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Malaita embarks on 7 new projects for 2019

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA Provincial government will implement seven new projects under the PCDF programme this year.

Malaita’s finance minister Nelson Lenty explains that they have opted for only seven to enable them to complete the 25 incomplete projects from last year.

Lenty said, “the projects come in various aspects of needs that will provide services to the people of Malaita province.”

“Under the administration sector of the province there will be renovation including fencing to offices, upgrade of premier’s resident, six new staff houses, demolishing of a provincial office and purchasing a cabbage truck for the province.”

Under works and transport sector; it has three projects and they are Sulufoloa, Rokotanikeni and Manawai market buildings.

For education sector the province has 12 projects in schools (both primary and secondary) throughout the province.

For water supply and sanitation programme there is a water tank and rain catchment project for Nanakinimae School and other schools’ sanitation.

Lenty said under health sector, there are three projects which include an upgrade to Gounatolo RHC, completion of Pipisu RHC and Uru’uru rural clinic.

He said for agriculture sector, there is a coconut crushing mill in Pelau, another at Marapona and at Orotah Tabeu.

Lenty said under women, youth and sport programme there is an upgrade planned for Mata football stadium.

He said other projects expected include the undersea submarine cable, World Bank tar sealing of Bina and Dala roads, Afio hospital, Afio water supply, Solomon Power solar farm and UN Market for change refurbishment of Auki Market.

Malaita province dominates scholarship awards

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Leader of the Independent Group, John Dean Kuku

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

 

MALAITA province continues to dominate the Solomon Islands Government scholarship scheme at around 50 percent of recipients each year, it is reported.

Minister for Education John Dean Kuku voiced this during a dinner hosted for the Malaita provincial government in Auki earlier this week.

Kuku congratulates Malaita province and its government for this feat, which is set for other provinces to try and match.

He says this achievement is the fruit of hard work by the Malaita provincial education authority, schools in Malaita and students from Malaita across the nation.

“You might not see or feel the success you have in the education sector of the country.

“Let me inform you, more than 50 percent of scholarships MEHRD award each year goes to students from Malaita province.

“And award was done on merit and excellence of students with good academic record,” he said.

Kuku points out that it’s something Malaita provincial government and its people should proud off.

He encourages the largest province in Solomon Islands to maintain this remarkable record, saying that other provinces are also pushing forward.

“This is the reason my ministry is here in Auki to seek more opportunities to invest in education in the province.

“And for this particular programme in which we are here in Malaita province, it will also roll in all provinces.

“Because we all know a lot of our students cannot make it further in their formal education.

“So alternative learning opportunities should be given to them. This is what this programme looks at to improve one RTC school per province for starting so that students can get job training,” he said.

Kuku said currently the national education ministry (MEHRD) is sponsoring some students in certain programmes who are studying at APSD RTC.

He said this is the beginning of the programme MEHRD has to improve RTC schools into technical institute in the country.

O JERUSALEM

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Former MP for Central Honiara, Moffat Fugui

Fugui pushes for government recognition as Israel’s capital in 100-day policy

 

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MEMBER of Parliament for Central Honiara, John Moffat Fugui has suggested recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel to be in the government’s 100 days policy.

Speaking during his contribution on the debate on the Speech from the throne delivered by the Governor General last Monday, Fugui said this would be fitting for Solomon Islands as a Christian country and a show of respect to United States under the watch of the Trump administration

He said ‘this policy is not based on its purpose or diplomacy or diplomatic expediency in per say, rather it should be a diversion of their faith harnessed on divine as precedence’.

Further to that, Fugui highlighted the need for bi-partisanship of Government, Opposition and Independent Group in improving the affairs of the country.

“To improve our governing system, one cannot emphasise more the important of bi-partisanship so that MPs can put their best efforts to drive government policies.

“With a few more young well educated and well prepared MPs, it would be profitable if we the government can encourage more bi-partisanship,” he said.

Fugui said the essence of bi-partisanship is to encourage MPs on both sides of the house to be pure on common national agendas and government policies.

He said the American system is ‘Government by the people’.

“Bipartisanship leverages our skills, experience and exposures and education as MPs.

“This is to inform and enhance the work program of the government of the day,” he said.

Fugui said bi-partisanship builds colloquiality, sympathy and intimacy between MPs of both sides of the house.

“It allows for collaborative debate, discussion, deliberation and learning.

“Bi-partisanship helps to improve the style of governance we have in this age of internet and globalisation,” he said.

Parliament has adjourned to Monday, August 26.

Mineral water is safe: Titiulu

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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George Titiulu, Head of Environmental Health Division at the Honiara City Council.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

MINERAL water processed in the country are safe and have met the required standard of water bottling processes, says George Titiulu, Head of Environmental Health Division at the Honiara City Council.

