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Big task at hand: Toata

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Solomon Warriors coach Moses Toata.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

SOLOMON Warriors coach Moses Toata says they have a big task at hand given his boys were drawn against the might of the Oceania defending champions Auckland City in the Oceania Champions League quarterfinal.

The vital match-up is being outlined as the third quarterfinal and is set for 2pm kick off at the Kiwitea Street in Auckland, New Zealand on April 8.

Toata, who is a bit disappointed why Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) did not invite any of their representatives to attend the draws held at the regional governing football body’s secretariat in Auckland yesterday, expressed that the road ahead is quite a tough one.

“I think firstly, the draw is a very important part of the competition. I don’t know why we were not represented.”

However, Toata said they are ready for anything.

“Now we have a big task ahead. It’s not going to be easy to try and beat the current OFC Champions. But I think we have some chance.

“We can beat Auckland if we prepare well.”

Toata added that the focus at the moment is fitness discipline.

“I think we will need to work hard on our conditioning which is the modern term for physical fitness before the big quarterfinal match-up.

“Fitness is an important component of my game style and we need to achieve that in six weeks,” said Toata.

Warriors qualified into the quarterfinals after finishing as runner-up behind AS Dragon of Tahiti in the Group B competition held in Papeete last month.

Warriors’ qualification into the last eight emerged as a hard-fought one where they had to come back to win the final two group matches against AS Lossi and AS Dragon respectively to qualify following an opening match day loss to Erakor Golden Star.

While the quarterfinal showdown is still a month away, Warriors will use the Telekom S-League (TSL) championship series which will kick off this Sunday as part of their preparation.

“We have the TSL knockout starting this weekend so we will use this for our preparation towards the quarter final match against Auckland City.”

Should Warriors get through in the quarterfinal match against Auckland City, they will play the winner of the first quarterfinal match between Team Wellington and Lae City Dwellers in the semifinal set for April 21.

Meanwhile, fellow Solomon Islands rep Marist will play Nalkutan in the second quarterfinal on April 7 at Korman Stadium in Vanuatu.

Bill withdrawn

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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MP for Small Malaita Hon. Rick Hou is being nominated to run for PM onbehalf of the DCC Group

Prime Minister Hou removes dual citizenship bill from parliament

By Gary Hatigeva

AT its eleventh hour, just before it is to be given its second and third reading, the government decided to withdraw the much anticipated Constitution (Amendment) (Dual Citizenship) Bill 2017 from Parliament.

Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela revealed that the withdrawal was in view of the reservations expressed by the Parliamentary Bills and Legislative Committee (BLC) on certain provisions of the draft legislation.

The Bill sought to remove the Constitutional prohibition on dual citizenship and to clarify that holding dual citizenship prevents a person from being a Member of Parliament.

Having it enacted will also facilitate the return and reintegration of Solomon Islands citizens by birth or ancestry who lost their citizenship by reason of marriage, forced labour or naturalisation in another nation.

It is also anticipated to provide social, economic, family, employment and study opportunities by providing ease of movement between country of origin and country of residence for eligible persons.

Besides, the Bill also aims at tapping the pool of potentials and opportunities to engage in the economic and social developments of the country with their specialties and contributions through small to large scale businesses and other development aspects.

But after days of adjournments and incomplete Parliament sittings, the Prime Minister when given the introduction for his presentation on the second reading of the Constitution (Amendment) (Dual Citizenship) Bill 2017, announced to have it (Bill) withdrawn from Parliament.

Prime Minister Hou explained that after receiving the BLC report on the Bill on Sunday night, he thoroughly went through it and came to find some important recommendations from the Committee.

“In fact, three recommendations but the biggest one where they said that because of the intensity and the importance of this matter that this bill should be withdrawn first…” the Prime Minister explained when declaring to have the bill withdrawn from Parliament yesterday.

This was also supported by the Attorney General, James Apaniai who provided legal clarification to questions raised on the legality of the matter.

In his explanation, Mr Apaniai explained that the constitution amendment dual citizenship bill was put in place to pave the way for the passing of the citizenship bill

“If not for the citizenship bill, there would be no need to amend the constitution,” Apaniai explained to Parliament.

Meanwhile, the BLC Chairman and MP for Aoke/Langalanga Matthew Wale in his response to the recommendations, clarified that the Committee’s recommendation was for the Constitution (Amendment) (Dual Citizenship) Bill 2017 to be deferred and not withdrawn.

“There are two bills before the house and there are two reports that were submitted simultaneously by the Committee.

“But the bill that is on the order paper is the Constitution (Amendment) (Dual Citizenship) Bill 2017, and on that bill the recommendation is to defer not withdraw.

“On the Citizenship Bill is where the recommendation of this committee is to withdraw and look at the broader policy issues where the Bills Committee raised,” the BLC Chairman clarified in Parliament yesterday.

