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Rennell Bellona celebrates Silver Jubilee

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Prime Minister Rick Houenipuela (L) and Premier-for-Rennell-Bellona Province, Collin Singimoana (R) stood in salutation to the national anthem played by the RSIPF Brass Band, at Tingoa
Prime Minister Rick Houenipuela (L) and Premier-for-Rennell-Bellona Province, Collin Singimoana (R) stood in salutation to the national anthem played by the RSIPF Brass Band, at Tingoa

Rennell and Bellona Province marked its Silver Jubilee, 25th Second Appointed Day Anniversary celebration on July 20, 2018 at Tingoa, graced by the attendance of its Chief Guest of Honour, Prime Minister Rick Houenipuela. Theme for the anniversary was ‘Unity in Diversity for a Strong Economic Development’.

In his key note address Prime Minister Hou congratulated and acknowledged the government and the people of Rennell and Bellona on their silver jubilee and commitment in ensuring services are delivered at the Provincial level on behalf of the National Government. The Prime Minister cited the Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP) with its Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) as one of the National Government’s flagship projects that is providing infrastructure development services that is notable across various sectors in the Provinces. “We will continue to maintain this commitment to ensure our people receive the benefits and services that are required” assured the Prime Minister. It is understood 2018 PCDF Assessment has been completed with a formal report to be released soon and funds to be disbursed to the Provinces in the next couple of months.

Speaking during the occasion Premier for the Province, Hon Collin Singimoana (MPA), acknowledged the presence of the Hon. Prime Minister and members of his entourage, the Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Kaitu Tautai Angikimua, who is also the MP for Rennell Bellona Constituency and all other distinguished invited guests for their attendance at the province’s silver jubilee celebration.

Premier Singimoana acknowledged past governments of Rennell and Bellona Province, and National Governments for their leadership and wisdom, and dedication and humility in recognising and taking the remote Province to what it is today; a small Province with equal legal status like its sister and bigger Provinces. Premier Singamoana stated that since the according of Rennell and Bellona Province’s Second Appointed Day 25 years ago, the Province continues to have opportunities and faces challenges.

One of the challenges is the current National Government system we have which he stated; “Not only did our National Government give Rennell and Bellona that equal recognition in law as the bigger Provinces, but that recognition should by right and under our government system should have also automatically provided Rennell and Bellona with equal opportunities and equal considerations when it comes to allocation and distribution of the country’s resources and opportunities to our people and respective communities throughout Solomon Islands”.

Premier Singimoana stated that another challenge the Province faces relates to all other relevant arrays of issues pertaining to the bauxite mining on West Rennell and the status of the world heritage program in East Rennell which hosts the largest enclosed fresh water lake in Asia Pacific region. He stated that of paramount concern to his government and the Province is how West Rennell land was alienated through acquisition a process that has now become a source of complex land disputes that seemingly will remain so into the future.

Singimoana calls on the National Government, Landowners, and Rennell and Bellona Provincial Government to undertake serious structured consultations to review the entire situation in order to correct the anomalies. He stated that addressing these array of issues at this point in time would prevent further emergence of serious social and economic risks to the people of not only West Rennell but the entire Province and Solomon Islands as a country.

Premier Singimoana stated that the World Heritage Programme on East Rennell is a challenging and imperative programme as there are issues affecting the Province. He stated that in spite of the fruitful discussions with the National Government being the third party to the convention on declaration of Lake Tengano on East Rennell as a World Heritage Site, the East Rennell Local Committee and the Provincial Executive over the issues, it was sad the proposals to address the issues were never featured in the National Government’s budget last year.

The Rennell and Bellona Premier stated that despite the complications the Province is facing with the Lake Tengano World Heritage Site, the Provincial Government will continue to press on to ensure the potential of East Rennell in tourism will become a reality for the local people, Province and the country at large.

Premier Singimoana thanked the National Government for the first tranche of assistance towards preparatory work for the Solomon Games which will be held in the Province and appeals to the Ministry of Home Affairs to ensure additional funds for the games are available in time before the games start on the 20th November.

