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Unity party revived

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Group photo of the SIUP former statesmen handing over the policy to documents to Junior Kenilorea

Former statesmen sons’ newcomers for revival

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Group photo of the SIUP former statesmen handing over the policy to documents to Junior Kenilorea

SOLOMON Islands United Party (SIUP) a political party established by the first Prime Minister, Late Sir Peter Kenilorea since the country gained independence in 1978 is set to be revived with the introduction of stronghold new comers of which one of the new comer is his son and namesake.

Former statesmen of SIUP last week officially handed over its manifesto document to the new comers Peter Kenilorea Jnr who is the current Permanent Secretary (PS) for Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Malaita Premier Peter Ramohia and local business owner Adam Bartlett.

The event is organized mainly for the SIUP statesmen to handover the policy document to the three young leaders in preparation for the upcoming National General Election (NGE).

During the gathering, the former SIUP statesmen encouraged and shared experiences on the significance of quality leadership and transformation which Solomon Islands needs for its leaders to invest in.

SIUP Interim Secretary, Mr Abraham Namokari said they revive SIUP at the request of the three new comers to re-group its political powers and to move it forward as it has been there since the country gained independence in 1978.

“Now these three gentlemen Peter Kenilorea Jnr, Premier Peter Romohia and Adam Bartlett are contesting the elections in 2019 and they wanted us to revive this United Party because it is a good party and the best that can re-direct development and serve our people with truth and to take the country forward,” Mr Namokari said.

Handing over the policy document, the SIUP first General Secretary Mr John Maetia explained the manifesto has contained firm belief to lead a government and to serve Solomon Islands people as stated by the country’s national logo, ‘To lead is to serve’.

He challenged the new comers to study the policy document because everything for a quality leadership is written in the manifesto which reflects powerful political will to drive the country forward.

Speaking on behalf of the new members, Mr Kenilorea Jnr thanked the former statesmen for their leadership role in SIUP from independence till now.

He said, now it is time to serve Solomon Islands especially young generation, and if there is a party to lead the country forward, SIUP is the one.

Mr Kenilorea Jnr said they will work in the days ahead to launch the SIUP manifesto.

After launch of the SIUP manifesto, there will be registration before commencement of promotions and campaign activities leading up to the NGE.

Hearts of Hope cares for vulnerable people

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Children ready to be clothed by members of Hearts of Hope.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

Children ready to be clothed by members of Hearts of Hope.

THE Hearts of Hope Solomons is executing a great work assisting vulnerable people in the communities of Malaita province.

Director of the organisation, Mrs Janet Justice Aihari told this paper that there are lots of work they did in carrying out the mission of the organisation.

“Since the inception of the organization in Auki we already supported 42 programmes mainly on clothing orphans and widows in various communities.

“And this is essentially the objective of the organization to support especially orphans and widows.

“However, we can also go beyond that to support other groups of vulnerable people in the community,” she said.

Aihari said also part of it they already organised some camping programme for orphan kids and widows especially in June and November during school holidays.

She said the programme is to involve the orphan and widows to learn and participated in activities that are meaningful and can bring prosper to their lives.

Aihari said according to feedbacks of their programme, it helped lots of them to get out from where they are and participate equally in anything in the communities.

However, she said support towards the running the programme is always lacking since they are handicapped in financial support.

Aihari said it was only when finance at their disposed it facilitate them to carry out the programmes in the communities.

Hearts of Hope clothes communities of Baolo and Maeana

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Children with the new cloths they were dressed by Hearts of Hope.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

PEOPLE from Maeana and Baolo communities in West Kwaio are happy recipients of bales of clothing donated by the Hearts of Hope.

Director of Hearts of Hope Solomon, Mrs Janet Justice Aihari said yesterday they donated clothes to the people in the communities.

She said their visit to Baolo and Maeana is a general visit which looked at clothing all groups of people in the communities.

Mrs Aihari said the recent cloths wearing programme was the second for the two communities as they already held one last year.

However, she assured continuous support and if clothes at their disposal they will come back to the communities in future.

Director of Hearts of Hope Solomon, Mrs Janet Justice Aihari in a white T-Shirt at the back with members of her organization during dressing programme

On the same note, she explained that Hearts of Hope programme is an ongoing programme mainly targeting orphans and widows.

Aihari said since the inception of the programme they have supported orphans and widows in various communities in the central region of the province.

She said their support is mainly with clothes as it is the organisation’s objective to clothe orphans and widows.

She said Hearts of Hope is a charitable organisation established with a heart to support orphans and widows.

Mothers with the members of Hearts of Hope.

However, Mrs Aihari thanked the communities and “Dress a girl around the world” an organisation in New Zealand for donating the cloths to Hearts of Hope for the programme.

On the same note, the church catechist of Maeana and Baolo, Mr Paul Maetaria acknowledged Hearts of Hope for the programme.