However, he stressed that the bills can always be reintroduced to Parliament if the government decides to withdraw both bills

It is understood that now it is being withdrawn, the Bill will no longer be part of the Hou-Led government’s business to bring before Parliament.

However, officials explained that if the government is planning to reintroduce it, the bill according to procedures and processes, will have to go through the same way it went through before Parliament can deliberate on it.

Meanwhile, in reference to Order 59 of the Parliamentary Standing Orders and procedures, the Deputy Prime Minister responded that based on these orders, the announcement made by PM to withdraw the bill is final and the matter should now be removed completely from Parliament’s businesses.

“The Member in charge of a Bill may, at the beginning of the proceedings on a Bill at a sitting, announce that he withdraws the Bill. And such Bill shall thereupon stand withdrawn and no further proceedings shall be taken on it,” the DPM quoted from the Standing Orders when responding to questions raised on the BLC recommendations.

Based on the highlighted standing order, the Bill is now out and will have to go through the same process and procedures like creating a totally new bill, if it is to be reintroduced in Parliament.

UN Secretary General pledges UN’s commitment on International Women’s Day

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Women in Solomon Islands parading during IWD 2017

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

THE United Nation (UN) Secretary General pledges its commitment for zero tolerance of sexual harassment and set out plans to improve reporting and accountability.

The message is shared for member countries under the UN as the globe is preparing for the International Women’s Day set for March 8 which Solomon Islands is also part of the global campaign for women and girls’ rights.

UN Secretary General said, “We are working closely with countries around the world to prevent and address sexual exploitation and abuse by staff in peacekeeping missions, and to support victims.”

“We at the United Nations stand with women around the world as they fight to overcome the injustices they face – whether they are rural women dealing with wage discrimination, urban women organizing for change, women refugees at risk of exploitation and abuse,” Secretary General said.

“Or women who experience intersecting forms of discrimination: widows, indigenous women, women with disabilities and women who do not conform to gender norms,” UN Secretary General said.

The Spotlight initiative launched jointly with the European Union will focus resources on eliminating violence against women and girls, a prerequisite for equality and empowerment.

Let me be clear: this is not a favor to women. Gender equality is a human rights issue, but it is also in all our interests: men and boys, women and girls. Gender inequality and discrimination against women harms us all.

UN Secretary General said with women’s involvement there is ample evidence that investing in women is the most effective way to lift communities, companies, and even countries.

It will create making peace agreements stronger, societies more resilient and economies more vigorous, the UN General said.

Where women face discrimination, we often find practices and beliefs that are detrimental to all.

Transparency and accountability are essential if women are to reach their full potential and lift all of us, in our communities, societies and economies.

I am proud to be part of this movement, and I hope it continues to resonate within the United Nations and around the world.

On March 8, Solomon Islands will join the global community to campaign for women and girls under the theme: Press for Progress.

The major sponsor for this event is Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.

Solomon Islands’ focus on International Women’s Day will be celebrating women’s successful stories and contribution in wider society followed by press for progress of gender equality and Family Protection Act (FPA).

Work on undersea cable projected to start mid-2018

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka together with the SI/PNG delegation also met with Australian Prime Minister Turnbull.

By Gary Hatigeva

Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka together with the SI/PNG delegation also met with Australian Prime Minister Turnbull.

WORK on the Undersea Cable Project linking Papua New Guinea to Solomon Islands and Australia is expected to start in the middle of this year, 2018. This was revealed in the government’s Policy Priorities, Strategic Actions and Outcomes document.

The Undersea Cable Project will be co-funded by the Government of Australia after a thorough meeting between the two governments in Canberra November last year.

Under its Summary of Strategic Action Priority, the Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) with the intention to promote sustainable economic development has earmarked an estimate of $15 Million for a number of areas. This includes the Undersea Cable Project, SIBC Support, Solomon Islands Postal Corporation, the Solomon Islands Airport Management Company (CEMA) and a few others.

Based on the government Strategic Action Priority document, the Undersea Cable Project is also high on its agenda. This is expected to draw out at least half of the estimated $15 million allocation from its 2018 Budget once it is passed by Parliament.

On the other hand, the Australian government has selected Vocus, an Australian telecom company, to conduct initial stages of the new undersea cable project in the South Pacific that will connect the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea with Australia.

Earlier, the Department of Foreign Affairs signed a $2.8 million deal with the Australian telco company in December last year to conduct a scoping study for the design, construction and procurement of the submarine cable system.

The project according to both governments and the company will connect the major islands of the Solomon’s and PNG with Australia over 4000 kilometre fibre optic cable, replacing each country’s reliance on what experts described as old, unstable and expensive technologies.

As a follow up, a meeting was called and a delegation from the Solomon Islands government led by the Minister for Communication and Aviation, Peter Shanel Agovaka travelled to Australia last week at the invitation of the Australian Government.