In his brief remarks during the occasion, MP for Rennell and Bellona, Hon. Kaitu Tautai Angikimua stated that he sees the Second Appointed Day celebration as best opportunity to reflect on political journey as a Province and to take stock on the progress and what has been achieved as a Province, as a society and as a people. He stated that the Second Appointed Day must not be demeaned to lose its value nor its significance for the day stands unchanging as a beacon on political success and achievement which is owed to the good people and past leaders of a Province whom he thinks had stood tall as champions the causes to be a Province despite all odds.

MP Tautai iterated that roads in the Province such as East Rennell were built forty years ago and are in dire need for rehabilitation. He stated that Tingoa and Anua airstrips also need upgrading to cater for the Dash 8 in order to boost tourism. The MP calls on people from all walks of life in Rennell and Bellona especially the leaders, chiefs, and elders to put aside their differences and put their heads together to bring Rennell and Bellona to a better stage.

As part of the Silver Jubilee, zones in the Province (East Rennell, Central Rennell, West Rennell and Bellona) took to the playing grounds to compete in the sports of rugby and netball. Sports Coordinator for the Province Mr Lungu Kilooko said the games were also ‘RenBel Ready Games’ preparatory for the Solomon Games. Central Zone won rugby’s first prize of $4,000 while Western End Zone won netball’s first prize of $3,000.

Anglican diocese of Malaita ordains new priest

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Fr. Derrick reading the promises before the diocesan Bishop of Malaita and before all clergies.

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

A new priest has been ordained last Sunday at Fiu cathedral where he has been welcomed into the priesthood ministry in the Anglican diocese of Malaita.

He is Fr Derrick Taka from Fiu and is a former surveyor Lands officer and the former Solomon Islands national football player in the late 90s and also the former Malaita Football president from 2010 to 2012.

From involving in football much of his time he decided to turn his journey to join the priesthood ministry in the church under the Anglican diocese of Malaita.

The first greetings of peace by the newly ordained priest Fr. Derrick Taka

During his ordination last Sunday, chiefs, community leaders, elders and relatives from Gwaiuka tribe where he belongs gathered in numbers to witness the ordination.

An address during the ordination service last Sunday senior priest of Keava region Fr Molynuex Nofa said to be a priest in the church it is a great task to serve God and his people in this ministry.

“We will face challenges, ups and downs in life but put God in front of all our work as a shepherd that leads the sheep to graze on green pastures.

Fr. Derrick reading the promises before the diocesan Bishop of Malaita and before all clergies.

“It is the time to witness for Christ in this entire world.

“As you ordained today in this priesthood ministry, you are to establish God’s kingdom here on earth and be loyal in your work to serve God’s people.

“We must serve God with love and compassion and as a leader purposely to serve God.

“As we ordained in this ministry we must be a prayerful person with an obedient heart as we take up this responsibility in the church.

“Our priority is leadership, in churches and even in our government where we must source our leadership in God before we will be prosper in life or in any responsibility we take.”

The ordination service took place at the Fiu Cathedral in Fiu village and the newly ordained priest was ordained by the Anglican Diocesan Bishop of Malaita province, Right Reverend Bishop Sahu assisted by the Assistant Bishop, Bishop Rickson Maomaoru.

Assistant Bishop of Malaita Anglican diocese (left) Bishop Rickson Maomaoru Fr. Derrick Taka (centre), Diocesan bishop of Malaita Bishop Sam Sahu right) and all clegies that attended the ordination last Sunday.
Fr. Derrick Taka and his family infront of the Fiu cathedral church last Sunday.

Social accountability project launched by Oxfam and partners

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

A project that aims to improve social accountability in the Solomon Islands was launched in Honiara by Oxfam Solomon Islands and the Solomon Islands Social Accountability Coalition (SISAC).

The project – funded by European Union – hopes to strengthen the capacity of the coalition (SISAC) and other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) over the next three years to promote inclusive development and enhance democratic governance and accountability among government and civil society institutions in the country.

The “Improving Social Accountability in the Solomon Islands” is a three-year long project in the duration from April 2018 to March 2019.

