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PM joins Kukum SDA Church for Sabbath

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM addressing the congregation
PM addressing the congregation

PRIME Minister Rick Hou and Madam Rachel Hou on Saturday joined the congregation at the Kukum SDA Church for Sabbath.

Church Pastor George Fafale thanked and welcomed the Prime Minister and his delegation for their humbleness and humility.

Mr Fafale said the visit by the Prime Minister is important as a man of God who has always acknowledged and recognised the Church as important players in the development of the country.

Pastor Fafale shared a powerful message on love and faith challenging Christians to be the light and salt in their daily lives.

Mr Fafale also challenged Christians to hold on to their faith and keep on believing in the Lord.

“How much do you love Jesus? Do you really love Jesus?” Pastor Fafale challenged the congregation during the Sabbath service on Saturday.

Pastor Fafale sharing the word of God

Mr Fafale also spoke on the famous scripture in the Bible, John 3:16 to emphasise the love that God has for mankind in sending his son to die for our sins.

Prime Minister Hou was also given an opportunity to address the congregation.

The Prime Minister expressed his gratitude and humbleness to spend time with the congregation at the Kukum SDA.

The Prime Minister also thanked the Pastor for the powerful message.

“The message is a challenge for us all Christians whether we are shining the light in our daily lives and doing well to others. Personally, for me, it also brings up the challenging question of ‘am I serving my people satisfactorily?” the Prime Minister said.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister also acknowledged and recognised the important role the Church has played in the country.

“Thank you for your prayers and I encourage all of us to continue to pray for our people, our country and the Government. Prayer is a powerful weapon and that is what is uniting our people and country,” he said.

The Prime Minister also briefly shared with the people his Government’s plans.

Kukum SDA Church is the fourth church the Prime Minister has visited.

Previously, he also visited Bible Way Church, Adelua Church, and Kukum SSEC.

The Prime Minister’s monthly scheduled to fellowship with different Churches in the country will continue throughout this year.

PM and Madam welcomed on arrival by the church elder Johnson Honimae and Pastor Fafale
PM meets Be Happy Ministry’s Mambo Fanaria
PM presents gift to the Church
Youths making an item
People with special needs were also part of the worship team

SKBA pleased with turn out

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Children going through defensive drills

BY ROMULUS HUTA

THE Solomon Kids Basketball Academy (SKBA) is pleased the good turn received since kicking off their 208 program last week.

SKBA coach Moses Kivo said since kicking off last Thursday they have received up to 50 enrolments.

“I’m pleased with good turnout received since last week.

“We are looking to more of that in the coming weeks.”

SKBA is a Honiara-based basketball academy targeting children aged between 5 and 15.

Kivo stressed that have a lot of programs lined up for this year.

Children going through defensive drills

Kivo as soon as they receive enough enrolment, they will organize a one-month tournament for academy members.

But he assured that they get a sponsor first.

“We are currently seeking sponsors for the tournament.

“As soon as we receive green light from potential sponsors then we will announce the kick off dates.”

Kivo added that they are also planning a coaching workshop for their coaches.

“We have received an increase in the enrolment and we are looking at engaging more coaches to look after the sessions.

“A workshop is coming up and already we have identified potential candidates.

“The candidates are all national basketball representatives and they have expressed their willingness to be part of SKBA,” Kivo highlighted.

Children assembles during last week’s SKBA opening session

Meanwhile, Kivo said enrolment for this year is still open and they welcome everyone.

“We hold our sessions at Chung Wah basketball court.

“But that doesn’t mean all members have to be from Chung Wah School. SKBA is open for everyone.

“Interested ones can contact us on mobile 7473234 or come ask for Moses at Provincial Press. Enrolment forms are also available at the Chung Wah School head office.”

Small craft survival training ends in Gizo

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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SIMSA Senior Maritime Officer in Gizo Mr Wheatley Douglas with participants with their certificates after the training in Gizo Hotel on Thursday

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

SIMSA Senior Maritime Officer in Gizo Mr Wheatley Douglas with participants with their certificates after the training in Gizo Hotel on Thursday

A one-day safety at sea training for small crafts has ended successfully in Gizo, Western province.

The training was facilitated by SIMSA Senior Maritime Officer in Gizo Mr Wheatley Douglas and coordinated by Gizo Hotel Manager Mr Greg Vunba.

About seven participants attended the training and received their certificates at the Gizo Hotel yesterday.

Mr Douglas said the training is funded by the owner and Manager of the Gizo Hotel Sean Kennedy for skippers.

Douglas said the training highlighted simple safety rules that can save a person’s life.

“Like taking note of the weather forecast before travelling, letting someone who cares know where you are going and when you plan to return, make sure all safety equipment is on board and to make sure your engine is working properly.”

He said participants were trained on skills in basic navigation and sea survival techniques.

“We demonstrate the use of floating device (life jacket), the use of distance signals from pyrotechnic (hand flare), introduction of safety devices (laser) which travels about 16 kilometre, parachute rockets and smoke float and navigation skills.