He said this yesterday following an article on Island Sun’s front page yesterday, titled “Dirty Mineral Water”, which called on the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) to act on recent findings that reveal some bottled mineral water in Solomon Islands contains contaminants.

“What I want to put out to the public is I want to assure the general public that mineral waters sold in the country is totally safe for drinking,” said Titiulu.

He said their collected records show all water bottling processes in the country fall in the mandatory standard especially on different perimeters.

Titiulu said this means all water bottling companies fall in the permissible range which is within 6.5 – 8.5 PH level.

He said normally when his team finds out water bottling companies fail to comply on the set required standard, they step in to address the matter before it gets any worse.

“There were also some speculation that said the waters are contaminated with E.coli bacteria(a common bacteria normally lives in human intestine)which is misleading as we have our records here that shows mineral waters sold in the country are safe and accepted for drinking.

“Let me clarify here, the source that revealed the waters are contaminated is not reliable, it is misleading and they should be responsible for this matter,” said Titiulu.

According to yesterday’s article, the Leader of Independent Robertson Galokale said this is a public health risk and authorities must ensure that all citizens must be protected against dangerous contaminants and water-borne diseases.

“Galokale calls particularly on the National Public Health Laboratory of the MHMS and the Honiara City Council Health Authority to reveal to the public the status of all the mineral water bottles sold commercially in the country.”

“Galokale acknowledge the findings by media in which out of the five mineral water bottlers; namely Blue Water, Szeba Water, Sasa Water, V-Fresh Water and Enargy Water, only Blue Water and Szeba Water are considered safe for drinking while the others are high in acidic contamination.”

Galokale questions appointment of DBSI interim board

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

LEADER of Independent Group, Robertson Galokale has raised his opposition towards the appointment of the Development Bank of Solomon Islands (DBSI) interim board.

The Interim Board members are;

  1. Gane Alva Smibe;
  2. Trevor Manemahaga;
  3. Robson Tana Djokovic;
  4. Andrew Manepora’a; and
  5. John Osmond Muria (Jnr).

The appointment is back dated to July 10, 2019.

“I think political influence and interference played a big part in DBSI’s past failure, therefore it is absurd to revive the bank with the appointment of political cronies to the Board.

“It would be prudent to have people with appropriate knowledge and standing in the banking sector to revive the Bank,” Galokale said.

He said these are his burning questions in mind:

  1. How will DBSI be recapitalised?
  2. If the bank is to commence operations this year, where will the funds come from?
  3. What is the proposed structure for the Bank management?
  4. How will the government continuously support DBSI thereby providing support for SMEs?

DBSI is a vital project for economic development in Solomon Islands. The Bank was established when the Assembly enacted an Ordinance in 1977.

Its initial role was to provide access to sources of finance to businesses in the areas of commerce, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, and transportation in Solomon Islands.

The demise of institution has left a gap in the SME sector, especially the need to provide financial assistance to local and indigenous businesses in the country.

Naval base story false: Australia

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

THE Australian High Commission in Honiara has snubbed media talk that Australia is planning to set up a naval base in Solomon Islands.

This is in response to an article by veteran Journalist Alfred Sasako in the Island Sun yesterday which claimed that Australia was planning to build a naval base in the western border of Solomon Islands.

The High Commission said, “The Australian High Commission advises that claims in the article ‘Australia to build a naval base in Solomon Islands’ (The Island Sun on Wednesday 7 August 2019) are incorrect.”

The High Commission explained that it had commented to queries by Sasako that “Australia listens closely to the concerns of the Solomon Islands Government”.

“We are working very closely with the Government to assist its work to strengthen border security arrangements.

“Any claims about building an Australian naval base are incorrect.” The Australian High Commission asserts.

“Australia however, is working with Solomon Islands on infrastructure at Aola Base wharf in Honiara.

“This will support the operations of the Solomon Islands’ Guardian-class Patrol Boats, which will be delivered in late 2019 and mid-2021.”

Sasako’s article had reported yesterday that the ‘secret’ plan to build a naval base in the Solomon Islands was a knee-jerk reaction to China’s growing influence in the Pacific.

He alleged that part of the $1.4 billion promised by Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison, during his visit earlier this year to the Solomons, would go towards this military undertaking.

Sasako adds that the United States is also likely to assist in the cost of construction.

Prosecution maintains charges against man who registered 7 times for NGE

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PUBLIC Prosecution has confirmed in court that they are going to maintain the charge against man alleged of giving false information to a Solomon Islands Electoral Official in June 2018 during the voter registration period.

The accused, Alif Vai, was alleged of multiple registrations during the registration period last year for the National General Election, after the registration period was over electoral officials found out he had registered several times with different names and reported him to the police for investigation.

Yesterday Public Prosecutor Dalcy Belapitu said prosecution will maintain the charge and will proceed for trial.

