The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) has congratulated its former president, Georgina Kekea, on her selection to be part of the Commonwealth Expert Team (CET) to observe the October 30 elections in the African nation of Botswana.
Kekea, who was MASI president since 2019 until September this year, flew out of the country on Sunday to join the mission.
New MASI president Ofani Eremae says the association is proud of Kekea’s selection to be part of the Commonwealth election observer group.
“Georgina has led MASI during one of the most challenging times in the history of our country,” Eremae said.
“She steered MASI at a very difficult period and ensured the local media association came out stronger,” he added.
“I believe her selection to be part of the Commonwealth elections observer mission was based on the exemplary leadership she demonstrated during those years.
“The MASI family couldn’t be prouder seeing one of its own selected to undertake a significant role with the Commonwealth.”
Botswana, a member of the Commonwealth family, will go to the polls on October 30.
The Commonwealth expert team is being led by Gideon Moi, a Kenyan Senator.
Others are:
Ms Pamela Ogiste, Assistant Chief Election Officer, Elections and Boundaries Commission, Trinidad and Tobago
Judge Peter Herbert OBE, Human Rights Barrister & Judge (ret.) United Kingdom
Ms Chipokota Mwanawasa, Policy Adviser to President of Zambia
Mr Idzuafi Hadi Kamilan, Executive Director, Institute for Political Reform and Democracy, Malaysia
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, KC, said the “Commonwealth’s presence in Botswana to observe these elections reaffirms our unwavering commitment to democracy and human rights.
“Building resilient societies demands free, fair, and inclusive electoral processes.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Botswana in upholding democracy and development values as enshrined in the Commonwealth Charter.”
The Secretary-General expressed her gratitude to each expert team member for participating in the assignment, which she said is important to support Botswana’s democratic journey.
Bishop of the Guadalcanal Diocese Benedict Loe commissioning the Church podium.
BY MORRIS NAFU
The Fox Hill Community, located behind Henderson Airport in east Honiara marked a significant milestone with the consecration of their newly built St Luke Chapel of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) on Friday 18th.
The event was attended by the Bishop of the Guadalcanal Diocese Benedict Loe and was witnessed by hundreds of community members and friends and families from other parts of town.
The chapel’s consecration marks its official integration into the Lungga Parish, which operates under the jurisdiction of the Guadalcanal Diocese, further strengthening the spiritual foundation of the area.
The chapel is designed to accommodate over 200 worshippers, as it is expected to become a central hub for religious activities, gatherings and community events in the area.
The construction of the building reflects the growing needs of the Fox Hill Community and the commitment to providing a welcoming environment for all residents.
Speaking to Island Sun after the official opening ceremony, Fr Luke Manau, the visionary behind the chapel, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Loe and Parish Rector Jack Aitorea for recognising and supporting the needs of the Fox Hill Community.
“I built this chapel not for me but for the people,” he stated, highlighting that the construction was made possible through offerings and tithes collected during his healing ministry.
“This building was built by the offering and tithes, and it is for the people,” he emphasised, reinforcing the chapel’s purpose as a communal space for worship and connection.
His dedication to the community reflects a commitment to fostering a welcoming environment for all residents.
In his remarks, Fr Luke acknowledged the vital contributions of the Lord Howe community, which played a significant role in the chapel’s completion.
He expressed appreciation for their assistance in the finishing touches that made the consecration possible.
He further acknowledges the Chairman of the building, Mr Fred Tevaka and his committee despite facing various challenges during the construction process, yet they managed to pull off the work mandated to them with collaborative efforts of community members which concluded in a successful consecration ceremony.
As the St Luke’s Chapel officially opens its doors, it stands as a testament to the Fox Hill Community’s dedication to nurturing their faith and fostering connections among residents.
The chapel is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing the spiritual landscape of the area, providing a welcoming space for worship, reflection, and community events for years to come.
An orchid plant Pictures by Prosperity Nursery FB Page.
BY INDY MAEALASIA
PLANT enthusiast, Diana Vaqalo is nurturing more than just plants; she is cultivating her dreams as an entrepreneur. Despite facing significant challenges, her partnership with the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) is helping her turn the tide.
