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Hou urges gov’t to act on the economy

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Former Prime Minister Rick Hou

By EDDIE OSIFELO

FORMER Prime Minister, Rick Hou urges the government to take drastic policy actions to address what he described as the “slippery uphill climb in the economy”.

Speaking at the sine die motion in Parliament last Wednesday, Mr Hou said the domestic economy relies entirely on our exports and trade sector performing profitably.

“I would like to believe the Minister’s assessment that there is a brighter outlook for the economy in the medium to long term,” Hou said.

“However, indications are that this situation may be worse, especially in terms of the final turn out for government revenues this year,” he added.

Furthermore, Hou, the MP for Small Malaita, said without the benefit of a financial report on the 2020 Budget mid-term budget review, it is difficult to ascertain the actual cash flow situation at the Treasury.

“But from anecdotal information it would appear the Minister’s revenue projections for a decline of seven percent this year may be the real trend, where all main revenue sources projected to decline.

“The actual turn out is obviously worse than expected,” he said.

Moreover, Hou said as he pointed out during his contribution on the 2020 Budget, while he agrees with the Minister for Finance on his forecast for real GDP growth in 2020, he’s not sure even such a subdued growth forecast will come from. 

“Sir, I have also argued that the economic assumptions for the 2020 Budget are weak. 

“And sadly, it is obvious this could be the actual turn out for 2020,” the former Central Bank governor said.

On reform, Hou expressed his support towards the Government’s reform agenda.

“Sir, last year I expressed in this Chamber, my strong support for the DCC Government reforms agenda.

“I have said on previous occasions, that I am eagerly looking forward to discussing policies and legislations to forge nation-building, reinvigorate an efficient government machinery; to enhance political stability; to fight corruption, and to provide an enabling environment for investment and private sector growth,” he added.

Tanangada defends ‘women in politics’

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Lanelle Tanangada former Minister for MEHRD

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Education and Human Resources, Lanelle Tanangada used her motion of sine die speech in parliament to defend “women in politics”.

This was after Solomon Star has published an article on Tuesday, November 24 by Alfred Sasako and titled “From A Simple Housewife to Parliament”.

The author was referring to Ethel Vokia, who won the recent North East Guadalcanal by election, who defeated former Prime Minister Dr Derek Sikua and two other male candidates.

Mrs Tanangada, also MP for Gizo Kolombangara, told Parliament she was appalled by the attempt to equate the role of a housewife to a role of one that is “simple”.

She said there is nothing simple about the role of a housewife.

“The calling and labelling the role of a housewife as ‘simple’ does not recognise the significant role a mother plays as a housewife and is demeaning at best not only to the Member for North East Guadalcanal but also all mothers who are housewives.

“The role they play are far from being simple,” she said.

Furthermore, Tanangada said a housewife plays the most important role in the most important organisation in the community, the country and the world; that is the family.

She said housewife role in any family is akin that of a manager.

“She is the first to rise with morning sun and ensures that the home is ready for all to wake.

“Similarly, the worries of a housewife in ensuring a home is not shared with any person and she sleeps at night only to rise in the morning and repeat the same worry,” she said.

Tanangada said she (mother) ensures the home is well kept and is functioning properly.

“All my colleague in this esteemed House will attest to it.

“There is nothing simple in the role of a ‘housewife’. Women are the fabric of our society,” she added.

Currently, there are four women elected into the 11th Parliament.

Tanangada said this should be a welcoming news for all women of this nation, yet it is not surprising at all to have the minority of women still are unappreciative of the fact that they have women in this honorable house.

As such, she is still trying to understand the gist of the long article by Transparency Solomon Islands on November 25, 2020.

“Firstly, why is this even a topic for discussion by TSI.

“When a man prepares to go into politics his wife is the first to know, she silently but tirelessly gives him all the support he needs,” she said.

Tanangada said she is yet to see TSI publication acknowledging women when a man wins, but it can have the audacity to scrutinise women who wins in by-elections.

She said it would be better to check on election processes rather than targeting candidates.

“Or further check on eligibility of candidates rather than relationships between former candidates.

“TSI should be exalting the fact that there are more women in Parliament now,” she said.

Tanangada said TSI should comment on Bills and delivery of projects.

She said elections or by elections are the only legal process to elect MPs be it the wife, brother or son of former candidate.

“Labelling the woman winner as wife of former MP is not only demeaning but undermines the legal process of electing a MP.

“One thing that is true for all women in this round house is the we all went to the polls,” she said.

“Why am I even bringing this topic up in this Sine Die Motion?

“It is because I would like to encourage young aspiring women leaders to dream big, and please know all these elected, honourable male colleagues in this house are sons of a beautiful hardworking mother in that they do have the heart to serve not only men, but also women alike,” she said.

