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Salopuka expresses confidence in newly appointed Chief’s leadership

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Member of Parliament (MP) for Savo/Russell constituency, Oliver Salopuka, voiced his optimism about the future leadership of the newly appointed chief, expressing confidence that the chief will bring unity to the community moving forward.

In an exclusive interview with local media at the Lavukal Chief Day celebrations held in Louna Village on Saturday, October 19th, Salopuka emphasized the importance of this annual event, which is a long-standing tradition for the Lavukal House of Chiefs.

“The Lavukal Chief Day is a ceremonial event for the enthronement and retirement of chiefs, especially when a chief reaches old age and decides to step down,” he explained.

Salopuka acknowledged the challenges of uniting the four tribes of the Russell Islands, describing the task as complex. He highlighted the achievements made, including the recent enthronement of new leaders in Louna Village, where several chiefs have taken over from their retiring predecessors.

“This transition empowers younger generations to manage their tribes and clans. The Lavukal House of Chiefs focuses on resource management and aims to promote cooperation among tribes to effectively utilize shared resources,” the MP stated.

Despite these efforts, he noted that there are ongoing difficulties in bringing tribal leaders together to make collective decisions for resource development.

“I hope that the newly enthroned leaders will work collaboratively with all chiefs to uphold our constitution and pursue our shared objectives,” he said.

Salopuka clarified that the Lavukal House of Chiefs is a legally recognized body consisting of four paramount chiefs, each representing the four tribes of the Russell Islands.

In his role as Chair of the Lavukal House of Chiefs and the Lavukal Indigenous Trust Board, Salopuka oversees the business operations of the Lavukal Investment Company, which operates under the authority of the Lavukal House of Chiefs. He reiterated that the House of Chiefs holds decision-making power over resource management within the Russell Islands.

The Lavukal Chief Day celebrations for 2024 concluded successfully on Saturday, October 19th, at Louna Village in the Russell Islands.

SI first in pacific to be awarded system transformation grant

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BY LORETTA B MANELE

Solomon Islands is the first country in the Pacific region to be awarded the System Transformation Grant (STG) under Global Partnership for Education (GPE).

Minister for Education, Tozen Leokana revealed this during the government’s launching of “Education System Capacity and Transformation Programs” supported by Global Partnership for Education (GPE), UNICEF and New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) at the Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.

Leokana said the programs supported by GPE will help us to make better use of data across our education system and provide training to teachers to help them to teach more effectively than in the past years.

He added that this will also strengthen further access to curriculum materials including online resources that the ministry is aiming to make readily accessible to teachers and students.

Leokana expressed that it is pleasing to hear about developments in education and the shared commitments our development partners rendered to the country so that we can reform our education system for the betterment of our children’s learning.

He said the GNUT (Government for National Unity and Transformation) government is focusing on development of key areas and is committed, especially to invest in human capital development through quality education and skills improvement strategies.

“As a government, we believe that by equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and skills, they are better prepared to contribute to the economy and society as a whole”

Leokana said this is a period of significant and exciting reform and development across all the education sectors in the country.

“The passing of the Education Act late last year and the start of its implementation this year, brings a new framework for how education is led, managed, coordinated and supported across all provinces”

“Developments are occurring across many parts of the education sector including the new initiatives being developed for Early Childhood Education (ECE), curriculum development, school infrastructure and a new project to support the improvement of Senior Secondary Education”

Leokana said the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) is also undertaking a mid-term review of the National Education Action Plan 2022-2026 after having implemented it for more than two and a half years.

“This review is intended to help inform our decisions and actions for implementation of the rest of the reform activities, projects and programs until the plan is concluded at the end of 2026”.

Speaking of the newly launched “Education System Capacity and Transformation Programs”, the minister for education took the opportunity to thank those who worked hard for this iniative.

“I would like to thank all those who worked hard to enable the proposal to be approved and acknowledge the abled leadership of PS Rodie in this process. This highlights the importance we all place on education for our children and the nation’s future”

“Today we acknowledge a key part of education development that focuses on what happens at the classroom level, with the support from GPE”

Leokana said he looks forward to receiving reports in the years ahead from his permanent secretary, Franco Rodie and his team from the MEHRD about the progress made as these programs get underway from 2025 as well as about the outcomes of improved learning that should follow.

Malaita Provincial leader case adjourned to November 18

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BY ROMINAH

The case against Malaita provincial leader Daniel Suidani and his political advisor Celsus Talifilu, related to unlawful assemblies and protests in 2021, was mentioned in Magistrate Court yesterday and has been adjourned to November 18 for a possible plea.

Both men are charged with three counts of unlawful assembly, as outlined in the Penal Code. The prosecutor informed the court that both accused are currently on police bail and present in court. They also stated that the investigation is complete, and disclosures will be prepared and served to the defense counsel by the end of the day.

Defense lawyer George Gray, the Director of the Public Solicitor, will represent Suidani and Talifilu.

The defense requested a one-month adjournment due to Gray’s involvement in another trial at the High Court.

The court agreed to the adjournment, moving the matter to November 18, and instructed that full disclosures be provided to Gray today. The police bail for both accused was also extended.

The Malaita leader and Talifilu were arrested on October 3, 2024, for allegedly masterminding unlawful assemblies and protests in Auki, the provincial capital, organized by the Malaita for Democracy (M4D) group.

Mary-Anne Zurenuoc appeared for the Crown, while George Gray represented both accused.

Solomon Islands, Indonesia poised to enhance bilateral relations

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Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele.

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands and Indonesia are looking at ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, education and training, maritime and shipping, and transport.

