More than 4000 members of the civil society have signed the petition
More than 4000 members of the civil society have signed the petition
THE Prime Minister Acting, Hon Manasseh Maelanga has accepted the petition by the civil society organisations and assured the nation that the Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) is bringing back the Anti-Corruption Bill in the upcoming Parliament meeting in October.
Maelanga made his remarks in front of more than a hundred members of civil society organisations (CSOs) and the media after he was handed the petition at the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet entrance yesterday morning, Tuesday September 19, 2017.
The Prime Minister Acting also stressed the importance of putting a stronger Anti-Corruption Bill to Parliament is because it concerns everyone and not just leaders.
He also said that the Bill is currently before the Cabinet and the DCCG will bring it back to Parliament next month.
The Deputy Prime Minister’s response was received with some reactions of agreement from the peaceful protesters.
Addressing the Prime Minister Acting, spokesperson for the CSOs Dr Huddie Namo referred to the morning’s event as one that “…marks the dawn of a new day on civil society activism and participation in the affairs of the country”.
“It was our desire and the desire of the government to bring it (the ACB) back by October next month.”
More than 4,000 members of the civil society have signed the petition.
WHITE River Police of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) arrested three male suspects for alleged burglary at Deputy Prime Minister (DPM) Manasseh Maelanga’s residence on Monday, September 18, 2017 at Tasahe B area, West Honiara.
It was alleged that the trio entered the residence and took away some valuable properties.
The suspects appeared in the Honiara Magistrate court yesterday.
Meanwhile, White River police have recovered the stolen items which are now under police custody.
Police appeals to members of public and communities living at Tasahe B especially those living in the Finance area to assist police with information by contacting police emergency line 999 and none-emergency line 21363.
HENDERSON Provincial Police of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) arrested an 18-year-old girl for concealing her infant baby at Kingdom Harvest Henderson in Central Guadalcanal on September 17, 2017.
The infant baby was taken by Police to Honiara National Referring Hospital (NRH) and declared dead.
The mother of the deceased was arrested and place in police custody for questioning and further investigation.
Provincial Police Commander Mr Nixon Manetoga said, “I call on to every concern person, community, family and church leaders to work together with the police to assist in preventing similar incidents to happen in the future.
“I am deeply saddened when briefed by my officers about the poor infant discovery, as there was another similar incident at Guadalcanal plains, GPPOL II area last week and my condolence to other relatives of baby.”
THE Solomon Islands national sevens rugby team has been drawn against Australia and Tonga in Pool C of this year’s Oceania Rugby Sevens Championships.
The 2017 Championships will be held at the ANZ Stadium in Suva, Fiji over two days – Friday 10th – Saturday 11th November.
The pool draws for the championship were released yesterday by the Federation of Oceania Rugby Union (FORU) while fixtures are expected to be made known by the mid of October.
The national sevens team is currently training at the moment for the tournament in Fiji, and according to previous media reports, they are shaping up well.
A total of 13 countries are competing in the men’s sevens competition alongside Solomon Islands and hosts Fiji. The others are New Zealand, Australia, Samoa, Papua New Guinea, Tonga, Cook Islands, American Samoa, New Caledonia, Nauru, Vanuatu and Tuvalu.
The men’s event will see teams vying to take the championship title from Fiji, including HSBC Series core teams Australia, Samoa and New Zealand.
According to the Oceania Rugby media, FORU also announced yesterday that the Fijian Government is committing to secure the event for the next 3 years as host.
The Hon. Laisenia Bale Tuitubou, Minister for Youth and Sports, Fiji Government together with Oceania Rugby Women’s Director, Cathy Wong, Rugby Services Manager Oceania, World Rugby, Bruce Cook and Mr John O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer, Fiji Rugby Union confirmed the event’s return and the Fijian Government’s support at the Grand Pacific Hotel, Suva yesterday in announcing the 2017 event.
Hon. Laisenia Bale Tuitubou when asked about the funding said, “We see this as building on the outstanding success of our rugby teams in the Olympic Games last year and supporting the bid by the FRU (Fiji Rugby Union) to host a leg of the 7s Series here on our doorstep. We hope that home ground advantage will help our teams out-perform all our visitors, including the defending Olympic women’s rugby champions!”
Following the success of the 2016 Championship the event will again combine the both the Men’s and Women’s events. The 2017 Championships will be held in Suva, at ANZ Stadium over two days, Friday 10th – Saturday 11th November, and will be the perfect lead in to the start of the 2016-2017 Men’s and Women’s HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series that kick-off in Dubai in early December.
Ms Cathy Wong, Women’s Direction Oceania Rugby noted that across the Pacific and in Fiji, rugby is a key way that people come together, gain status, and celebrate Pacific life adding,
“Oceania Rugby is committed to bringing International events to the Pacific Islands. With a record 21 teams in this year’s competition we look forward to showcasing the Gold Standard that is Rugby in Oceania to the rest of the World. I’d like to thank the Government of Fiji for their support and assistance which enables Oceania Rugby to use Rugby’s platform to raise awareness, build understanding, adjust negative social norms, and support innovative solutions to promote gender equality and rugby values including respect and solidarity.”
