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SICCI launches 8th business excellence awards

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SICCI Team during the official launch photo supplied.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has launched the 8th Business Excellence Award (BEA) under the theme ‘Navigating Business through a Challenging Landscape’.

SICCI Chief Executive Officer (CEO) James Dolarii officially announced the opening of nominations last Friday.

 “With the launch of the 8th Business Excellence Awards (BEA) nominations starting today, the office will also be putting out the entry forms through the online platforms we have and businesses can also come and visit our office to get more information,” he said.

Entries can be submitted until October 18 with the event scheduled for mid-November.

This bi-annual event aims to recognise small to medium enterprises for their remarkable contributions, achievements, outstanding performance, and innovation in communities and the country.

Dolarii emphasized that this year’s event is about “elite business leadership, practice, and performance in a challenging business environment”.

Board member Dinna Irofufuli announced that two new awards have been added to the 2024 BEA.

 “I am happy to announce that this year, we are going to have 12 categories which includes the Prime Minister Award. The new awards that we included are Business Contribution to the Community Award and the Building and Construction Award,” Irofufuli said.  

Irofuli further explained that the Business Contribution to the Community Award will recognize businesses that demonstrate a “community-wide commitment and impact,” while the Building and Construction Award will honor outstanding achievements in the construction industry.

 “We know a lot of our members put on their year plans to help the community, some of it’s not socialized, some of it’s done outside we are not aware of it, but we’d like these organizations to come forward and for nominations to go out so that we can see who they are and they can have a bit more shine in the private sector and the overall organization landscape of the Solomon Islands,” she added.

The 12 Categories are as follows:

  1. New Business of the Year
  2. Large Business of the Year
  3. Medium Business of the Year
  4. Small Business of the Year
  5. Innovation & Technology Award
  6. Agribusiness of the Year
  7. Tourism Business of the Year
  8. Exporter of the Year
  9. Entrepreneur of the Year 
  10. Building and Construction Award (New)
  11. Business Contribution to the Community Awards (New)
  12. Prime Minister’s Award

Tourism a bridge builder: Sivoro

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PS Sivoro.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, Barney Sivoro has emphasised that tourism serves not only as an economic driver but also as a vital ‘bridge builder’ between cultures, communities, and nations.

Speaking at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Open Day, which coincided with World Tourism Day on Friday, Sivoro highlighted the immense potential of the tourism industry.

“For us in the Solomon Islands, tourism holds the potential to bring people together, force them mutual understanding and promote peace,” he remarked.

He noted that tourism allows Solomon Islanders to share the richness of the country’s diverse cultures, the natural beauty of the islands, and the warmth of the local people with the world.

Sivoro stressed that this peace extends not only to the international level but also within local communities, teaching people to value their heritage, protect the environment, and coexist harmoniously.

This year’s Open Day featured a partnership between the Ministry and SINU’s School of Tourism and Culture, which was highly visible throughout the event.

Vice Chancellor Aqorau urges holistic education

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Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau.Photo supplied.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

The Solomon Islands National University (SINU) is not only dedicated to providing quality education but also to cultivating a ‘generation of leaders, innovators, and change makers’.

SINU Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau echoed this vision during the University’s Open Day on Friday.

Aqorau urged students and faculty to embrace a holistic approach to education that extends beyond the classroom and empowers them to tackle real-world challenges.

 “At SINU, we believe that education is not just about passing exams or getting a degree.

“It is about nurturing a deep curiosity for the world around us, encouraging critical thinking and developing the skills needed to drive in an ever-changing world,” he emphasised.  

Reflecting on the significance of the open day, Aqorau noted that it serves as a platform for students to showcase their knowledge and achievements.

 “This open day is your opportunity to share with the world what you have been working on, to demonstrate the knowledge you have gained, and to show the promise of what is yet to come.

“Whether you are presenting a project, showcasing research, or performing with your cultural group, remember that you are not just representing yourself, but also the collective spirit of SINU,” he emphasised.