Her horticulture business “Prosperity Nursery,” situated at Mbalasuna Bridge Village, North East Guadalcanal, specializes in cultivating and selling a variety of greenery.
“I plant trees, indoor plants, guava seedlings, and other plants,”Vaqalo shared.
Although she registered her business in 2022, taking over from the family business, Vaqalo admitted that her lack of entrepreneurship skills presented a lot of challenges.
“I had no funding and I find that there is a little market,” she recalled, “maybe because I wasn’t confident to put myself and business out in the market.”
Her turning point came when she was selected for the inaugural cohort of the U.S. Government-funded AWE program, which supports women entrepreneurs worldwide.
After submitting her application early this year, she was thrilled to receive the news of her acceptance. “I was very happy. I thought this will really help me.”Vaqalo recalled.
Initially nervous about her lack of networking skills, Vaqalo soon found her footing in the AWE program
“when I came in the program, I was nervous, I had zero networking skills but I now feel confident because everyone has their own businesses and ideas, I feel connected and proud of being part of a community,” Vaqalo said.
The AWE program includes an online business course complemented by weekly face-to-face interactions.
“When I started the training, I wished I had known all about the business concepts before I went on to start my nursery, she said, “It has truly opened my mind.”
Looking ahead, Vaqalo shared her enthusiasm for her nursery business and her vision for the future.
She plans to open a “plant shop” and also aims to expand her nursery, “My other plan is also to expand to more fruits and vegetables but for now, I will stick to one area,” Vaqalo added.
Isabel province will now have its first female clerk. She is 31-year-old Mary Lucy Suimae from Samasodu village, Isabel province.
Apart from her roots in Isabel, the single mother of one also hails from Malaita and Western provinces on her father’s side and Guadalcanal from her mother’s side.
She has 5 siblings, 3 boys and 2 girls and is the second eldest in the family.
After completing her primary education at Binusa Primary School in Samasodu, she went to Waimapuru national secondary school and did her from 1 to form 7 education there.
She then went over to Fiji where she majored in Political Science and Geography from 2017 to 2022.
Mary had applied for jobs and had done 5 interviews so this was her 6th attempt where she finally was able to land a job.
She is grateful to be offered the role of clerk to the Isabel provincial government.
Happily, Mary said she will now be able to support her son and family.
Meanwhile, for her this means taking up a role that was dominated by men for so long with challenges that come with it.
Speaking of challenges, Mary is not fazed.
She said she is ready looks forward to serving her people of Isabel province and the provincial government.
“I am excited because for now, I will be in the formal employment. I will be able to provide for my family and contribute to the people of Isabel”
When asked about how she felt about working in the provincial capital, Buala compared to having a job in the busy and often crowded capital, she said it’ll be a new environment with less expenses to worry about.
“Unlike in the capital, where there are a lot of expenses, like transportation, in the province I will not have to pay for transportation because I will just walk there”
Taking up this role is history for the province as the role of the clerk has always been filled by men and people in the province have gotten used to that trend.
Today, Mary’s appointment as Isabel provincial government’s new clerk is an ice breaker and especially for the young girls and young women from the Isabel.
She said her taking up this role sets an example for other young girls and women in the province in the sense that they too can take on such roles and leadership.
“My advice to young girls or young women is to never give up on your dreams and failure is not the end of your journey and it’s not the end of your life. Never give up on your dreams. Do whatever you’re passionate about to the fullest of your heart”
The girl who wanted to be a lawyer during her university days, today has instead become Isabel province’s first female clerk to the provincial government.
Mary said she really wanted to be a lawyer back then while in university but it didn’t work out how she wanted it to and at the end of the day, God has different plans for us.
She is happy, excited and nervous but most of all is willing and ready to take on the role and the challenges that come with it.
A new initiative aimed at empowering women in the Solomon Islands to realize their executive leadership potential was officially launched on Thursday night (17th October), at the Heritage Park Hotel.
The “Women in Executive Leadership Solomon Islands (WELSI)”, is a collaborative effort between the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), the Institute of Solomon Islands Accountants(ISIA) and the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association(SIWIBA).