“Survival equipment is one of the great important of saving lives at sea and reduce disasters at sea.

“This training is very important for skippers to prepare them before going out to sea and the introduction of safety at sea training for small craft survival training satisfy all the participants in Gizo.”

Meanwhile, Douglas said a similar training was conducted in Munda in January this year, where 12 participants were certified with the skills and knowledge on safety at sea for small crafts.

The training is fully funded by Western Provincial government through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF). It has been described as a step forward to educate boat drivers on techniques when traveling on small craft such as Out Board Motors.

Leaders encourage PILP alumni

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM Rick Houenipwela made his speech during the PILP alumni reunion on Wednesday

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

PM Rick Houenipwela made his speech during the PILP alumni reunion on Wednesday

A community building workshop is underway in Honiara convening nine Pacific islands countries who are part of the Pacific Islands Leadership Programme (PILP).

At the opening ceremony, which coincided with the PILP alumni reunion event on Wednesday, Prime Minister Rick Houenipweala says it is appropriate to bring the community building workshop to Solomon Islands since the alumni participants also come from different countries across our region.

He said his government believes the tourism industry should be encouraged and developed further with the intention of one day surpassing forestry and the unsustainable logging industry in Solomon Islands.

“I hope as a tourism experience, that you will enjoy your stay here in Solomon Islands and that for your workshop you will have a meaningful, fruitful and productive workshop here in Honiara,” PM Hou said.

Hou thanked the Taiwanese Government for such an initiative especially Taiwan Ambassador Roger Luo and his staff for such thoughtfulness.

Minister for Culture and Tourism Bartholomew Parapolo encouraged participants to use the opportunity not only to enjoy Solomon Islands but to learn and return home with stories and memories.

Minister Parapolo with his PS Andrew Nihopara pictured with Taiwan
Ambassador HE Roger Luo.

Parapolo congratulates the alumni and encouraged them to continue the professional interaction as future leaders for their respective countries.

Taiwan’s Ambassador His Excellency Roger Luo in his remarks, recognised the contribution of the East West Centre as a world renowned think-tank for the Asia-Pacific’s young leaders.

Mr Luo said East West Centre has many outstanding scholars and professors supporting the PILP training programme.

The PILP is designed for early and mid-career professionals from all walks of life from 25-38 years of age. The seminar convened young leaders from Papua New Guinea, Nauru, French Polynesia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Tuvalu and Solomon Islands and PILP programme coordinators from the East West Centre in Hawaii, USA.

Tinted taxi fears in Gizo

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Heavy tinted cab in Gizo

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

GIZO public are becoming increasingly worried about the rise in number of taxis with heavy tinted windows, and are calling on authorities to address the issue.

A Mr Andrew Koke shares with Island Sun that Gizo town authorities should follow Honiara City Council’s example and ban heavy tinted public transport vehicles.

He says likewise for Munda and Noro towns.

“There are now many dark tinted taxi incidents being reported around Gizo and passengers fear and double thoughts to many tinted cabs.

“Dark tint glasses living fear among Women and young girls because taxi services are now increasing in Gizo, Noro and Munda and such incidents occurring behind taxis dark tinted glasses include stealing, drinking and road accidents which drivers themselves cause from not looking properly through these dark tints.”

Y@W get youths to do community service

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Mike Puia

YOUTH at Work (Y@W) programme has combined youths from about 14 communities in Honiara in a huge clean-up in the heart of the city.

The two-day clean-up which ended yesterday is part of the Y@W community service. About 250 youths involved in the clean-up.

Moses Manu who represented Y@W’s registration and training team confirmed those who involved in the clean-up are new faces to their programs.

Mr Manu said they will select some of the youths who attended the clean-up for their career expo.

He said after the expo they will select some of them to attend Y@W’s pre-employment trainings.

About 200 of those who attended yesterday’s clean-up will make it to become an intern. Y@W will help the youth to find employment as intern.

Manu said they issued 400 forms and the interest shown by youths is overwhelming.

He said they hope the programme will help reduce unemployment in Honiara and enable youths to be able to make informed decisions to progress in life.

“Getting youths involved in work will get them to start and seriously think about their future,” Manu said.

During Wednesday, day one of the clean-up, a business house freely donated cartoons of mineral waters to the youths.

The cartoons of water donated were enough for yesterday’s clean-up work.

“What happened shows that businesses appreciate youths engagement in community work. People in the street also appreciate it and you can tell that by their look,” Manu said.

SIPA steps closer to digital world

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Group photo of CBS Software with the staff of SIPA

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Group photo of CBS Software with the staff of SIPA

SOLOMON Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) signed a new agreement with the CBS Software group based in Australia to install a 24-hour streamline terminal operation system software.

The software is capable of tracking and monitoring containers coming in and out from Solomon Islands.

This new initiative is part of SIPA’s reformation project into digitalising its services and efficiencies.

