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Tuki has hope for development with GNUT

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Minister for Women Youth Children and Family Affairs Freda Rotutafi Rangirei.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for Temotu Vatud, Freda Tuki Rangirei expressed hope for new developments under the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT).

The MP expressed her anticipations and confidence in GNUT during the sine die motion in parliament on Monday.

Rangirei acknowledged the government for fulfilling its commitment to deliver a new shipping vessel that is expected to provide transport services between the islands in Temotu province.

However, she expressed concerns that this vessel might not adequately meet the demands of passengers traveling between the islands regularly. Therefore, she urged the government to assist in refloating the MV Vatud Star ship to address these concerns.

Rangirei also expressed hope for significant progress in the proposed development of an airport on Vanikoro, urging for support from responsible ministries and stakeholders. She confirmed ongoing discussions with chiefs and progress in involving other key representatives.

Additionally, Rangirei appealed to the government for support in establishing a proposed Mini Hospital on Vanikoro. She emphasized the importance of this infrastructure in providing essential healthcare services to her people, especially given the geographical challenges they face in accessing health centers.

Rangirei reaffirmed her commitment to supporting her constituents and delivering developments that align with their needs.

Ramofafia urges move towards graduation from LDC by 2027

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Minister Rexon Ramofafia

BY INDY MAEALASIA

MEMBERS of Parliament (MPs) have been urged to work together to ensure Solomon Islands graduate from Least Developed Country (LDC) status by 2027.

Minister of the National Planning and Development Coordination, Rexon Ramofafia, emphasised this during a parliamentary session on Monday.

He highlighted that such joint effort is important to prevent the country from relapsing after achieving graduation in 2027, stressing the urgent need for the government to increase investment in the country’s development priorities.

As part of the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUTs) 100 days program, the government aims to complete the review of the National Development Strategy 2016-2035.

Ramofafia underscored that this review is important to strengthen the country’s engagement and align its priorities with development partners.

He explained that over the past five years, 85 percent of development fundings have been allocated to address the NDS objective 1) Sustainable inclusive economic growth and NDS objective 5) Unified nation with stable and effective governance and public order.

However, Ramofafia acknowledged significant challenge in addressing NDS objective 2) Poverty alleviated across the whole of the Solomon Islands, basic needs addressed and food security improved; benefits of development more equitably distributed NDS Objective 3) All Solomon Islanders have access to quality health and education and NDS Objective 4) Resilient and environmentally sustainable development with effective disaster risk management, response and recovery.

Additionally, Ramofafia stressed that his ministry role is to ensure the government policies and budgets implemented in ways suited to address the development needs of the country.

Vave eyes ‘missed’ development for Shortlands

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Isikeli Junior Vave. Photo supplied..

BY MORRIS NAFU

Member of Parliament for Shortlands has promised to address missed opportunities his constituency has encountered for the ‘past 10 or so years’.

While acknowledging accomplishments done by his predecessors, MP Isikeli Vave expressed there are ‘other significant opportunities’ his constituency has missed over the past decade.

He expressed concerns that while the rest of the country has progressed, Shortlands constituency has not received its fair share of development initiatives.

Vave made the statement during the Sine Die Motion tabled on the floor of Parliament which concluded on Monday this week.

Highlighting specific issues, Vave pointed out the lack of support for Shortlands residents in engaging with the labour mobility scheme, a programme that has transformed lives elsewhere in the country.

He lamented the absence of leadership in promoting participation in this scheme, which could provide life-changing opportunities for many in his constituency.

He further added sports development is also one the forgotten aspects in youth building capacity in his entire constituency.

Vave stress since there’s no sports activities in place, playing fields have now turned into paddocks and farming activities.

Vave reveals the demographic landscape of Shortlands constituency, primarily consisting of young people ranging from 15 to 35 years of age.

“Youths are the future leaders and should be given the test of responsibility and not letting them strangle in their own,” he said.

Furthermore, Vave highlighted the lack of focus on women’s development programs in the constituency over the past decade.

He emphasised the importance of empowering women and ensuring they have equal access to opportunities that could contribute significantly to community advancement.

Shortlands constituency however is situated at the border of the Solomon Islands and Bougainville, and is one of eight constituencies in the Western Province.

Its unique geographical location presents both challenges and opportunities that Vave is determined to leverage for the benefit of his constituents.

Case of attempt to export drugs returns June 26

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against two people accused of attempting to export dangerous drugs has adjourned for June 26 for Pre-Trial-Conference (PTC).

The matter was mentioned in court on Monday this week for a review of warrant for accused Etekia Kauai.

Prosecution told court the accused was present in court however the warrant of arrest issued was not executed.

