishop Dawea, Bp Loe, Bp Rickson and Bp Tungale after
‘I have no great intention to come on board with new ideas and developments. I would rather continue on with the vision and mission statement of the diocese passed by the 10th diocesan synod December 2020” the newly consecrated Bishop said in his inaugural address in the church.
“Our vision statement puts emphasis on “to hear, live and joyfully proclaim the gospel of Christ to our people. Our mission statement focuses on our baptismal ministries to build up the body of Christ which is the church. This is trying to achieve our vision statement. Importantly to recognize and serve those who are in need in our society”, he added.
Taken from the Diocesan Vision and Mission statements, the Rt Rev. Arthur Abui said his theme for this year 2021 is “HANUA TO HANUA FOR CHRIST”, meaning the gospel of Christ should begin at home.
Vicar General of the Diocese of Hanuato’o installing the new Bishop on the diocesan chair
“The theme should germinate at home; grow at home, matured at home before it goes out to other people, communities and society. Acts of the Apostle 1.8 states, “Be my witnesses beginning in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the end of the World,” Bishop Abui added.
‘I personally believe and agreed with some writers that the founding stage of human development begins at home in the infant period before other frame work takes their toll. As stated earlier, with the vision, mission statements and the mission theme 2021, they are our bearing for mission and ministry in the diocese.
“ I lovingly and joyfully call on all clergy, parish councils, religious, church ministry groups and parishioners to fully utilise our potential to fully realise our vision, mission statements and our mission theme 2021 aligning with the ACOM Mission Statement” the newly consecrated and installed Bishop of the diocese of Hanuato’o highlighted.
Bishop Sam Sahu (left) prepare to put on the mytre to a new Bishop
“I am confident the diocese will continue to progress through your capable leadership with the support of your clergies.” The Most Rev. Leonard Dawea told Bishop Abui in his speech during the feasting.
‘There is no school for the bishopric; but by working with and listening to the people; you will learn most how to be a bishop’, the Archbishop added.
Before the actual ceremony took place, his immediate successor, Rt Rev Alfred Karibongi in his sermon reminded the Rev. Abui of the words of Saint Paul in Ephesians 4:1-3 – to ‘live a life that measures up to the standard God set when he called you. Be always humble, gentle and patient. Show your love by being tolerant, open-minded, understanding, with one another and do your best to preserve the unity which the Spirit gives by means of the peace that binds you together”.
Hon. Nestor Giro, Hon. Willie Marau and Hon. Derick Manu’ari together with the Premier of Makira Ulawa Provincial Government Hon. Julian Maka’a all pledged their continual support to the new bishop.
Mr. Silas Hulanga, Diocesan Secretary, speaking on behalf of the Diocesan Administration to the newly Consecrated and Installed Bishop and the Local Organizing Committee, conveyed great appreciation and acknowledgment to all who have rendered their time, finance and resources towards the successful hosting of this Consecration and Installation ceremony.
ACOM Vice Chancellor Gabriel Suri reading the document of election at the Consecration service.
Archbishop Dawea encourages all the clergy and people of the diocese to work closely with the new bishop.
“Bp. Arthur is just one person; he can be able to do greater things for the diocese through your support” he added.
The Archbishop also calls on all members of the church to continue to pray for the Rt Rev Arthur Stanley Abui and his family as he begins this very important role in the Diocese of Hanuato’o and in the Anglican Church of Melanesia.
Members of H.E Link's delegation and MPG team led by Premier Suidani after an information sharing session held at Serah's Hideaway lodge in the Langa Langa lagoon on Monday
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
THE people of Malaita Province this week welcomed the US Deputy Chief of Mission under the US embassy in Port Moresby, His Excellency, Bernard Link to Auki.
Mr. Link was in Auki as preparation for the US Scale programme assistance as well as well as other potential support for the country.
Upon the delegation’s arrival in Auki, they took a site visit to the forestry programmes on communities in the Highlands of Central Kwara’ae and a discussion session was held at the Serah’s Hideaway in the Langa Langa lagoon.
H.E Bernard Link receives a shell neglace from Premier Suidani as a token of appreciation from people and government of Malaita province for receiving H.E Link to the province.
Speaking during a brief welcome ceremony held at Gwariagalu community in Central Kwara’ae, His Excellency Link expressed happiness in interacting with communities and seeing the activities that people are engaged with on the ground.
He said when looking at the future of Malaita province and the Solomon Islands there are wonderful and bountiful resources that are around.
Link said the trees, water, soil and the environment around needs to be preserved and taken care of.
“This is the reason why the United States is here and wanted to support your communities to preserve your resources.
He said in preparation for the support including the SCALE programme, “we are here to hear your ideas and how to work with communities in Malaita and elsewhere in the Solomon Islands.”
Information sharing session at Serah’s Hideaway Lagoon Lodge in the Langa Langa lagoon.
Link said this is to help address the opportunities for the people and communities as the Scale programme was intended with open doors for partnership and support towards communities.
He also identified in his visit to communities on Central Kwara’ae, that it’s important not just to think about the environment or economic opportunity, but also about the cultural norms and value of the people.
“I look forward for ideas from your leaders that will be put forward to us as I’m here with open ears. I am listening and hope to learn and absorb more through the interaction and experience with people in the province.
“Thank you very much for opening doors to us and I certainly look forward to working together with the national government, Malaita provincial government and other stakeholders on how best we can take possession of our plans of actions to move forward,” Link said.