He reminded students and staff that the pursuit of excellence is a continuous journey rather than a final destination.

 “And as we look to the future, I encourage each of you to reflect on your own role in this journey.

“Whether you are a student, a faculty member, or a staff member, you are part of something much larger than yourself.

“You are part of a university that is committed to empowering the next generation of leaders and change makers.

“And it is through your efforts, your dedication, and your passion that we will continue to grow, to thrive, and to meet the challenges of the future,” Aqorau said.

‘HELP SOLO MODERNISE’

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Chinese Ambassador

China committed to more exchanges of governance experience to bolster Solomons’ confidence and capability to realise independence

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

China aspires to strengthen the exchange of governance experience to help Solomon Islands elevate confidence and capability for independent development.

Through these exchanges, China believes Solomon Island will chart a modernisation path that suits its conditions and achieves its economic transformation.

Chinese Ambassador to the Solomon Islands His Excellency Cai Weiming said this when speaking at the event to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and the 5th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the two countries, at the Pacific Crown hotel on Friday.

One of the core agendas highlighted by Weiming going forward between the two countries is promoting people-to-people exchanges to consolidate the popular basis for both countries’ cooperation.

“We will depend on bilateral cooperation in education, culture, arts, tourism sports and other areas to forge a closer bond of friendship between our two people,” said Cai.

He said that China will continue to facilitate provincial and municipal cooperation with Solomon Island to support more Solomon Island students and professionals to study in China.

“We should strengthen practical cooperation, to cement an economic foundation for each other’s modernization.

“We will enhance the interaction of Belt and Road Initiative and GNUT’s policy statements, and speed up the construction of National Referral Hospital (NRH) comprehensive medical Centre and Auki Road tar sealing projects,” he said.

Cai stressed that China will take the opportunity of the zero-tariff recently offered for the Solomon Islands to absorb more of Solomon Islands agricultural and fisheries products into China’s market.

“All these measures will deepen our cooperation, boost our development and inject strong momentum for our modernisation,” he said.

“Chinese President Xi Jinping said on multiple occasions that modernisation is an inalienable right of all countries.

“No country should be left behind on their path to modernisation,” he said.

Ambassador Weiming said that China is ready to work with the Solomon Islands to deepen friendship and cooperation motivated by both countries’ pursuit of modernisation.

“It is also to lead China relations with Pacific countries, and countries to the modernisation of developing countries and the Global South,’’ said Cai.

Tehoaki’s story

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    Turning to the ancient art of weaving to support her family

    BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

    A woman of courage, Barbra Tehoaki, 46, has stepped up to be the man of the house.

    This industrious woman made her life-turning decision when her husband retired.

    Her life changed from one of a simple housewife to manufacturing cultural products to sell and managing a growing number of customers.

    At the centre of her success and progress is – weaving – a once prolific ancient skill that is now only practised by few gifted and passionate women.

    She learnt how to weave in 2006, something that would prove crucially useful later in her life.

    Having six children, three boys and three girls, taught Tehoaki resilience and the determination to face challenging issues.

    Before Tehoaki’s expedition into weaving, her daily activities primarily centred on managing the home as a wife. Yet, her circumstances changed dramatically following her husband’s retirement.

    Her typical roles included child rearing and managing the home’s daily operations.

    Tehoaki is known for creating a variety of handcrafted items, from mats to purses and baskets adorned with her region’s unique patterns and designs.

    “As a mother, I have been very worried and anxious since my husband retired because he is the father of the family and I am just a housewife.

    “So, when I think about the future and my children, I feel worried,” she said emotionally.

    Tehoaki only thought of learning something that could help her have something useful for her children.

     It was with this thought that the mother of six decided to pursue the art of weaving in 2006. 

    “It usually takes me five to six months to wave a six to 7-foot-long mat, for a purse and baskets, it can take a week or more, but it depends on how you spend your time on it. It took me time to learn the patterns and designs. 