The case was called before the First Class Magistrate Ishmael Kekou, but due to jurisdiction issues Mr Kekou said he cannot hear the case.

Therefore the case was adjourned to August 14 and to be heard before Principal Magistrate Felix Hollison.

Magistrate Kekou also made directions that on the next appearance prosecution and defence to set trial dates.

The allegation said a 50-year-old man from Malaita Province Alif Vai registered to vote on seven separate occasions, using different names, dates of birth and other details on each occasion. Only one of the seven registrations allegedly included his correct details.

The man is charged with seven counts of Misleading Information under section 113 (2) of the Electoral Act which carries a maximum penalty of $50,000 or five years imprisonment or both.

Office of the Director Public Prosecutions appears for the crown on the case.

Lawyer stuck in Lata, case adjourned

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

COURT had to adjourn a case yesterday because the defence lawyer was reportedly stuck in Lata, Temotu province, due to flight cancellation.

The accused is facing three criminal charges of grievous harm, malicious damage and intimidation.

Rodney Manebosa of the Public Solicitor’s Office told the court that his colleague lawyer Bobby Harunari who represents the accused, Jack Sitea, is currently in Lata.

He was supposed to have arrived back in Honiara on Saturday last week but due to the flight cancellation, he was not able to appear in court.

Mr Harunari was in Lata for the court circuit the last two weeks.

Meanwhile Police Prosecutor Henry Oneone informed the court that the prosecutor in carriage of the case is also currently in Marau for court circuit.

Mr Oneone said he has no instruction to assist the court on the status of the case and sought an adjournment.

Magistrate Ishmael Kekou adjourned the case to August 20 for the pre-trial conference.

The accused is charged in relation to an incident in Honiara this year.

SINU student teacher faces warrant of arrest

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A Solomon Islands National University student teacher facing one count of house break-in has breached court orders and travelled to Malaita last Friday to do his practical in one of the schools there.

Principal Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi on Monday this week issued a warrant of arrest against the accused, Bobby Osborn Maelisia, and ordered forfeiture of his cash bail of $1000.

Ms Taeburi said the accused has intentionally breached the court orders and this is serious.

The accused did know that his trial will start today and yet ignored court orders and left for Malaita on Friday, Taeburi said.

Taeburi also made orders for the father of the accused to pay a Principal bail of $1000 by August 12, 2019 failure to abide by the court order will result in forwarding the case to the High Court for contempt of court.

This is because the father of the accused is the surety of the accused and it is his duty to make sure his son appears for his court appearances while on bail and before he was bailed there was certain condition imposed for the accused and the surety to comply with.

Leaving without court’s approval is serious and people must take heed of such orders, Ms Taeburi said.

Mr Maelisia is alleged of house-break-in in relation to an incident on September 19, 2016 at the Kolaridge area.

Meanwhile, Taeburi also summoned the office Manager of the Public Solicitor’s Office to appear in court today to explain where and when the lawyers from PSO are back in their office as the Defence lawyer for the accused was also not turn up in court on Wednesday.

Solomon Islands APTC alumna makes progress for women in trades

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Hellen Samo
Hellen Samo with her Certificate III in Painting and Decorating.

HELLEN Samo holds an Australian qualification from the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC) in Painting and Decorating, joining the many women unveiling their potential in Solomon Islands’ trades industries.

Hellen, an APTC alumna from Malaita province, has a Certificate III level qualification in a field that is rare for Solomon Island women to explore.

She is one of 10 Solomon Island women with a qualification from APTC in painting and decorating, and aims to encourage other women in trades to take up the challenge.

An amateur who first learned the tricks of the painting and decorating trade from her uncle, Hellen decided to take her skills to another level through training at APTC in 2018.

For Hellen, much has changed when it comes to delivering skills and outputs of high standard and quality.

She says demand for her products has increased and since studying at APTC, she feels more confident about what she has produced through her newfound skills.

“I have better knowledge and skills for painting and decorating. In the past, I didn’t know the correct formula for mixing colours; but now I have that knowledge, including the different types of paints to use depending on the surface,” Hellen said.

Before encountering APTC, Hellen worked with her uncle, who like her, is also an artist and painter.

She started out helping with mixing paint and printing on T-shirts, finessing her skills as time went on.

The opportunity came when she heard about APTC from friends and on social media.

From that moment, her eagerness to learn pushed her to apply.

After being offered a place at APTC in 2018, she ventured into her studies with determination.

“Before encountering APTC, I didn’t have much knowledge about trades and lacked skills in painting but through APTC, I fully discovered my hidden talent,” she said.

For now, Hellen’s biggest priority is to gain more skills and knowledge to develop herself and her community.

For her internationally recognised qualification, Hellen is determined to make the most of her training at APTC and the opportunity given to her to study in Fiji, saying it has boosted her skills and confidence enormously.

–APTC

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