This paper understands that US representative and a provincial team led by premier Suidani had a visit to communities in Langa Langa lagoon while a meeting was also held with the MPG executive yesterday ahead of his return to Honiara the latter part of the day.
Western Province Assembly meeting currently taking place at the Imagination Island outside of provincial capital, Gizo
BY BEN BILUA In Gizo
DAY two of Western Provincial Government resumes at 9:30 this morning.
A total of eight agendas have been prepared and appeared on today’s meeting Order Paper.
First on the agenda will be an opening prayer followed by Messages and Announcement.
Third agenda is an interesting one as the Province’s Appropriation Ordinance will go into third reading where members will debate and further scrutinize the Ordinance.
Fourth agenda and fifth agenda will see members introduced and listen to Western Province Investment Corporation Audit Report (WPIC). WPIC is a business arm owned by the province and that most members are keen to hear the report.
A Private Members Motion came in agenda five (5) where special question and answer session will be held for question raised which is factored in agenda six (6) of the Order paper.
Agenda seven is Motion of Sine Die followed by Motion of Adjournment in agenda eight.
Provincial Members and head of departments are looking forward for yet another constructive discussions to map out the province’s expected business this year till the next financial year.
Western Province Assembly meeting currently taking place at the Imagination Island outside of provincial capital, Gizo
BY BEN BILUA Gizo
WESTERN Provincial Assembly has kicked off its 2021 Assembly Meeting today morning at Imagination Island, outside of Gizo town.
The meeting begins with an opening prayer followed by a minutes of silence to honor and respect the service of former Clerk of Western Province, late Kevin Quageto Paia, former national leader late Honoruable Elijah Doromuala and Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare.
More than nine agendas were on the Order paper some which are already deliberated this morning while other agendas will be tabled in the afternoon.
In his opening speech, Premier of Western Province Honourable David Gina reminds members throw in constructive ideas that would help the province in its operation and service deliveries in the next financial year.
“I would like to remind members of our legislative mandates and the need to constructively deliberate on matters with a view of providing alternative solutions rather than just critiquing for the sake of wanting to be heard.
“We need to contextualize our discussions based on prevailing situations and events so as not to mislead our people on matters with the intention of depicting a negative perception on Western Provincial government’s political and administrative leadership,” he said.
Provincial assembly meeting at Imagination Island, Gizo
BY BEN BILUA Gizo
THE Western Provincial Government (WPG) has passed its 2020 minutes of Full Assembly meeting held at Oravae Cottage in October last year during the first part of its 2021 Assembly meeting this morning.
The review of the minutes was fifth of the Order Paper and was gone through discussions with very few amendments before it was passed.
The Provincial Executive was also briefed with the Public Accounts Committee report – part 8 of the Order Paper by Chair of PAC, Provincial Member for Ward 16, Dunde Nusa Roviana Honourble Ramrakha Talasasa.
The meeting has been suspended for lunch and resumes 2pm for the 1st reading of the draft 2021-2022 Appropriation Ordinance and Three years Development plan 2020 – 2022 of Western Province.
Wale calls on Finance PS to resign from DBSI Board
By EDDIE OSIFELO
OPPOSITION Leader, Matthew Wale has called on Ministry of Finance and Treasury permanent secretary, Dentana McKinnie to resign from the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) Board.
This call is made in view of the conflicts of interest posed in Mr Dentana’s membership in two of the country’s finance entities, DBSI board and CBSI board, while being the PS of the finance ministry.
Wale made the call during the Public Accounts Committee hearing in Parliament yesterday when the Ministry of Finance and Treasury appeared to defend the $3.9 billion 2021 Appropriation Bill 2021.
He said it doesn’t look right for the PS to be holding three positions at the same time. Being the Chairman of the DBSI Board, member of CBSI Board and at the same time the PS of Finance.
As such, he said the best option is for the PS to resign from the DBSI Board.
Wale also said that Attorney General John Muria Junior and Chief of Staff and two political appointees Trevor Manemahaga and Andre Manepora’a should also resign from the Board.
The only qualified banker in the Board is former CBSI Deputy Governor Gane Alva Simbe.
Wale first made the call in July 2020 when he questioned the appointment of controversial Chief of Staff, Robson Djokovic in the DBSI Board.
While welcoming the government’s seriousness in reviving DBSI as an important financial institution for our people, the Opposition Leader stressed that DBSI is a bank and so will be heavily regulated by banking laws.
“In this respect therefore, it is important that people who are appointed to the Board must pass the ‘fit and proper test’ and have the technical capacity in the area of banking to be in the Board
“For all we know, Mr. Djokovic is the nephew of the Prime Minister and he has been implicated in a lot of controversial issues raised in the past, which also link the Prime Minister.
“More so, he has not demonstrated qualifications in banking or any related areas for that matter,” the Opposition Leader adds.
Transparency Solomon Islands also joined the call in questioning the composition of DBSI Board which it claimed was politicised.
PS Dentana decided not to response to Wale but said he will leave it to DBSI to explain the composition of the board when its members appear before the PAC on Tuesday, March 30.
Last year, Dentana was caught out as misleading the people of this nation when he said that under the DBSI Act, 2018, section 49, the term of the interim board is only for six months.
However, from information gathered, the DBSI Board members’ appointments were gazetted for two years.