Tanangada said it is about using our God given potential, and the most important gift, the mind and heart to think, act and serve the marginalised.

“I would like to thank and acknowledge all women and young girls of this nation.

“Let us not be weary in doing well, in that we must continue to rock the cradle and nurture our young to becoming more responsible citizens of this nation,” she said.

Asian guilty of illegally harvesting tubi in Isabel

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Stock pile of tubi on San Jorge island. Photo supplied.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

An Asian man Ngea Richard Song Sing has entered guilty pleas on three charges in relation to illegal tubi harvest on San Jorge Island, Isabel province.

Mr Sing faced one count under the Forest resources and timber utilisations act 4 as amended and ARW schedule I of the Forest Resources Illegally Harvesting of Restricted species without licence.

One count under wildlife protection and management act, as amended 11 (1), (2) and (3) ARW section 12 (1) Export or attempt to export restricted specimen under Schedule II without being an approved person and without a valid permit.

And count two of the Wildlife protection and management act, as amended 26 (b) Possession of illegally obtained specimen.

He pleaded guilty to the charges last week and his sentence will be delivered this Wednesday before Principal Magistrate Tearo Beneteti.

This is the issue where Sunrise Investment Limited violated the Isabel Resource Management and Environmental Protection Ordinance 2005, section 5 (4) by taking a prohibited species of wildlife or forest resources which is prohibited under the wildlife and protection management act.

Sunrise Investment Limited on or about mid 2019 at Korona Customary land on San Jorge island, Isabel Province committed a violation contrary to section 23 (1) of the Foreign Investment Act by conducting a prohibited and investment reserved for locals pursuant to schedule 2 of the Foreign Investment Regulations 2006, as read with or along Wildlife Protection Act 1998 section 11. 

Tubi tree is a protected tree species under the Solomon Islands Environmental and Wildlife Protection Management Act.

Kakamora defeated

Written by
Taromane Martin
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Makira Ulawa Kakamora team captain Greg Nimanima unsuccessfully slides in for a tackle as a Central Shield player goes past during their final Group B match yesterday. Shields won 3-0. Picture Taromane Martin

Shields out of competition

By Taromane Martin

MAKIRA Ulawa Kakamora suffered their first loss in the 2020 Solomon Cup competition going down 3-0 to Central Shields in Day 10 of competition yesterday.

Central Shields team captain Oscar Sara scored a brace before a third goal in the 38th minute was enough to end Kakamora’s unbeaten run in the competition.

Despite the loss, Kakamora will progress on to the semi finals of the competition, while Shields are out of the competition with three points after suffering three defeats in their campaign.

Shields team captain Oscar Sara said after suffering triple defeats they wanted to show the real Central Shields team that was supposed to compete in this edition of the Solomon Cup.

He blamed their three losses to their Head Coach and his line up saying now that their campaign is over, they will go back and help out in the Kula U-21 Championship which is currently underway in Tulaghi.

“Our performance today finally showed the real Central Shields team because something happened in our previous three games that was why we failed to win them,” he said.

“It was the Head Coach line up that spoiled us in our three games. But we wanted to finish strong today and show the real Shields team that was supposed to compete in this Solomon Cup.

“Now our campaign is over we’ll go back for the U-21 competition which is currently underway back home,” Sara said.

Kakamora Head Coach George Fafale despite the result was pleased with his players performance however, was not happy with the match officials in charge of the game against Shield yesterday.

“I think one thing that made my players a bit frustrated today was the way the referee handled the game today. We all saw how he wanted to treat this Makira team,” he said.

“However, we did not want to take this game serious because we only have a day for recovery before the semi-finals on Wednesday.

“I was not worried about getting a win or collecting all three points today because I need to give enough rest time for some of my key players because we have a big game on Wednesday.

“The loss today will definitely boost my players morale so that we can look forward for our game on Wednesday,” he said.

Makira Ulawa Kakamora will meet Group A runner ups Western Tomoko 4pm tomorrow in the second semi final match of the 2020 Solomon Cup competition.

Coach Fafale says West is a good side and promises to prepare the Kakamora side so that they can give Tomoko a good game, this Wednesday at the Lawson Tama Stadium. 

Good for football development

Written by
Taromane Martin
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Coach Batram Suri talks to his Renbel ibis players during their clash with Honiara Warriors yesterday. Picture Peter Zoleveke II.

Suri happy to lead ibis again

By Taromane Martin

LOCAL Football icon turned coach, Batram Suri says he is willing to coach the Renbel ibis provincial team again should his services be needed again.