Addressing the launching occasion Simon Uesikoke, the Social Accountability Project Manager, said its overall objective is to promote inclusive development and enhance democratic governance and accountability among government and civil institutions in Solomon Islands.

He said as well as with a precise objective of strengthening the capacity of Solomon Islands Social Accountability Coalition (SISAC) and other Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to use their networks to effectively engages citizens.

“The aim of this project is to enable CSO and citizens to strategically influence national development, public funds and processes that enables sustainable growth with regrades to transparency, accountability and representation and voice,” Uesikoke said.

He said the key invention strategies of this project including

  • Strengthening of CSO’s capacity in development and application of participatory social accountability tools, such as community score cards, public expenditure tracking and social audit.

 

  • Dissemination of information about the Solomon Islands and budget development processes, public expenditure and roles and responsibilities of services providers and government.
  • Promoting CSO and citizen’s engagement in provincial and national budget development processes.
  • Undertaking national and community level trails of social accountability tools and approaches.
  • Holding public forums, discussions to raise public awareness and promote citizen’s engagement to address issues of public concerns.
  • Research and evidence based campaign to enhance greater accountability and transparency at all levels.

Uesikoke adds in achieving the above objectives the Solomon Islands Social Accountability Coalition (SISAC) wishes to collaborate with communities, CSO and government institutions.

On the same matter Doreen Fernando, Acting Country Director of Oxfam in Solomon Islands encouraged all Civil Society Organisations and the government to work collaboratively in terms of supporting this initiative.

Members of SISAC are; Transparency Solomon Islands, Development Services Exchange, Solomon Islands Development Trust, Young Women’s Parliamentary Group, Forum Solomon Islands International, National Scouts Association, National Youth Congress, Honiara Youth Council and Oxfam in Solomon Islands.

Moreover, it was after the launching yesterday they held an inception workshop of improving Social accountability in Solomon Islands and it will be concluded today.

The workshop mainly focuses to look through the project itself and its workplace and amending of any changes where needed.

Youth leadership retreat at Ginger Beach

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Group photo of the Officials and young leaders attending the Youth Leadership Retreat at Ginger Beach Retreat.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

YOUNG people in Honiara City have convened at the Ginger Beach for a five-day youth leadership retreat which was officially opened on Monday.

The event was officially opened by Deputy Police Commissioner Mr Gabriel Manelusi, also gathering the Head of Division for Youth, Sports and Women Division for HCC, RSIPF representatives and the Team Leader for the Solomon Islands Police Support Programme (SIPSP) and young leaders.

The young leaders comprise of 15 participants and 15 youth facilitators.

Young facilitators for the five-day event.

There will be different speakers on topics on leadership, mental health, healthy lifestyles, pathway to education, employment and entrepreneurship and mentoring.

They include Special Secretary to the Prime Minister- Dr Jimmy Rogers, Deputy Commissioner to RSIPF- Junita Matanga, Sports icon Jennly Wini, local business woman Julie Haro and the Director for the NTU Clement Tito.

Manelusi said country is half way towards its first decade of young leaders.

Manelusi said the retreat is an opportunity for young leaders to enhance leadership skills to become good leaders and set example for next generation.

“I encourage you to commit yourself to this programme and make your unique contribution to your community,” Manelusi.

RSIPF Deputy Commissioner Mr Gabriel Manelusia giving the keynote address.

He said gaining such knowledge and skills will support leadership style in the community to involve young people in positive activities rather than negative ones which will help reduce issues within the city.

HCC’s Head of Division for Youth Sports and Women Division Mr Roland GK Pauku said HCC is excited from its network to involve in a worthy event for young people to realise their leadership potential.

Pauku said such network is a dream come true for its division to see its partnership grow and expand to the RSIPF and the Solomon Islands Police Support Programme of the New Zealand Government.

HOD for Youth, Sports and Women Division Mr Roland GK Pauku giving his
remarks during the opening of the Youth Leadership Retreat at the Ginger Beach.

He thanked the RSIPF and Solomon Islands Police Support Programme for recognizing their youth network which resulted in bringing young people together and seen them thrive.