SIPA CEO Eranda Kotelawala said the CBS software will improve efficiency to keep track of containers, something which has been a challenge in the past.

Mr Kotelawala said the software ensures that operations are carried out and recorded digitally, making data collection easier and accurate.

Kotalawala said the new software will help to implement processes to increase operation efficiency, improve client communication and increase staff expertise.

He also adds now they will operate digitally with their operation at the yard and international wharf.

He said the programme will save a lot of time, efficiency in delivering of containers, tracking of ships discharging and financial recording purposes.

Kotelawala described the new setting as SIPA’s one step to more digitalising.

CEO Kotelawala said trial run will take place in Honiara, to be moved to Noro port in the Western province when the software operates smoothly.

Director of CBS Software Mr Mark Jenkins said they have been operating for 20 years, and the software is meant to improve efficiency.

It can also be controlled by tablets through signal from the Terminal Operation System, he adds.

Significant area about this software, Mr Jenkins said it can track containers and customers accurately on daily basis.

CBS Software is a group based in Australia.

Its mission statement is to for all terminals and deport have software solution that will improve their efficiency and safety, enhance client communication, and helps conform to industry regulations.

Safety highlighted in survival training

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

WESTERN Province Gizo base SIMSA Senior Maritime Officer Mr Wheatley Douglas has urged participants to think safety first before traveling at sea.

Speaking during the safety at sea training for small craft survival training yesterday, he said people need to know basic knowledge on safety and how to survive when at sea.

He said lack of knowledge and ignorance are the leading causes to sea disasters.

He encourage OBM skippers to always take precaution when thinking of travelling during bad weather.

“We are travelling every day on the open sea and within the lagoons but the sea are unpredictable and it is important to think safety check lists and other safety equipment before travelling.”

“This training can make a difference that is people missing and dying in the sea can be reduce and prevented from any emergency on the sea,” he added.

He said sea equipment are very important tools for those who wish to travel by out-board motor.

Bad pavement condition risk road users

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Captured photo of the damaged pavement along the newly constructed bus bay

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

A bad pavement condition recently discovered along the newly constructed town council bus bay is posing as a risk to road users.

The newly observed damage was considered risk to general public says an outspoken working mother who wants her name disclosed.

She said public and road users seen it as a minor pavement damage, however, if it is not seriously considered it could result in injury to road users who walks that path daily and those who users it at night times.

“Therefore as a daily road user I call on responsible authorities to assess this bad pavement damage and address it quickly,” she said.

Captured photo of the damaged pavement along the newly constructed bus bay

Gov’t urged to prioritise agriculture in creating healthy economy

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Hon Douglas Ete giving his keynote remarks during the Ribbon cutting ceremony at Vura Community High School Compound

By Gary Hatigeva

THE Solomon Islands government has been urged to step up efforts to accelerate the country’s path to prosperity, inclusive growth and decent jobs-creation by moving from commitments to action.

Member of Parliament for East Honiara and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said despite the budget cuts, agriculture should be its top development agenda as an economic driver for inclusive and sustainable development and urged concrete action to transform the sector.

He said after securing political, policy, and financial commitments, the government now needs to harness this surge of support for agriculture and ensure it creates decent jobs and drives economic growth across the country.

Mr Douglas Ete shared this when interviewed after one of the PAC sessions yesterday where matters of direct impacts to the economy were raised and issues affecting all sectors in the country, by the delegation from the Central Bank of Solomon Islands and World Bank.

Meanwhile the PAC Chair suggested that in Solomon Islands, private sector actors, donors and development partners need to work together to improve the agriculture sector, being one of the major back bone of the country and highlighted that this is the path to Solomons’ prosperity.

He said the Central Bank has raised the fact that production of cocoa, apiary sector, honey bee, and coconut have all depleted and that was the view that came out from the economic overview report 2018.

He explained that in the case of Apiary being depleted is because of the bromate, it has not been tackled properly, something Ministry officials confirmed when contacted, that the government has worked on it.

He added that last year cocoa also went down to around 4500 metric tonnes, but with the policy of the government, agricultural sector is basically the back bone of this country.

“And in my view, this is one of the most important sectors that should be bolstered and has to have the reflection in the budget and I encourage the government to do so in order to bolster our productive economy as a whole.”

He further added that budget cut has always been like this in the past for a number of years however, he encouraged the ministry of agriculture especially the government in general, to see that these productive sectors are important for the productivity of the country.

“True, the budget has been slashed affecting all key priority areas including that of the agriculture ministry, but the government can still deliver if they work within their limitations, however, in this case, all that has to have the reflection in the budget and I encourage the government to do so in order to bolster our productive economy as a whole,” the PAC Chairman stressed.

He concluded that as such he sees the money projected in this year’s budget has been sliced and therefore suggested that ministry prepare a supplementary bill to ensure all key areas within this sector is funded and that he is confident will certainly bolster the status of the country’s economy.

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