    “Most of the designs and styles I create reflect my culture and tradition.

    “Although they are easy to make on the surface, I faced some challenges while doing them.

    “I learned how to wave from my aunts,” she said.

    Aside from creating appealing designs and patterns, her main challenge is how to acquire or collect the resources she works with.

    “It is a very hard and time-consuming task, especially in finding the right resources like bandanas, the required design, and the amount of money to help you find those resources financially.

    “For orders, I have to work extra hard to complete the work on time. In this case, it could take me a month to complete the product.

    One also needs to be creative to come up with any patterns and designs for the client orders,” she says.

    “We buy most of our pandanus from other people,” she said. 

    Barbra sells her 7ft mat for between $2,000 and $6,000, while her handmade purse and baskets cost between $100 and $300.

    “Sometimes I give my customers a discount,” she said. 

    The mother of six sees her job as an important part of supporting her children at school and home.

    “It helps because my husband doesn’t work, but my job also supports the children and the family.

    “This helps them pay for school fees and meet our needs. Right now, I am the sole provider for my family and my children are in high school,” she said. 

    “My advice to young women is to learn how to work from the elders. This is important because it is one of the ways to preserve our traditions or culture. Also, it is a way to generate income for our daily lives.”

    “We are unique in the way we do things to support our families, our children and our loved ones. So, by engaging in such work, your needs will also be met.

    This means that even if your husband is not working or has no job, you, as a mother, still have a role to play in providing for the family,” she said.

    Supplementary submissions for Bonuga in court Oct 18

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    BY ROMINAH FAKA

    The application to strike out the election petition case against Temotu Pele MP James Bonuga was heard in court on Thursday this week in High Court.

    During the hearing of the application judge raise a legal issue which she wants the counsels for petitioner and respondent to sort out.

    The issue is that the first respondent already files its defence before they file the application to strike out the election petition.

    Thus, court ask if the counsels make their supplementary submissions on the legal issue court raise.

    Court adjourns to October 18 for hearing of the supplementary submissions of the legal issues.

    Court also makes directions by reserving the ruling of the application until the legal issue been sort out.  

    The petitioner Duddley Kopu filed two grounds of corrupt and illegal practice of bribery against the respondent Bonuga.

    The respondent then filed an application to strike out the election petition base on the grounds that, there was no sufficient evidences to proof the allegations in support of the petition.

    Petitioner Duddlley Kopu represented by L&L Lawyers and Francis Waleanisia represent the respondent, James Bonuga.

    Court sets date for bail application of new year murder case

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    BY ROMINAH FAKA

    The High Court has set the hearing of the bail application for defendant Zayn Taisia Gegeu to December 4.

    During the course of adjournment courts directs for defence counsel to file the bail applications and crown to responds to the applications before come back to court on December 4 for hearing of that bail applications.

    Prosecution charged Zayn Taisia Gegeu for murder and driving without valid license.

    Prosecution alleged around 3 to 5am on the 1st of January 2024, he droves the vehicle through the Supreme Casino second boom gate known to be the Eastern side and then made a quick turn heading back Westly direction and at a very high speed.

    Prosecutor further states that the defendant droves straight towards a group of girls, including the deceased.

    When the group of girls saw the vehicle ran straight towards them, all of them jumped out but unfortunately, it hit the deceased.

    After Taisia hit the victim, he reversed the vehicle and escaped out of the Supreme Casino area.

    The deceased was transported to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) where she was later pronounced dead.

    The accused arrested and charged with one count of murder and one count of driving without valid license.

    John Wesley Zoze from Public Prosecution Office act for the Crown and Chris Rarumae act for Zane Taisia Gegeu.

    Court hears application to strike out petition on Sogavare

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    BY ROMINAH FAKA

    The High Court on Thursday this week heard the application to strike out the election petition case against Member of Parliament for East Choiseul Manasseh Sogavare.