Meanwhile, the event is funded and supported by the New Zealand Government through a Solomon Islands Police Support Programme in partnership with RSIPF, HCC-Youth Division and Honiara Youth Council.

Group photo of the Officials and young leaders attending the Youth Leadership Retreat at Ginger Beach Retreat.

MDPAC farewells EU Ambassador to SI and Vanuatu

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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EU farewell

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

EUROPEAN Union (EU) Ambassador to Solomon Islands and Vanuatu His Excellency Leonidas Tezapsidis was farewelled on Monday at the Mendana Hotel.

Hosting a luncheon for him was the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination (MDPAC).

MDPAC’s Minister Jeremiah Manele during his farewell speech reminded ministers and everyone attending that they are farewelling one of the most dynamic diplomats and development partners that the government and the country has been privileged to have worked and associated with.

“You know how at all times you have given your best to the people of Solomon Islands,” said Manele to His Excellency Leonidas Tezapsidis.

“Your services, dedication and commitment make us feel we cannot thank you enough.

“We look forward to working closely with your successor under the Fiji mission although you will not be here physically with your Office presence, but we hope that we will utilise your services at the Fiji Office much more effectively as we hope to improve on that as a government.”

Tezapsidis came to Solomon Islands during 2014.

He has played a great deal in bringing to new heights the excellent relations and the increase of assistance that Solomon Islands has enjoyed according Manele.

“Among many notable achievements made by Ambassador Leonidas during his term with us and one of the most significant if I may mention was the political dialogue in 2016,” said MDPAC’s Minister.

He said this includes furthering good relations with the EU, deciding of the 11th National Indicative Programme to Solomon Islands in 2015, the constant encouragement and guidance to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade as well as the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources in addressing the illegal unreported and unregulated fishing that enhanced the removal of the Yellow Card to Solomon Islands fisheries industry which is very important.

This includes a number of projects being funded during under his tenure.

Tezapsidis during his farewell remarks reminded that the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is just next door and this will resolve many of the problems practically all that the country will be facing.

He admitted yesterday that he had gained much more out of this country for the past four years than what he would like to give for various reasons.

Taro airfield concern

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

TARO Station’s residents at Choiseul Province have raised concern over drunkards usually polluting the Taro airfield.

A local resident and rest house owner Mr Patson Pitabule speaking on behalf of locals to Island Sun said it has come to notice from observation that local drunkards are usually polluting Taro airfield with their empty cans of beer and their boxes giving a hard time for Solomon Airlines Agent to clean their rubbish up.

Respect to the airfield is what they are seeking for according to the locals.

“We call on the residents of Taro including visitors to respect the airfield and its surroundings so that the airfield will have a clean environment site,” urged Pitabule.

He added that such attitude is to avoid accidents as well.

The locals are now suggesting for a security personal for the airfield.

Many youths face uncertain future: HYC

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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HYC President Mr Harry James Olikwailafa.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

HYC President Mr Harry James Olikwailafa.

HONIARA Youth Council (HYC) president says many youths in Solomon Islands still live in uncertain and unsettling times which young people are confronting in every turn.

In a five-day youth leadership retreat at the Ginger Beach, HYC president Mr Harry James Olikwailafa said out of 22,402 of Honiara’s population from 2009 census, 28.6 percent are young people which are living in unsettling times.

He revealed such sentiment to 30 youth leaders and representatives from the HCC-Youth Division staffs, RSIPF and New Zealand Police under the project Solomon Islands Police Support Programme.

“We live in uncertain and unsettling times, complex, unrelated crises confront us at every turn, and we face immersing challenges with devastating economies—all of this leading up to a crisis of confidence.”

He adds that the trust gap is growing wider and for youth it measure in two practical ways such as participation gap and opportunity gap.

Olikwailafa urges organisations and stakeholders to do more in bridging the gaps by drawing innovations, energy and ideas for today’s generation.

With the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force crime prevention strategy 2016—2018, Olikwailafa said it gives them hope and determination to work on addressing youth issues.

He said the strategy provides framework for collaboration and partnership or sharing resources, knowledge and expertise to engage youths in a meaningful activities.