Prosecution explained that police could not find Mr Kauai therefore could not execute the warrant.

So, police called the relatives of the accused and informed them to relay the message to Kauai to appear in court on Monday this week.

Kauai explained his reason for not appearing in the previous hearing was because he was sick with malaria and pneumonia.

Court exercised its discretion and accepted Kauai’s reason, although it was not satisfactory since he did not produce any medical evidence to prove his words.

Court cancelled the warrant against Kauai and warned him not to repeat being absent in his court hearings, or face remand.

The two accused are charged in relation to an allegation on June 19, 2019 at the Henderson International Airport.

Prosecution alleged Kauai packed eight packets of marijuana inside a speaker in 20 cm by 20 cm plastic bags. This was taken to the airport, where accused Beatrice Umea was on check-in duty for Solomon Airlines.

It was further alleged that Kauai took the package to Umea and she accepted the package as unaccompanied luggage, but tagged the package to a passenger whom she had already checked in.

When the package went through the screening, suspicious arose, the speaker was unscrewed and the packets of Marijuana were found, before it was loaded onto the flight.

The police then arrested both the accused and charge them jointly for one count of attempting to export a dangerous drug under the Dangerous Drugs Act.

Public Prosecutor Steward Tonowane act for the Crown and Beatrice Umea represent by Jennifer Happlyn of PSO, Etekia Kauai yet to confirm legal representative.

CALL FOR EQUAL DISTRIBUTION 

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Hon_Derrick_Manuari.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for West Makira Constituency, Derrick Manuari has emphasized for equally distribution of resources and the importance of economic viability across constituencies.

Manuari said this during his contribution to the sine die motion in Parliament last Thursday.

He explained that is has become a common view that members of the government side tend to have access to most of the government programs and national projects compared to those in the opposition.

“It seems like you are no longer part of the government’s visions and projects” he said.

Manuari stressed that this view overtime has led to division and regionalism among provinces.

Furthermore, he explained that distribution of resources across all Islands and constituencies must be based on the socio-economic viability and feasibility.

Manuari said this simply means proper consultations and evidence-based assessments  must be carried out prior to implementing these projects to ensure they will yield economic benefits for the constituencies.

Manuari stressed that the lack of carrying out proper consultations will result in projects and programs that are not economic viable.

He also warned the government against implementing projects based on eagerness to fulfil political pressure and maintaining political support.

“If we are to truly achieve transformation or put down our legacy, this is a radical change that must be considered” Manuari added.

Athletes criticisms hold up

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Female sprinter Jovita Ambrose Arunia in action.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE National Athletics Federation (Athletics Solomon) has defended accusations made by national female sprinter Jovitah Ambrose Arunia regarding the recent trip to the Oceania Athletics Championship in Fiji.

Arunia, after the event, described their trip as disastrous, highlighting the need for better organization and support from the federation.

She voiced concerns about the federation’s shortcomings, which she said adversely affected the athletes’ performance.

Arunia expressed that the trip was poorly organized and that the team lacked adequate support.

She also stated that they failed to get well-prepared due to the federation’s issues with the National Sports Council (NSC).

The national sprinter further reported that their coaches failed to attend training during their preparation for the Championship.

“Many athletes are unhappy with the federation’s failure to pay its affiliation fee with the NSC, which has impacted their preparation for regional and international competitions.

“Arunia emphasized that most athletes feel neglected and that the federation is not taking their preparation seriously,” she said.

A source from the federation who called for anonymity told SunSPORTS that Oceania does the whole arrangement of bookings and traveling and not the federation.

“The same applies for most countries that participated at the recent Championship in Fiji,” the source said.

Arunia reported that before the Oceania Athletics Championship 2024 began in Laucala, she departed early to attend a leadership course organized by Oceania.

Following Arunia, Julian Sosimo competed on the first day of the Championship on June 1st, while the rest of the team left Honiara on the same day Sosimo competed in the Women’s Heptathlon Pole Vault event.

After completing the course, she received her certificate, before moving over to the game venue only to realize that their first representative, Julian Sosimo, was not accompanied by a coach for her first competition.

“I had to take up the leadership role to guide and prepare Sosimo with her warm-up drills for her Heptathlon event because the coach had not yet arrived,” Arunia said.

She added that assuming the coaching role was challenging as she was also competing on the same day, and she failed to complete her race with good timing due to a lack of proper preparation back home.

The source explained that the first competition she competed in on Saturday 1st is optional because it is an invitational and whether you run or not it doesn’t matter.

“Her real competition will start on Tuesday 4th, which she needs to qualify for the semifinals.  So the only event that is on schedule for Saturday 1st is the women’s heptathlon, which the Pole Vault women will follow on Tuesday 4th and not Saturday 1st like she claimed,” explained the source.