Coach Suri tenure as ibis Head Coach came to an end yesterday after their 2-1 loss to Honiara Warriors in Day 10 of the 2020 Solomon Cup tournament.

His time as ibis coach has been a memorable one for the rugby dominated province, leading them to fourth position in Group B with four points.

Despite losing 5-0 to Makira Ulawa Kakamora in their opening fixture, ibis shocked Isabel Frigates with a 2-2 draw before defeating Central Shields 1-0 in their second group match, before suffering their second loss in the tournament yesterday.

Speaking after their loss yesterday Suri said he is proud of the vast improvement shown by the players and that this is good for the development of football in the country.

“Overall, the boy’s performance has improved a lot during our games and especially from the past competitions,” he said.

“I believe they have set the bench mark in this competition. Future competitions they will need to step up more.

“I’m happy because from our games they managed to play a more structure game which I’m proud of the boys.

Game today Honiara came to win and we knew they came to win easily however we said no, you have to work for the win.

“Their expectation was to score more goals however I believe in the boys and we wanted to make sure they (Honiara) work hard for the three points. We tried to equalize but it was difficult in the end.

“Despite the result, I’m proud of the boys and their performance because they did really well against the host side today.

“Advice for the boys is to make sure they stay disciplined. These players football does not come naturally for them so as a coach you have to do repetition on the basic of football for them.

“If they continue to do this, I believe they will greatly improve in their game for future competitions.

“Yes, I’m willing to take them again as Head Coach in future competitions because I want football to stay with them also so that when competitions such as this comes, it can be competitive. Not only that but it is also good for football development in the country,” Suri said.

Honiara Warriors Head Coach Henry Koto was also pleased with their campaign despite the short time they had to prepare as a team.

“Today’s game was a match win game in order to regain Honiara’s pride. Renbel played a good game today against us. Physically they had the advantage but the boys managed to hold on and had a strong determination to win today,” he said.

Warriors win yesterday meanwhile sees them finish the 2020 Solomon Cup tournament in third for Group B behind Isabel Frigates and Makira Ulawa Kakamora.

$114.5m of ESP spent so far: Kuma

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government is still to inject about $114.5 million from the $309 million of the Economic Stimulus Package into the economy.

To date, the Government has spent $184.5 million of the ESP.

Minister of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma told Parliament last week that early results on the implementation of the Stimulus Package has proved a significant positive impact in our economy as figures from the exports of major commodities including copra, cocoa, kava, and timber recorded increased exports and as a result achieved the underlying policy objective of the stimulus package.

Kuma said the cash returns from these commodities fall right into the hands of our rural farmers and producers.

Furthermore, the Government made intervention through the ESP, including our covid-19 preparation and responses on key economic fundamentals like economic growth, inflation and interest etc. are key indicators that shed light on possible paths.

Kuma said our interest rates are still high by regional standards with lending rates of 10.3 percent and deposit rates of less than one percent (0.45 percent).

He said this is one reason why we struggle to stimulate local business investments and stir demand for borrowings and savings.

“However, with Treasury Bill rates and the forthcoming financial inclusion strategy, we hope to see growing competition and domestic demand impacting on interest rates in the medium to long term,” he said.

Biggest population

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Gov’t told to push ‘project development’ in Malaita

By EDDIE OSIFELO

FORMER Prime Minister Rick Hou has reiterated the call for Government to aggressively pursue development of national projects in Malaita.

The projects include Bina Harbour Fish processing; Bina Wharf and Port Development Project; the new Kilu’ufi Hospital Project, Auki Township Road Infrastructure project; and the Malaita Main Roads Infrastructure Programme.

He acknowledged the central government’s contribution to Malaita Province through the Provincial Government Community Development Fund (PGCDF) and via the Rural Constituency Development Fund.

“So, the point made by the Minister for Provincial Government that central government continues to support Malaita Province development programmes is correct.

“However, these should not be confused with the call for Government support towards national projects hosted in Malaita Province,” he said.

“As well, that Malaita Province receives greater amounts through its provincial annual grants is a function of the current method of calculating grant assistance to provinces, which will be similar proportions in the proposed revenue sharing scheme.

“As a matter of fact, in terms of provincial grants per capita, Malaita province would be one of the lowest, comparatively speaking,” he added.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the past and current governments always prioritised national projects in Malaita because of its population.

Tomoko, Kakamora confirms semi clash

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Makira Ulawa Kakamora head coach George Fafale (Left) and Western Tomoko head coach Seri Hite.

Group A final matches today

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

WESTERN Tomoko secured their 2020 Solomon Cup semifinal berth after collecting a late winner against neighbouring rivals Lauru Kukuvojo 1-0 yesterday in Group A – confirming a crucial clash with Group B leaders Makira Ulawa Kakamora for Wednesday 9.