He said his people treasured the assistance and look forward for continues cooperation with the organisation.

Children with the new cloths they were dressed by Hearts of Hope.

NRH prepares for world hearing day

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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WORLD Hearing Day will be celebrated tomorrow. The theme this year is “Hear the future… and prepare for it!”

The National Referral Hospital (NRH) Ear Nose & Throat (ENT) Clinic will be promoting simple health messages this week on ear disease prevention as part of its World Hearing Day activities in schools.

ENT Registered Nurse, Obiga Newton, says, ‘’The NRH ENT Clinic regularly see many patients with ear disease that could be avoided’.

“The main ear health messages from the ENT Clinic are: ‘’do not poke your ear or put things in your ear’ and ‘blow your nose’,” Mr Newton said.

“About 70 percent of ear problems begin from the nose, so if you blow your nose, and keep it clean and dry, then you will prevent many ear problems.

“For parents and caregivers of infants, do not clean your baby’s ears with cotton-buds”, and “keep your baby’s nose clean and dry”. “Ears are designed to clean themselves, so it is not necessary to use cotton-buds.”

The ENT Team delivered ear and hearing health promotion posters to Honiara City Council Child welfare clinics.

The Honiara City Council Public Library supported World Hearing Day by running a colouring competition on ear and hearing health messages.

Dr Annette Kasper, an Australian audiologist who has previously worked in the Solomon Islands, has returned to Honiara for the week to take part in World Hearing Day.

Kasper said, “Reading is one of the best gifts you can give someone and good hearing is essential for a child’s speech, language, and reading development.”

This week, the ENT team visited Shamma Christian Academy School and Norman Palmer Primary School in Honiara.

The NRH ENT Clinic is keen to increase its outreach work in the community.

ENT Registered Nurses Mr Fafale and Mr Falekwai said, “We are very happy to be part of the Mobile ENT Team, and we look forward to raising the profile of ENT healthcare and expanding ENT services in Honiara and all of Solomon Islands.”

‘’Many ear and hearing problems, especially among children, can be prevented and treated,” Newton said.

Public health messages such as eating fruits and vegetables in every meal and washing your hands and face, are important for healthy ears.

Routine immunisations and breast-feeding of infants also contribute to good hearing.

–NRH PRESS

Peace minister lauds stakeholders for peace initiative

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Hon Ishmael Avui

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

ON Wednesday, the Minister for National Unity Reconciliation and Peace assured officials of the government’s ongoing commitment towards their nation building and peace efforts.

Hon Ishmael Avui was speaking at the launching occasion of UNDP and UN Women’s Joint Programme Project titled “Consolidating Peace, Stability and Social Cohesion in Solomon Islands Post RAMSI 2018” at the Heritage Park Hotel.

He said that the project will build a consensus and facilitate initiatives to address key peace building issues namely; reparations and reconciliation, land disputes, governance, social cohesion in an inclusive platform considering voices of women, youth and men.

More to that, Mr Avui explained that the project is embedded with two significant outcomes, of which the initial one is centered on having a consensus built with actions and initiatives carried out among state and non-state actors with the inclusion of women and youth groups to address conflict triggers.

He added that examples of conflict triggers range from reparation framework, land disputes, governance deficits, to weak social cohesion in communities and organisations.

The second as expressed by Avui is to help establish institutionalised structures at the provincial level to help address peace building challenges.

The Member of Parliament for East Central Guadalcanal then spoke briefly of the government’s part in the initiative.

He stressed that SIDCCG (Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government) has the vision of ensuring that all Solomon Islanders live and co-exist in a peaceful environment binded by ongoing and firm national unity.

“The government is serious in it’s efforts to continue the journey of nation building and peace by protecting human dignity by providing an environment that stimulates and nurtures economic growth in Solomon Islands,” said Avui.

He then commended all government offices, UNDP and UN Women not only for paving the way forward but for their commitment to implement the policy.

Avui proceeded to express his gratitude to the many stakeholders and development partners who contributed tremendously towards the peacebuilding process in the country.

“I firmly believe that this project will contribute immensely to making Solomon Islands a safer place to live in. I therefore call and ask all Solomon Islanders to take peacebuilding as part of your business every day,” he said.

1-day liquor ban in Gizo

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

GIZO Police will close all liquor outlets in the town today during the cruise liner Crystal Serenity’s visit.

Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu said the purpose of the ban is to prevent people from being involved in criminal behaviour and activities during the tourists’ time in Gizo.

He said police have informed all bottle shop owners, adding, only Gizo Hotel is allowed to serve alcohol beverage.

Lenialu said Gizo police will continue with their work to provide security services for visitors and general public.

“We need your support and working together to abide with all our laws and regulations to protect everyone from any criminal activities.

“Police will provide high visible security services so that our work can be more effective to prevent any criminal activities happen in Gizo.”