Mr. John O’Connor, CEO of the Fiji Rugby Union, said the FRU were “again delighted to be working with Oceania Rugby on the Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship” further adding,
“It is great news that New Zealand will now be part of the tournament. We will now have Fiji, Samoa, New Zealand and Australia in the men’s competition and likewise in the Women’s competition which will provide a great opportunity for rugby supporters in Fiji to watch these Teams at the ANZ Stadium.”
O’Connor further added, “I must acknowledge and thank the Fiji Government for its support towards Rugby in Fiji and we are so thankful that the Fiji Government has committed its support for the next three years. With FRU’s announcement that it will be bidding for a leg of the HSBC World Sevens from 2020, the Oceania Rugby Sevens Championship will give our country a great opportunity to build our hosting credentials over the next three years. And our players will relish the chance to compete against world class teams in front of a home crowd.”
Solomon Warriors FC players celebrate one of their goals against KOSSA.
Marist take on Warriors 4pm today
BY ROMULUS HUTA
THE current leaders of the Telekom S-League (TSL) Solomon Warriors and Marist will take on each other in a much-anticipated vital clash this afternoon 4pm at Lawson Tama.
Solomon Warriors is currently leading the table with nine points from three matches so far.
Marist trails closely behind on the table with seven points with two wins and a draw from three matches as well.
The clash this afternoon will determine who will be the next leader before going into this weekend’s round of actions.
Marist is the current defending champion of the TSL and they join Warriors as one of the only two unbeaten sides since this new season started a month ago.
Both sides are expected to throw everything into this match knowing what’s at stake before them.
On Sunday, both teams registered a win each against their respective opponents and that is sure to have helped boosted the morale in both camps ahead of this big match.
Recapping last Sunday’s fixtures, Solomon Warriors cruised to a 3-0 thrashing of KOSSA while Marist got away with a narrow 2-1 win over Western United.
Warriors coach Moses Toata described the game against Marist as an important one for them.
“We have an important match on Wednesday against Marist. Right now this match is priority number one for us.
“If we work on it I believe defending can win this game for us because I have a lot of attacking players in the squad,” Toata stressed in the post-match interview after Sunday’s win over KOSSA.
For the Marist coach, Juliano Schmeling, prior to the kick off of the season, he strongly vowed maintaining a good run this season as they continue the mission to recapture the title they are defending for the second consecutive title.
“Solomon Warriors have retained most of their players from last season and they are one of the top contenders this season,” the Brazilian stated in an earlier interview with SunSPORTS.
Civil Society Organisations Chairman Dr Huddie Namo speaking to Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga before the presentation of the petition against the Anti-corruption Bill withdrawal yesterday. PHOTO by MANEBONA BARNABAS
BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
Civil Society Organisations Chairman Dr Huddie Namo speaking to Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga before the presentation of the petition against the Anti-corruption Bill withdrawal yesterday. PHOTO by MANEBONA BARNABAS
YESTERDAY’S peaceful march to the Prime Minister’s Office is a sign of a nation weary of corruption.
Civil groups mobilised bringing their petition to the nation’s leader demanding the return of the Anti-Corruption Bill to parliament, which Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare had withdrawn on August 28’s sitting.
He had explained withdrawing the Bill to improve and strengthen it with recommendations by the bills and legislations committee (BLC), labelling the old version as weak and lacking integrity.
Civil society organisations anti-corruption chairman Dr Huddie Namo said their peaceful protest against the Anti-corruption Bill withdrawal demonstrates people of Solomon Islands being fed up with corruption.
He told this to Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga during their petition presentation in front of the Prime Minister’s Office yesterday.
“We are demonstrating to the government and world that we are fed up with the disease called corruption and we want something to be done about it.
“One of the effective tools to address corruption is the Anti-corruption Bill, sadly it was withdrawn from Parliament last month.
“It is the desire of the people for the DCC Government to bring it back next month, October.”
Hon Maelanga after accepting and receiving the petition on behalf of the DCC Government assured the civil society organisations that the bill is now ready to be returned to Parliament, adding that it is also what the DCCG wants.
Maelanga steps in as acting Prime Minister for Sogavare who is attending the 72nd session of the United Nations general assembly in New York.
General Secretary of Development Services Exchange Ms Jennifer Wate presenting the petition to the Deputy Prime
Minister Hon Manasseh Maelanga on behalf of the civil societies and the general public protesting for the return of
the Anti-corruption Bill withdrawal to Parliament. PHOTOS by MANEBONA BARNABAS
Government promises to bring back Anti-Corruption Bill in next month’s sitting
BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
General Secretary of Development Services Exchange Ms Jennifer Wate presenting the petition to the Deputy Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Maelanga on behalf of the civil societies and the general public protesting for the return of the Anti-corruption Bill withdrawal to Parliament. PHOTOS by MANEBONA BARNABAS
GOVERNMENT has promised to return the highly demanded Anti-Corruption Bill to parliament in October.