WELSI President, Pamela Naesol, described the launch as an “extraordinary moment,” and “set to mark the beginning of a powerful new chapter in the history of leadership.”
Naesol emphasized that is was a moment to “bear witness” to a movement that can significantly impact future generations of women.
Recognizing the long-standing male dominance in decision-making roles, gender inequality within both the formal and informal sectors, influence of social expectations and cultural norms, this initiative seeks to shift the narrative.
“We are taking a decisive step towards rewriting that narrative, Naesol stated, “This initiative is not just about promoting women in leadership roles, it is about unlocking the full potential of our society and our country.”
She emphasized that increasing women’s representation in executive roles will lead to thriving businesses, stronger communities, and overall national progress.
Naesol highlighted that it is time for female leadership to be fully acknowledged and represented in boardrooms, public institutions, and every sector of society.
In the coming months, WELSI will launch a series of programs, including forums, workshops and leadership training sessions to equip members with the necessary skills and knowledge that they need to lead in an “increasingly dynamic and globalized world.”
Naesol encouraged women to envisioned a future where they are fully represented at every decision-making level.
She urged, “Imagine the new ideas, the innovative policies, the more inclusive workplaces and the stronger communities will create.”
“Together we are creating a future where leadership is not defined by gender, but by the passion, wisdom and dedication one brings to the table,” Naesol added.
Korina Leve with her former officers at the Sol Tuna Company daycare centre.
BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Dorothy Korina Leve, originally from Munda in the Western Province of Solomon Islands, made a significant career shift from being a lecturer at the Solomon Islands National University to becoming a consultant in early childhood education, specifically infant daycare.
Her transition was driven by a passion for supporting both educators and parents, highlighting her commitment to shaping the early learning landscape.
In 2022, Leve embraced a new role as the manager of the SolTuna Company daycare centre, which caters to children aged 0 to 3 years. This daycare primarily serves the children of factory workers, operating from early morning to late evening to accommodate the work schedules of mothers employed at the company.
“We provide care for infants and toddlers from one month to two years and eleven months. Most of these children are enrolled with us because their mothers work in the factory. Our operating hours are from 6:30 AM to 5 PM, and occasionally, if their mothers have to work overtime, we extend our hours until 8 PM,” she explained.
Korina Leve.
Leve is particularly passionate about focusing on infant and toddler care, acknowledging the evolving dynamics of modern society.
“With many mothers and fathers in the workforce, it is crucial that trained educators care for infants and toddlers to support their development. My goal is to assist teachers who lack training opportunities, helping them understand the distinctions between early childhood education and infant care,” she emphasized.
Building Trust and Overcoming Challenges
Transitioning from academia to hands-on daycare management has not been without its challenges, particularly in building trust with parents. Leve reflects on the early days of her role in Noro, where skepticism from parents was a common issue. However, she notes that as parents observed the positive development of their children, enrolment numbers gradually increased.
“I encourage parents to collaborate with daycare teachers regarding the needs of their children. When parents entrust us with their infants and toddlers, our role extends beyond merely supervising their sleep. We adhere to a structured routine. While some parents expect their children to engage in writing activities, which pertain to early childhood education, daycare focuses more on play and routine. We assist children with eating, maintaining a balanced diet, and learning through songs and movement. Parents need to have confidence in teachers to ensure their children are well cared for,” she stated.
The Deep Bonds Formed in Daycare
One of the most rewarding aspects of Leve’s work is the strong emotional bonds she forms with the children in her care. She describes the unique connection that often develops, one that she likens to a familial relationship.
“It is quite fascinating how children become attached to you, and in return, you regard them as your own. As they grow over the years, they develop a close relationship with you. They are in a vulnerable state, and the affection you feel for them mirrors that of their parents,” she shared. “My perspective on infant and toddler care highlights a significant need in the Solomon Islands, particularly for daycare facilities where parents can leave their children in the care of teachers.”
Parental Support and Eagerness for More Daycare Centres
When discussing her interactions with parents, Leve notes that she has encountered mostly positive responses. She believes that parents are well-informed and recognize the benefits that daycare centres provide.