The source further revealed that it is shameful to blame the federation for her poor performance because she always missed a lot of training opportunities, following her huge interest in football officiating.

“To blame the federation for failure to meet NSC requirements to avail the track for training is not true.

“The requirements are demanding and need time to complete to submit. It cannot happen overnight.

“However, priority was given to athletes under the Oceania squad to use the track for training, but she was full-time training in soccer refereeing and that was one of the factors that affected her fitness level,” the source said.

The source also acknowledges her efforts while highlighting that she is the most privileged athlete who has attended 3 World championships but has not broken the National Record in the women’s 100m.

“That opportunity should be given to other athletes who deserve it.

“She should not have traveled because she didn’t win a medal last year.

“Those female athletes who won medals last year should have gone to Oceania, but they were not available when the entries were closed,” the source revealed.

Meanwhile, at the moment, Arunia is back with her passion for football refereeing and is currently in New Zealand for her appointment at the OFC U-16 Women’s Championship – Qualifying Stage that will end this week.

DC PARK 7s ENDS

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Opens Mens Grand Final action between Diesel RC and TFCM 3 yesterday at DC Park-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE DC Park Rugby 7s Solbrew Series ended at DC Park in East Honiara with its official presentation of prizes worth $88,000.00 for winners of the 4 Divisions, including special awards for best performance.

The three-day action pack rugby 7s tourney kicked off on Friday and ended yesterday with its final Playoff fixtures and Grand final match of the 4 Divisions competing for this year’s title at the tournament.

Baby Mix became champions of the Men’s Social Divisions by beating Big Baby by a strong 30-0, while Ailako Eels, representing the Malaita Province, delivered impressive talent in the Youth Division to claim the title after beating Covenant Rugby 15-10 in the Grand final match.

Representing the Western Province, New Georgia Raiders, dominated by Fiji talents, have proven their original, going tough to earn the Women’s Open Division title by beating West Side on a comfortable 51-0 in the Grand final.

A strong turnover this round in the Men’s Open Division as Diesel RC made a great impact following their couple of inclusions who traveled over to rescue the team and earned the title by beating fellow originals, the Task Force Cori Mada 3 (TFCM 3), with a shaking 12-5 win.

Meanwhile, the DC Park Rugby 7s Solbrew Series order of presentation is as follows:

5th Place Playoff Winner-Opens Mens Division: Henderson Hammerheads (2 Ctn Solbrew)

5th Place Playoff Winner –Women’s Division: SOSA Women’s (2 Ctn Solbrew)

5th Place Playoff Winner-Youth Boys Division: TNT Junior Boys ($400.00 Bulksho Voucher)

4th Place-Opens Mens Division: Islanders RC (2 Ctn Solbrew)

4th Place-Opens Womens Division: Diesel Womens (2 Ctn Solbrew)

4th Place-Youth Boys Division: Koloale CHS ($600.00 Bulkshop Voucher)

4th Place-Social Mens Division: Old is Gold (2 Ctn Solbrew)

3rd Place Playoff Winner- Opens Mens Division: Hill Top ($5,000.00)

3rd Place Playoffs Winner-Opens Womens Division: Ailako ($4,000.00)

3rd Place Playoff Winner- Youth Boys Division: AYC U21 Sharks ($3,000.00)

3rd Place Playoff Winner-Social Mens Division: MASI Larger ($3,000.00)

2nd Place-Opens Mens Division: TFCM 3 ($8,000.00)

2nd Place-Opens Womens Division: West Side ($6,000.00)

2nd Place-Youth Boys Division: Covenant Rugby ($5,000.00)

2nd Place-Social Mens Division: Big Baby ($5,000.00)

Opens Mens Champion- Diesel RC ($15,000.00)

Opens Womens Champion- New Georgia Raiders ($10,000.00)

Youth Boys Champions- Ailako Eels ($8,000.00)

Social Mens Champion-Baby Mix ($8,000.00)

Accolades:

Opens Mens Best Player: Filipo (Diesel RC)- $1,000.00

Opens Womens Best Player: Vitonina (New Georgia Raiders)- $1,000.00

Youth Boys Up and Coming Best Player: Richard (Ailako Eels)- $1,000.00

Social Mens Best Player: Tawake (Baby Mix) $1,000.00

Opens Mens Best Team Official: Luke Sandy (Ailako) $1,000.00

Opens Womens Best Team Official: Joseph Maetunu (Ailako) $1,000.00

Youth Boys Best Team Official: Sale (Auki Tigers) $1,000.00

Social Mens Best Team Official: Gregory Ofia (MASI Larger) $1,000.00

ENDS//// WITH 1 PIC

Eastern Islands region youth convention concluded

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Kukum youth members showcasing their dance.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

UNITED Church youths under the Eastern Islands Region successful concluded their regional youth convention yesterday.