Deputy Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Maelanga reassured the protesting civil society organisation of this yesterday after receiving their 4,000-signature petition on behalf of the Prime Minister.
Hon Maelanga said that the Bill is currently before Cabinet and is in the process of being finalised for next month’s sitting.
He adds they are improving the Bill because it does not only cover members of Parliament but everyone in this nation.
“It covers the institutions, churches, schools, government and private sectors, everywhere,” said the DPM.
“I assure you all that if you come with a heart for this Bill to be taken back into Parliament, yes, this is what the DCC Government also wants.
“All of us do not want the country to fall on corruption as we look forward for the Anti-corruption Bill to be brought back into Parliament during the next sitting.”
Speaking on behalf of the Civil Society Organisations Committee, CSO Chairman Dr Huddie Namo expressed appreciation to the DCC Government through the Deputy Prime Minister for receiving the petition.
“I thank the Prime Minister Hon Manasseh Sogavare and DCCG for making a commitment to bring back the Anti-corruption Bill next month,” said the Chairman.
“We will be working closely with those responsible in the Office of the Prime Minister so that the process of the Bill goes smooth in returning back to Parliament.”
He adds, civil societies of the country are awakened to fulfil their role, promising that yesterday’s march is not the last.
Civil groups of the country rallied to bring their petition to Prime Minister Sogavare calling for the return of the Anti-Corruption Bill, which he withdrew on August 28 in parliament.
They opened a petition which attracted more than 4,000 signatures from concerned public, including some of the prominent figures of Solomon Islands.
Solomon Airlines CEO, Brett Gebers and Fiji Airways Managing Director & CEO, Andre Viljoen at the official signing of the new codeshare
Solomon Airlines CEO, Brett Gebers and Fiji Airways Managing Director & CEO, Andre Viljoen at the official signing of the new codeshare
SOLOMON Airlines and the Fiji Airways, Fiji’s national airline, have signed a codeshare agreement for flights between Nadi and Honiara.
The codeshare, which comes into effect on September 30, 2017 will see both airlines place their respective ‘FJ’ and ‘IE’ codes on each other’s flights between Nadi and Honiara.
Guests of Solomon Airlines can expect convenient travel and transfer onto Fiji Airways’ network through its Nadi hub to North America, Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.
Mr Andre Viljoen, Fiji Airways Managing Director and CEO said: ‘We’re very pleased to sign this codeshare agreement with our Melanesian friends and further strengthen our already comprehensive South Pacific network.”
“The region is our home and it makes perfect sense for South Pacific airlines to work together to offer seamless travel options to our people and visitors travelling to Fiji and the Solomon Islands.
“Through this partnership we’re opening up an important South Pacific destination – Honiara – to the rest of the world, boosting their tourism and trade potential. Fiji Airways is proud of its leading role in the growth of air travel in the South Pacific”.
Brett Gebers, CEO of Solomon Airlines said the new codeshare is great news for both airlines, extremely timely and presents a major boost for the Melanesian region’s tourism and business aspirations.
“The new codeshare improves inter-island connectivity in the Pacific and provides Solomon Islanders with another seamless opportunity to connect with the USA and beyond.
“Improving inter island connectivity is the first step to improving the economy in the Pacific and we value our relationship with Fiji Airways.”
Fiji Airways operates between Nadi and Honiara on Saturday while Solomon Airlines operates between Honiara and Nadi on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Managing Director of Liberty Security Services Mr Fred Yakasa.
BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
PAPUA New Guinea’s (PNG) grant assistance to Solomon Islands will continue with a few issues needed to be cleared by the SI government.
This is according to the PNG High Commissioner to Solomon Islands HE Fred Yakasa.
“The education assistance arrangement will continue and the SIG is encouraged to continue communication with their PNG counterparts as it is now under review,” said the High Commissioner.
“Our relation is guided by good number of treaties, agreements, MOU’s and arrangements. However, there is more we can do and there is a lot we can achieve together.
“Both countries must do more in reviewing and renewing our existing agreements and arrangements being compatible with the changing times.”
PS of the Ministry of Public Service, Mr Nego Sisiolo
BY JENNIFER KUSAPA
PERMANENT Secretary of the Ministry of Public Service Nego Sisiolo says the Solomon Islands Government should recognise its highly trained professionals.
He made the comment during the Permanent Secretaries and Under Secretaries Forum at the Heritage Park Hotel when asked about his views on the magistrates’ notice for an increase on their housing entitlements.
PS Sisiolo said magistrates are people of high calibre and the government should value their service to the people of this country.
“They are highly trained professionals like the lawyers and any other professional cadres we have in the country.
“And compared to what the government paid to them it is does not match their professionals,” Mr Sisiolo said.
He said the government must consider its employees’ claims and address them.
“The responsibilities of a Lawyer and Magistrate are stressful and involve risking their lives so if the Government can value that,” Mr Sisiolo said
Recently this paper ran a story on government magistrates threatening to resign from their jobs unless their housing allowance is increased to $7,500 a month immediately.