The meeting also included a delegation from the PNG government who was briefed on the various options in rolling out the undersea cable from Australia and the proposed timelines for future meetings that will continue to monitor and look at the details of the project.

Both delegations were also briefed on Australia’s internet policies, communication market, legislation, legal regimes for landing and operating and protecting submarine cable and processes of obtaining permits.

The Solomon Islands currently has its telco needs wholly served by satellite, while PNG uses a low capacity cable that is nearing its life’s end.

Meanwhile, a statement from Vocus revealed that on the project, a study is currently being carried out. The study is expected to last three months including consultations with the governments of PNG and Solomon Islands before work can start.

The cable project, which originally covered only Solomon Islands, was planned to be constructed by Chinese telecoms giant Huawei, but that deal came up against stiff opposition from the Australian government.

Following levels of talks between the for Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) and the Chinese company, reports from the Australian Media revealed that Canberra was showing great concerns about Huawei’s alleged links to the Chinese government and were also worried about the possibility of a backdoor into Australia’s telecommunications network system.

It is still unclear what levels of talks and agreements have been reached between the Solomon Islands government then and Huawei, but the Rick Hou led SIDCC Government is keen to have the project started, as far as promoting sustainable development for the country is concerned.

Tribal Russell Islands Landowner renews call on government to restrict Patrick Wong’s activities in Solomon Islands

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Alfred Sasako

 

A tribal Russell Islands’ landowner has renewed his call on authorities to monitor foreign businessman, Patrick Wong’s activities in Solomon Islands, saying Mr Wong remains a prohibited person to enter Solomon Islands.

“I know Mr Patrick Wong was allowed into the country on the pretext of attending court cases relating to the Russell Islands Plantation Estates Ltd (RIPEL). That is fine but Mr Wong should never use his entry as a licence to engage in meetings which have divided communities on Russell Islands.

“My second point is that Mr Wong is a persona non-grata,” Russell Islands Tribal landowner Silas Selo told Island Sun yesterday.

“What he does here should be closely monitored by authorities. He should never be allowed to do anything other than attending court cases,” Mr Selo said.

Mr Wong could not be contacted for comments yesterday. He announced recently that he was paying dividends to RIPEL shareholders as well as local landowners on Russell.

But Mr Selo said how RIPEL could pay dividends when it no longer had any assets.

“The fact of the matter is that RIEPL has no assets. It has not traded since 2002 so where is the $2 million promised in dividends going to come from?

“People would recall that last year Mr Wong promised to pay $12.8 million in dividends to RIPEL shareholders and the Lavukal landowners. It would seem this figure was linked to the payment by Government of $50 million for the Hell’s Point waste land in east Honiara,” Mr Selo said.

“Now Mr Wong has reduced the figure to just $2 million. That’s quite a drop,” he said.

Mr Selo said there’s a joke in the Russell Islands today that Mr Wong was going to send the $2 million through Western Union.

“One wonders whether he has obtained clearance from the Central Bank of Solomon Islands for this transaction.”

International and Regional Bishop’s conference underway in Fiji

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Arch Bishop of Cantgerbury Most Reverend Justin Welby conducting the service, photo by James Mauriasi.

BY BEN BILUA
In Suva, Fiji

INTERNATIONAL and Regional Arch Bishops are gathered here in Fiji to attend one of the important meetings in the Anglican Church Calendar.

Arch Bishop of the Anglican Church Melanesia Right Reverend George Takeli and delegations from Solomon Islands arrived last week to be part of the meeting.

Official opening of the meeting was held yesterday at the Holy Trinity Church in Suva.

Arch Bishop of Cantgerbury Most Reverend Justin Welby conducting the service, photo by James Mauriasi.

Chief Guest, the Arch Bishop of Canterbury Most Reverend Justin Welby led the induction ceremony.

Bishop Welby said the meeting is very important as it will shape the performance, review intervention and look at the roles of that the Anglican Communion can play to make the world a better place to live.

He told the people that the Church has an important role to play as such close collaboration and partnership in spiritual, physical and economically development is paramount.

Bishop Welby stressed that the threats brought by climate change is increasing and it is important for the Anglican Communion to establish frameworks that would alien with the work of other international governing body to mitigate climate change risks.

“This meeting will help us shape what action to take in the fight against climate change. Our establishment as a church gives us an opportunity to help the world fight this threat,” he said.

ACOM Solomon Islands USP students after displaying a traditional performance during the gospel procession, Photo by James Mauriasi.

Bishop Welby adds that the meeting will also look at violence and other related matters that pose threat to unity, peace and well-being of mankind.

He again reminds the Anglican community to preach the good news and also advocates for peace, unity and prosperous future for the generation to come.