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele stated this during a media conference yesterday.

“Indonesia, as you can appreciate, is an increasingly important bilateral partner for the Solomon Islands. They funded and built the Friendship Hall for the 2023 Pacific Games, as well as the Burns Creek Clinic, which is about to be completed. Apart from that, over the years, Indonesia has also provided some scholarships to our students. Of course, we have an embassy in Jakarta, Indonesia.

“We have in place a bilateral visa waiver agreement between our two countries for diplomatic and official passports. There is scope to expand our cooperation with Indonesia in sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, cross-education and training, maritime and shipping, and transport.

Manele said two countries are working on developing a five-tier development cooperation framework under which will soon see these sectors falls under.

“In our case, through the Ministry of National Planning and Development Cooperation, is working with the Indonesian authorities. Usually, they come under the general framework cooperation. As and when there is a need for specific modes, those modes can be developed for specific sectors.” Manele said.

The Prime Minister also revealed that both countries are also discussing an air services agreement between Indonesia and the Solomon Islands to expand connectivity between the two nations.

“Draft modes on education cooperation and also on police cooperation are also ready for signing. Most likely, this will be signed early next year.” He said.

Prime Minister Manele said the police minister or the relevant ministers will be travelling to Indonesia to sign on those memorandums of understanding, especially on education cooperation and police cooperation.

“Indonesia is also an observer in the MSG. It is a member of the ASEAN group. Both Indonesia and the Solomon Islands are members of the Asian group at the UN, as well as the group of 77 in China at the UN in New York.

“You can also appreciate that both Indonesia and the Solomon Islands are also members of the Coral Triangle Initiative, which is important for us.

Prime Minister Manele will leave the country today to attend the inauguration ceremony of the new President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency PRABOWO SUBIANTO and the Vice President of the Republic of Indonesia, His Excellency GIBRAN RAKABUMING RAKA.

Indonesia has invited all Melanesian Spearhead Group Leaders to the Inauguration

Ceremony happening this Sunday 20th October 2024.

Prime Minister Manele confirms through a media conference this afternoon, he has

accepted the invitation. He will return on Wednesday 23rd October.

BUSINESS AS USUAL

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Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau

Mangau expressed that the investigation is ongoing

BY LORETTA B MANELE

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau has assured the public that it is business as usual, but urged citizens, especially parents, to take necessary precautions to ensure safety.

He made the comment during a press conference at OPMC, Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet yesterday afternoon regarding the recent public scare of said kidnappings or abductions on social media.

Mangau said five suspects were arrested on Friday in connection with unrelated incidents.

He mentioned that three of them have been released, while two remain in custody.

Mangau expressed that the investigation is ongoing as their teams work diligently to identify any possible links to organ harvesting or kidnapping activities in Honiara.

He said the five suspects have been charged for other offenses unrelated to kidnapping, vehicles have been impounded as part of the investigation and they are awaiting the outcome of these inquiries.

Mangau stated that the police are currently investigating only two attempted kidnapping cases, but no actual kidnapping reports or missing person cases have been filed in the country so far.

He stressed that unfortunately, false information and rumors spreading on social media are causing unnecessary fear and anxiety within our communities.

Mangau said we must continue our daily routines and operate as usual.

“We have a responsibility to protect our children dropping them off and picking them up from school is part of our daily duty. Drop them off at school and pick them up is our day-to-day business”

He said crime is present in every society around the world, and when it occurs, it is the authorities’ job to respond.

Mangau stated that there have been no reports of abductions or kidnappings and due to a lot of misinformation being spread in social media, there has been fear and anxiety in the capital.

He said the police can provide security and assure safety of all citizens of Solomon Islands if we work together and support our police to provide information.

Mangau encourages the public to come forward if they know their relatives are involved in this.

“If you know your uncle, brother is connected and involved in this please come forward and report it. But if we protect those invoked in this kind of activities, we will create on problem for our community”

The police commissioner calls on everyone to work together, have faith in our authorities, continue with our usual activities and let responsible authorities to continue with their duty.

McFadden Aoraunisaka, Chief of Staff to OPMC spoke on behalf of the GNUT (Government for National Unity and Transformation) government.

He said on behalf of the government, just to give confidence to the general public, the government is on top of this and is serious about what is happening because it is a mass public scare.

Aoraunisaka stressed that the whole government machineries are intact is functioning and what happened is more like shaking our national unity.

“But we will solve it. It is the “Unity” within the Government of National Unity and Transformation that is shaking at the moment, which is not good if we are not united. But to assure the people the whole government machinery is functioning”

He said of course, we can go on with our normal lives but with responsibilities and whether abductions happen or not it is our duty to look after ourselves for our own safety.

“Just go on with your normal life and business and look after your children well as well”

Aoraunisaka said we have socio paths in our communities who are probably just trolling because they watch too many movies or computer games and might want to act them out. However, we must be complacent, we must take responsibility in our movements and actions.

MASI congratulates Kekea on her Selection to Commonwealth Elections Observer Mission

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Gina Kekea. Photo supplied.

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.

MASI PRESS

St Luke’s chapel consecrated and celebrated by joyous community

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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.

Plant enthusiast Diana Vaqalo cultivates dreams through entrepreneurship with AWE support

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    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.

    Meet Isabel’s first female clerk

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      he first female clerk Mary Lucy Suimae.

      BY LORETTA B MANELE

      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.

      New initiative aims to empower Women in Executive Leadership

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      WELSI President Pamela Naesol.

      BY INDY MAEALASIA

      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.

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