“I believe the five-day youth leadership retreat will help shape young people to become agent of change in the community and built their capacities to engage meaningful in decision-making processes.”

Team Leader for Solomon Islands Police Support Programme, New Zealand Police Mr Paris Razos said the Youth Leadership Retreat is a big start for big commitment for the future.

He said they are appreciative to part of youth development in Solomon Islands through its project which put a lot of focus on youth and value their interests and contribution.

He said, “The reality is young people are an asset, not a liability, you have to embrace young people and create opportunity for them, what they want is a voice.”

Community thanks WP Government for road works

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The road access leading to TC area upgraded by Labor Base Construction and HZ workers funded by Western Provincial government

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

The road access leading to TC area upgraded by Labor Base Construction and HZ workers funded by Western Provincial
government

TC residents have thanked the Western provincial government, labour base construction workers and HZ construction for improving the road condition at the TC area in Gizo.

People living around TC, Babylon, Jah Mountain and Top hill had been suffering bad roads for many months, something which has been taken away with the road’s improvement by the authorities.

A Mr Andrew Koke from TC resident yesterday said the people are now happy with the road access to TC.

“I would like to thank the Provincial Government, Labor Base construction workers and HZ construction workers for their generous assistance to improve the road conditions affected by people.

“With the continuing rainfall over the past weeks, people living around TC now happy with road upgrades and drain repairs.

“We thank the provincial Government responded positively to the request from People improve the road access.”

The construction workers now started to seal gravels and drainage works, but due to the rainfall, the work on the TC road has been halted.

A spokesman from the Labour Base said that due to the rainfall the workers have postponed the day to carry out road works.

Bishop Sahu congratulates newly ordained priest

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Anglican Diocesan Bishop of Malaita Diocese Bishop Sam Sahu.

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

Anglican Diocesan Bishop of Malaita Diocese Bishop Sam Sahu.

ANGLICAN Diocesan bishop of Malaita, Bishop Sam Sahu has congratulated newly ordained priest Fr Derrick Taka on his coronation last Sunday.

In his remarks Bishop Sahu said, “What is our responsibility as Christians, we are to serve our living God with all our strength, heart, mind and soul.

“Nominalism is one of the foremost issue raised in our churches today.

“We must renew our spiritual lives and love God more than anything in this world.

“Our purpose is to serve God faithfully and to do his work accordingly, bishop Sahu revealed.

“Today we mark this very important occasion where the Anglican diocese of malaita welcomes a new member in the priesthood ministry in the Anglican Church.

“He is to lead God’s flocks and build their faith on the almighty God our saviour.

“The church today did not encourage the 50-50 life bases but our lives must be submitted to God fully.”

He calls on all Christians to pray and encourage one another ‘as we continue to serve our God as we the pilgrims of this Christian journey’.

Fresh water supply for Haukona village soon

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

HAUKONA village in central highlands of Are’are will soon receive its water supply under the RWASH programme.

Chief Environmental Health Inspector of Malaita Province, Ms Gloria Siwainao told this paper that materials for construction of the new water supply are on site as work is expected to commence soon.

She said yesterday that as part of the work a team from her office will leave for Haukona village very soon for a week of pre-construction workshop training to the villagers.

Siwainao said the training is purposely to let the villagers understand their responsibilities or role they expect to play during and after the execution of the project.

She said the training is very important as one main focus area it looks at is to allow villagers to manage the project.

Siwainao said they will largely look at sustainability of the water supply project to maintain its value or usefulness in a long run.

She said there were scenarios been experienced by her office that sustainability is very lucking with many water supply projects in the province.

Adding that as a result people usually tend to seek assistance for maintenance of their water supply sometimes not really long after the completion of the project.

Siwainao reiterated that the training was very important as it will allow those will benefit from the project to understand their responsibility on the project.

She said the workshop is expected soon and as a long as it completes the implementation of the water will begin.

Siwainao said Haukona water supply project was one among three other water supply projects her office expects to complete this year.

She said the other projects were, a water supply for Riaa’oa’o village in East Are Are and Elite village in Small Malaita.

Siwainao said the project was funded EU through the RWASH programme under the Ministry of health and Medical Service.

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