The convention took place at the compound of Wesly United Church and brought together 900 plus youth members from across the region for a time of fellowship and collaboration.

Honiara circuit youth coordinator Reverend Patrick Ngasi the event saw participation from seven circuits spanning the Eastern Islands Region, including Guadalcanal, Marovo, Honiara, Emac, Kongukolo, Rendova, and Roviana circuits.

Rev Ngasi said told Sun paper yesterday that this program is a regional youth convention aimed at empowering youths to continue spread the Gospel of Jesus.

“It is a four days program. The event features sessions focusing on empowering youths in their Christian lives and on how they can live their life in Jesus. Today there are many challenges facing our young people and in order for them to stand against these challenges they need to be empowered and equipped with the word of God.

This is so far the biggest regional youth convention we have in our region. We suggest if hosting this convention in Marovo or Roviana circuits will be better,” he said.

He concluded by thanking all youth members who took time out and be part of this convention.

Thank you so much for allowing yourselves to be part of this 4 days event. I want to also acknowledged team leaders who have worked tirelessly in bringing all their members together and as well as those who supported our youths. Thank you so much everyone,” Rev Ngasi said.

The theme of the event reads “Empowering youths to grow and extending the mission of God”.

Our Telekom’s network lifeline for many in rural areas: Koraua

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Chairman of Our Telekom Board Mr Baoro Laxton Koraua making his remarks at the event.

BY NED GAGAHE

Our Telekom’s extensive network now present in all nine provinces has been instrumental in making financial services accessible to all Solomon Islanders, says Our Telekom Board Chairman Bauro Laxton Koraua.

Speaking at the commemoration of M-Selen one year anniversary, Chairman Koraua said since the establishment of M-Selen a year ago, the mobile banking services has enabled Solomon Islanders especially those in remote areas to participate in the formal economy.

Koraua said M-Selen has processed transactions worth over SBD$100 million and customers have collectively saved approximately SBD$21 million by avoiding going to bank branches or agents.

He said these savings represent not just financial relief but also time and effort that our people can now invest in more productive activities.

He adds that this impact is far-reaching, enabling better livelihoods and economic stability.

“This network is a lifeline for many in rural areas, offering them a gateway to participate in the formal economy.

“The impact of M-Selen goes beyond numbers. It is about driving economic growth, creating opportunities, and improving livelihoods.

“By supporting small and medium enterprises, fostering youth entrepreneurship, and enabling financial independence, M-SELEN is contributing to the broader economic development of our country.

“Small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy, now have access to financial tools that help them grow and thrive.

“Young entrepreneurs are finding new ways to innovate and create value within their communities.” Chairman Koraua said.

‘PROTECT PRIVATE SECTOR’

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Ricky Fu'uo. Photo supplied.

Fuo’o called on the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) to protect private sector

BY INDY MAEALASIA

MEMBER of Parliament (MP) for Central Kwara’ae Constituency,Ricky Fuo’o, has called on the Government of National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) to protect the country’s private sector.

During a parliamentary session last Thursday, Fuo’o highlighted the vital role played by the private sector.

“We hear that the private sector is the engine for economic growth; however, we have done very little to protect our private sector. Our private sector is a key source of revenue.” Fuo’o said.

Fuo’o proposed that the government prioritize local content policies (LCPs), which are government-imposed measures aimed at promoting the use of domestically produced services and resources.

 While acknowledging the success of the Sol2023 Pacific Games and former PM Manasseh Sogavare’s leadership, Fuo’o noted that it had little impact on the economy, attributing this to the absence of LCPs. 

“I believe there was not a lot of local content involved in all the infrastructure that has been built for the game,” he remarked.

“If local content policies were in place before the games, I believe we would have more ripple effects on our rural communities and our economy,” Fuo’o said.

Highlighting the current struggles many local businesses are facing to stay competitive, he emphasized the need for a “level playing field.”

“There has to be some sort of protection for our private sector; otherwise, they would be taken over and all services and goods would be supplied by foreigners,” he said.

Fuo’o  proposed initiatives such as reserving job opportunities for locals as well as setting thresholds where certain projects are exclusively allocated to local businesses.

“Our private sector and local businesses are here to stay; they have everything to lose in this country. They are not going to back up today and leave for another country,” he added.

Fuo’o told Prime Minister Jermiah Manele that, despite being on the opposite side of the house, he expressed willingness to work alongside his government. 

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