Group B final fixtures today will see a deciding match for Group B underdogs Renbel Ibis if they can tally more than seven goals up against Honiara at 1 PM to go level with current runners up Isabel Frigates and win on goal difference – an unusual feat for the Batram Suri led men.

Frigates are on a better position having had ten goals for and 7 points on the standings, Ibis with three goals for currently sits third with 4 points while defending Champions Malaita Eagles waiting.

Ibis head coach Suri in a recent post-match interview said chances for them to qualify is slim and won’t be easy.

“Chances in our last match will not be easy especially the players are new and referred to as a rugby player mentally but I believe we can fight to enter if it’s possible,” Suri says.

“Against Honiara won’t be easy but I will try my best out of best to help the team to perform and match our opponent.

Arnold Neboth late match-winner for Tomoko in the 7th minute of added time in a western affair encounter against Kukuvojo to qualify, following a goalless 90 minutes.

Despite being top of Group B and still a match at hand, Kakamora Head Coach George Fafale says they will continue to respect their opponents, especially Central Shields when they meet Monday next week.

“We will continue to respect all our opponents despite our results.  We will focus more on the recovery process because only a day is left before the semifinals,” he said.

 “This is important because some of my key players have picked up minor injuries. Some I had to give them rest today while some I had to take the risk in fielding them on today because I was expecting a tough game today.

“Not only that but I had to keep my team balance for today’s match,” Coach Fafale said.

Matchday 9 yesterday also sees Guadalcanal Hornets thrashing Temotu Arrows 7-1, however, were unfortunate to make it to the knock out stages with 7 points behind Tomoko.

Today’s fixtures;

Honiara Warriors vs Renbel Ibis – 1PM

Central Shields vs Makira Ulawa Kakamora – 4PM

Royals football queens

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CHAMPIONS! RSIPF Royals women team celebrated their SWPL Championship grand final win against Koloale FC yesterday. Photo PETER ZOLEVEKE II.

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

RSIPF Royals women football team was crowned the 2020 Solrais Women Premier League Championship winners edging top rivals Koloale FC 3-1 yesterday at the DC Park.

Royals made a double feat as league and championship winners undefeated in the inaugural competition opening a new page for women’s football nationally.

The women in blue had the upper hand leading before heading for the breather. Koloale with the likes of national players, Crystal Bakolo, Illen Pige and Agnes Pegi got a goal back after the eventual winners added two goals coming in the second half.

For Royals excited head coach, Stanley Waita the results and achievement are overwhelming.

“I’m very excited, winning double is more than happy that words cannot express. We’ve been working throughout the league and we ended on a high note because we expect what will happen it proves how we trained and how committed these players are,” Waita told SunSPORTS after the final.

Under RSIPF the team has been exceptionally trained in proper facilities which prove the worth of the team’s achievement.

“We have very good training facilities which show out boosting the morale that gave us these results,” says Waita.

“Our finalist opponents (Koloale) are a top team in the country in football, consist of more women national players and then coming into the game knowing that they are well-experienced side we know exactly what we will be up against. But it’s how we train and prepared and I want to take them for the tough challenge.

The former national midfielder also adds that as Champions they will defend their title comes 2021 league proper.

SWPL Coordinator Josephine Wale confirmed to SunSPORTS that the presentations for the league and championships will be on December 14.

 “Thank you to all the teams and players for their commitment and making the league a success and championship success.

“We look forward to continuing the league in the New Year and hope to see more teams taking part in 2021,” she said.

Tribute game to late John Whitley

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Donald Bennett giving his speech before match kickoff

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

REAL Kakamora FC won a tribute game on Saturday held in honour of the late John Whitley, a prominent figure from Roviana, Western province.

Held at Dunde, the game was played with the tough and determined Central Roviana FC. It was part of the Real Kakamora match line-up for its current Noro tour.

Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Team Manager for Real Kakamora Mr Robert Chow said it was a significant game because the late Mr Whitley used to play for Kakamora.

Late Whitley then went on to coach the country’s national team, and later became an executive for the Makira Football Association. At his passing in 2016 he was hailed as a soccer legend and leader by the country’s soccer federation.

Chow said Saturday’s game was an emotional moment and both teams gave all they had in respect of the tribute. Real Kakamora FC came out 3-1 winners.

Other prominent names in football from the Roviana Munda region who used to play for Kakamora include Mr Donald Bennett and Mr Nelson Boso.

Bennett was present field-side and gave a powerful speech before match kickoff on Saturday.

“It was an honour to have Mr Bennett grace the game on Saturday. The MP was also field side too in support. The community here too turned up in support of their side. It was a great game,” Chow said.

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