Gizo police will be carrying out a high visibility patrols in and around Gizo.

First UN peace programme created inclusive dialogue

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Osnat Lubrani speaking at the UN Peace project’s launching occasion.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Osnat Lubrani speaking at the UN Peace project’s launching occasion.

ACCORDING to UN Resident Coordinator, Ms Osnat Lubrani, Solomon Islands’ first peace building support programme stood out particularly due to the commitment exercised by the government and external partners who worked together to tackle root causes and seek their solutions.

She expressed this at UN’s brief launch of the second peace programme called the “Joint Programme Initiative: Consolidating Peace, Stability and Social Cohesion in Solomon Islands Post RAMSI 2018” at the Heritage Park Hotel on Wednesday.

Ms Lubrani took the opportunity to acknowledge UNDP and UN Women for implementing the initiative and extended her gratitude to other UN agencies.

Reflecting back on the first UN peace building initiative, she described the success as exciting and emphasised that this brought about a platform for meaningful dialogue.

In addition, Lubrani explained that the first project served not only as a gateway for dialogue to unfold in valuable places but it accommodated dialogue that was inclusive of the development of Solomon Islands, involving women groups, youth representatives, religious leader, chiefs, government officials, MPs, academia and the civil society.

She added that United Nations also supported important policy progresses that accentuated on the participation of women in decision making.

“We also facilitated support for the government and others to look further into the recommendations of the truth and reconciliation commission,” said Lubrani.

She further stated that the addressing issues relating to the initiative will be tough and will require a strong commitment.

“Moving all the issues together at the same time will take a lot of commitment especially in this election year. It’s not going to be easy but then nothing is easy in the work that we do.”

Tender contracts in Choiseul blasted as bias

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Mike Puia

AWARDING of tender contracts in Choiseul Province has again come under the spotlight.

A source within the Choiseul provincial government confirmed the province’s tender contracts awarding system has been corrupted.

This is a response to claim by the Provincial Capacity Development Advisor and Provincial Secretary, Korolyn Zutu and Jeffery Pakipota, that awarding of contracts in the province is a collective decision that is guided by strict criteria.

The source confirmed claims of bias awarding of contract in the Province is true and the practice has been going on for years.

He described Pakipota’s respond as “political excuse”.

“I witness this practice. It happens. Contractors who have connection to those in the Technical Committee or the Tender Board are ones given contracts,” the source said.

He called on the provincial government to conduct an inquiry into this practice.

“There is corruption in the system. It has been politicised by the government,” the source said.

He revealed there are contractors that were awarded contracts when they are owned by one individual.

He said it is now up to the government to put the system in order by scrutinising the tender awarding system.

 

Civil society ready to take anti-corruption regionally

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Civil Society Organisation

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE recent weeklong civil society workshop about developing a powerful policy position on corruption and good governance have prepared civil society organisations (CSO) to take the anti-corruption message to regional leaders.

This was according to the recent news release of the national CSO networks across the nation.

The three key solutions and recommendations the national CSO network have agreed to carry forward, which they will be advocating for at the regional level in the lead up to this year’s Pacific Island Forum (PIFs) leaders meeting, are; To develop mechanisms to monitor the regional good governance framework in terms of monitoring agency and include support budget for the implementation of the agency action plan, to develop regional anti-corruption convention of a document that summarises the PIF Forum Governance framework and the United Nation Convention on Anti –Corruption (UNCAC).

Also an accountable gender and youth budgeting of 20% fixed gender and youth accountable national budgets across pacific countries.

Moreover, key themes such as corruption, good governance and indigenous rights have also been identified to be advocated at the national and regional level as well.

Additional the weeklong workshop have created a space for CSOs to better understand regional framework and spaces to be able to bring their agendas to the leaders’ platform for political commitment.

Gizo welcomes Crystal Serenity today

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Crystal Serenity

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

GIZO today welcomes cruise liner Crystal Serenity to the Western province.

The ship’s tourists are expected to be shown around the islands and islets surrounding Gizo, where they will experience the beauty of Western province’s environment, history and culture.

Crystal Serenity will stop over for eight hours before moving on to its next destination.

Western province culture and tourism division officer Ms Fabina Lilo yesterday said Gizo will witness the arrival of Crystal Serenity making its first voyage to the province.

“We will close the section of road that begins here at the MSG building to the BSP building today.

“This would only allow for pedestrians and local carvers to showcase their traditional along the main road.

“Entertainments and will be held at the old Gizo market area and a brief welcome ceremony will be stage here in front of the Gizo hotel upon the landing of the first tender boat.”

Lilo said a traditional war canoe (Tomoko) will escort the first tender to the shores at 8am to be greeted by warriors.

Other sites for the tourists to visit include, Saeragi Village, Oravae Cottage and other tourism resorts within Gizo Island.

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