Bishop Welby continues to say that the meeting will also discuss how the church can help when natural disasters strike.

He said the outcome of the meeting will be presented to the International Anglican Communion meeting that will be held in 2020.

In an interview with Island Sun, General Secretary of the Anglican Church of Melanesia Dr Abraham Hauriasi said ACOM is pleased to be part of the meeting.

He said discussions from the meeting will help the Anglican Church of Melanesia to figure out important and correct programmes against climate change and violence.

Dr Hauriasi said climate change and violence are common issues affecting most Melanesian countries including Solomon Islands and that ACOM’s contribution during the meeting is very important.

Call to support School Staff house project in Choiseul

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

THERE is call for support from any donor, group or individuals towards Voruvoru School’s Staff house project at Northwest Choiseul.

Despite financial difficulties, Voruvoru Primary School’s Staff house project has started under the direction of their school committee during the end of last month February.

Mr Nerio Ulemiki the media coordinator for Christ the King Parish at Voruvoru reported that a group of four boys led by one of the school committee members Mr Raynard Vangalo had already started to build the first of the three Staff houses proposed.

“Despite of financial difficulties, the project will continue until it fulfils its goal for the sake of our children,” said Mr Ulemiki.

Catholic church blessed with two new Deacons

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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His grace present the two newly ordian deacon infront of the church.

CATHOLIC Church of Solomon Islands on Thursday 1st Mach welcomed two new deacons at Holy Cross Cathedral. This is after years of struggle and spiritual training at the Holy Name of Mary Seminary at Tenaru in east Honiara.

They were Deacon Joseph Tsoumate from Tangarare parish and Patson Malulu from Purepure village of Avuavau Parish in south Guadalcanal.

Speaking during his homily the main celebrant, His Grace Archbishop Christopher Michael Cardone (OP) welcomed the new deacons in the ministry.

“I welcome you my two beloved brothers in the ministry of deacon a footstep that brings you closer to become a priest to serves God’s people”, the Archbishop said.

He also highlighted the nine words that the deacon has to follow to be a good person in the ministry of deacon.

“Deacons must be effective in action, gentle in ministry and constant in prayer”, the archbishop said.

He said the word deacon comes from the word servant and to be a follower of Christ deacons should do their work effectively and actively.

He said in the ministry of deacon you are call to work for world and Communities and ready to meet the people daily and visit the sick and age people in the hospital and homes.

He added, the effective in action means that the work of the deacon is not to relax but to involve in the Ministries of the Church and face action and make initiatives.

The church leader also encouraged the parishioners to spare time to pray for the deacons to strengthen their work in the Communities and parishes that they will serve and called on the people to invite the new deacons to visit their Communities and celebrate Mass in their homes.

He then acknowledged the seminarian priests who administer the spiritual training institution at Holy name of Mary seminary and relatives and supporters of the two ordained deacons for allowing the duo to take up their studies in the spiritual society.

He also acknowledged the parishioners, and relatives for the preparation of the program and the liturgy groups for the beautiful song sung during the celebration.

The deacons will be ordained into priesthood in December 2018.

BY CAMILLUS KOLE

CATHOLIC PRESS

United Church welcomes new Moderator

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE United Church of Solomon Islands (UCSI) recently ordained its fourth Moderator Rev David Garunu with his Marama Violet Garuna at Kokeqolo in Munda, Western Province.

The blessing of the ordination was done by the Moderator of United Church in Papua New Guinea (UCPNG) Reverend Bernard Siai.

During the official blessing of the newly elected Moderator, Reverend Siai delivered a message based on Servant Leadership with the scripture text on ‘Jesus Washing of the Disciples Feet’.

Speaking to a source in Munda, he conveyed that the official induction program went well and the handing over of the moderator position from the outgoing Moderator successfully completed with satisfaction from the crowd who were part of the celebration.

Also during the induction, the outgoing Moderator Rev Wilfred Kurepitu and his Marama Rose Kurepitu was saluted for the great service carried out during the past years.

Present during the official induction were United Church Bishops, Ministers, Pastors, lecturers and principals of Segeh theological College and united church members.

School children hears about ear hygiene

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Mike Puia

THE Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) unit within the National Referral Hospital (NRH) has rolled out a school visit program starting last week.

The ENT clinical nurse in-charge, Mary Loduha, confirmed the program will end this week.

Loduha said they hope to take the program to every school within Honiara city mainly kindergarten, one, two and three classes.

She said the program is to educate children and teachers the importance of keeping the ear healthy.

Loduha said diet; personal hygiene and running nose are issues that contributed to ear sickness and their awareness cover these issues.

She said they are targeting young classes as ear sickness is common among young children.

“Young children are the most high risk age” Loduha said.

She said making young children aware of ear sickness and its causes helps.

Today, staff of the ENT unit will be at Norman Palmer School.

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