“From my understanding, many parents are eager for more daycare centres to be established to care for their children. However, it is crucial to raise awareness among parents to foster trust in teachers. While the costs can be high—such as diapers and milk, which can reach $150—parents have embraced the challenge and continue to enrol their children in Kindy,” she explained.
Guiding Aspiring Educators and Parents
Leve also offers guidance and training for those interested in the field of infant and toddler care. For those looking to pursue this rewarding career path, she provides specialized training that equips aspiring educators with the necessary skills to care for young children.
“For anyone interested, we provide training that enhances knowledge on caring for infants and toddlers. You can reach us at Pikini Kindy Play School by calling 7002784. We are conveniently located opposite Honiara High School,” Leve stated.
Dorothy Korina Leve’s journey from academia to hands-on daycare management underscores her dedication to transforming the daycare sector in the Solomon Islands, ensuring that infants and toddlers receive quality care while their parents work.
Western province premier faces motion of no confidence
BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO
Western Province Premier Billy Veo is set to face a motion of no confidence filed by the non-executive members of the Western Provincial Government on October 18, 2024.
The motion, citing two main grounds, accuses Premier Veo of gross misuse of power and misappropriation of public funds.
The notice, in line with Standing Order 107 of the Western Provincial Government, states that the motion will be tabled at the Provincial Assembly meeting scheduled for October 30, 2024.
The accusations detail failures by the executive government, including non-compliance with the procurement process, unilateral decision-making by the Premier on critical executive matters, and neglect of key provincial welfare issues such as the water shortage in Gizo and deteriorating road conditions.
The notice also highlights ignored investment opportunities that could benefit the province.
Premier Billy Veo, representing Ward 25, was elected in January 2023. The Western Province is the third largest province in the Solomon Islands.
The matter of two women charged jointly with unlawful wounding has adjourned for November 1 for plea.
The matter was mentioned in court on Friday 18th of October 2024 where the two accused were supposed to take their plea however, their lawyer sought court for more time for them to make a proposal to prosecution to negotiate for a lesser charge.
Court also instructed prosecution to make amendments to the charges.
Court suspended to November 1 for plea, prosecution to amend the charge and file it before October 25 and defence to prepare their proposal before the next mention date.
Anna Vathagi and Lisa Kope are sisters in law and are charged jointly with unlawful wounding.
It was alleged on July 2, 2024 the complainant was preparing chemical for spray at the GPPOL 2 Tetere, Estate Office chemical shed.
The two accused approached her and assaulted her, Kope gripping the complainant’s arms while Vathagi hit her head with a rock.
Police say prior to the attack the complainant and Vathagi were not in good terms because the complainant had arranged a girl for her husband to have a sexual affair with.
A cultural reconciliation was held between Vathagi, her husband and the girl.
Following this reconciliation the two women attacked the complainant.
The matter was reported to the Tetere police station and the two were arrested and charged.
Herrick Lautalo act for crown and Ron Dicky Pulekera for Lisa Kope and Bobby Harunari for Anna Vathagi.
The case against a 45-year-old man accused of decent act on a 13-year-old girl has been adjourned further for October.
This was after defence failed to turn up on Friday’s hearing, in which the accused was supposed to take his plea.
Court therefore adjourned the matter for October 22 for plea, court made instructions for the defence lawyer to prepare the accused for arraignment in next mention date.
The accused, who cannot be named to protect the identity of the alleged victim, is being charged with one count of indecent act.
The victim is a 13-year-old girl.
It was alleged on June 6 this year the victim went to a water pump they use to fetch water for shower and washing.
Later she went to the river to relieve herself and on her return the accused grabbed her and committed indecent acts on her, making her uncomfortable and feeling pain.
The accused suggested for them to have sexual intercourse. At that time the victim was full of fear and not able to shout or scream, prosecution alleged.
The quick-witted girl then lied to the accused, saying her sister was waiting for her at the water pump.
The accused then let her go and told her that he would give her $100 later.
On June 10 this year the matter was reported to police.
On June 21 the accused was charged with indecent act on a child under 15 and released on bail.
Herrick Lautalo appears for crown and PSO appears for defence.