    After the hearing of the application court made directions by reserving the ruling.

    Jillian Soaika who represents Sogavare told Island Sun that the petitioner David Qurusu alleged a total of six grounds of election bribery against Sogavare.

    She adds that the allegations pleaded in the petition together with the statement of the petitioner witness all failed to disclose facts which amounted to the offence of bribery.

    Thus, on that basis, she said that the allegations and evidence in sworn statement are certain to fail, prompting the respondent to apply for a strike-out, to avoid unnecessary expense, time and effort in proceeding to trial.

    Also, on the basis that the petition is frivolous and vexatious, Soaika adds.

    Yvette Samuel of L&L Lawyers for the Petitioner. Jillian Soaika and McChesney Ale of Rano & Company for the Respondent. Jordan Devesi for the Attorney General appearing as amicus curiae (friend of the Court). 

    BSP SCARE

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    Many customers affected by technical problems in the Bank of the South Pacific’s system

    BY LORETTA B. MANELE

    Bank South Pacific (BSP) customers this week received a scare following a ‘technical problem’ which saw strange transactions in their accounts.

    Social media was flooded with reports of duplicate transactions, a drop or increase to the account balance and deductions of unexpected proportions.

    BSP yesterday afternoon released a public notice labelling the problem as ‘duplicate transactions’.

    The bank said they have identified duplicate transactions that affected customers that performed transactions on Thursday using Mobile Banking, Internet Banking, EFTPoS and ATMs.

    The statement said this issue does not affect customers that performed transactions with branch tellers or transactions done on Friday and or transactions done before Thursday.

    BSP’s technical teams are investigating the issue and will provide an update once a solution has been confirmed, BSP said.

    “We apologise for any inconveniences caused and appreciate your patience and understanding”

    A concerned customer said he transferred $900 on Friday morning using Mobile Banking and discovered that another $900 from his account was gone.

    He went to the bank’s enquiry desk and was told that this was caused by the bank’s system.

    The customer was told that a lot of customers were facing the same issue where the deduction of money for transfer was duplicated.

    BSP’s enquiry desk mentioned that their IT specialists were working on the matter and all customers affected will be refunded.

    The customer said he was also told that if the issue was not resolved by yesterday, Friday, he should check with the bank’s enquiry desk on Monday

    GP to strengthen relationship with Guangdong: Premier Atu

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    BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

    Guadalcanal Province Premier Willie Atu said his government will continue to strengthen the province’s sister relationship with Jiangmen City of Guangdong Province, China.

    Mr Atu made the statement during a handover ceremony held between the two provinces yesterday at the Guadalcanal province headquarters in Honiara.

    The Jiangmen City of Guangdong Province delivered 20 two-foot drawer sewing machines and sets of collar shirts to Guadalcanal province as part of the relationship.

    “My government will continue to strengthen this relationship. Mrs Zhang Lei, my government and the people of Guadalcanal Province highly value your visit to our province and Solomon Islands. I regard this visit as a visit from a delegation to the Guadalcanal Provincial Government Headquarters, with sincere gratitude and thankfulness,” said Atu.

    “Please convey my greatest appreciation and thankfulness to His Excellency and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Solomon Islands for making this visit by the delegation possible today. It is not only possible, but to ensure that the delegation visits Guadalcanal Province, our government, and its people under the cordial partnership and relationship,” he told the delegates.

    Mr Atu assured the delegates that Guadalcanal Province and the people of Guadalcanal have benefited from Guangdong Province to date under the sister relationship.

    “In May last year, Guadalcanal Province was also a recipient of some of the things including the motorcycles that were also presented last year. During the COVID-19, the support that we received from China was very helpful as well.

    “At that time, people were not allowed to go to the hospital. So, the support that was used in that time from China was very helpful,” said Atu.

    He said that Guadalcanal is so proud of the opportunities which will enable the province to move forward as well in the fields of agriculture and economic development.

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