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Numbers war between camps vying Malaita premier post continues

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Samie Waikori
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Daneil Suidani.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

TUSSLE over numerical strength between the two rival camps in Auki vying to form the next provincial government of Malaita province continues.

Political lobbying began two weeks ago.

Rival camps led by Daniel Suidani and Elijah Asilaua are yet to confirm a stable number.

Since last week, Suidani’s camp claimed 24 MPAs at the camp, but the number dropped to 16 over the weekend and 13 yesterday.   

“At the moment we have only 13 confirm MPA at the camp. This is after losing some of the MPAs who had joined the camp in the past weeks.

“What we know is some of these vacated MPAs are still on the fence and we are still working to get them and others to join the camp.

“This is our hope, since we still have a week away from the election. Thus, we will see how we can go about consolidating our camp,” one MPA on Suidani’s camp said.

Asilaua’s camp yesterday claimed 23 MPAs at the camp. The camp reported to have gained impetus from the current lobbying as it continues.

The instability of numerical strength experienced on both camp shows the intensity of the current political lobbying as both seem to claim each other’s number.

An MPA, who was last week at Suidani’s camp is now claiming to be a neutral and not joining or affiliating to any of the rival camps.

The MPA has 2 other MPAs on his side and they are yet to decide on which camp to join.

He told SunAuki yesterday that they have their reasons to remain neutral at the moment and watch the lobbying as it develops.

“Last week, we were counted with Suidani’s camp, but after knowing our neutrality, they didn’t refer to us as confirmed MPAs at the camp.

“We are still working together with them and who knows if we would make up our mind to join them. For Asilaua’s camp, they are also claiming us due to our status,” he said.

The MPA said from now on until the provincial speaker’s election on Friday, they are yet to choose which of the rival camps to join for the premier’s election.

Since the Malaita provincial assembly entered camps two weeks ago, lobbying continues as camps are tussling for numerical strength to form the next government of Malaita province.

The election for the premier of Malaita province is next week and there is still time for lobbying. Thus, it is still premature at this stage to say which camp has the numerical strength.  

Yesterday, a total 31 out of 33 elected MPAs had sworn-in as MPAs of the Malaita provincial assembly. The other two will do so by Friday this week.

Also yesterday, nomination for the provincial speaker has opened and will take 3 days until election on Friday. The speaker will then decide on the election of the premier, hopefully next week.

Malaita MPAs sworn in

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Members of Malaita provincial assembly during the swearing-in ceremony yesterday.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MPA elect for Malaita provincial assembly have been sworn in at the provincial chamber in Auki.

The swearing-in ceremony yesterday was facilitated by the office of the clerk to the Malaita provincial assembly and the office of the provincial legal advisor.

Provincial clerk Wilson Anii told MPAs during the ceremony that the requirement is significant for their recognition as elected MPAs of Malaita provincial assembly.

Adding that it is for them to officially serve the people they represent and people of Malaita province even Solomon Islands.

He also said that only by taking the oath will they be eligible to take part in any proceedings such as election and assembly meeting at the chamber.

31 out of 33 elected MPAs of Malaita provincial assembly had sworn-in yesterday, while other two MPAs; MPA for ward 28 and ward 33 are yet to take their oath.

Also yesterday, the clerk announced nomination of candidates for the provincial speaker. Nomination will close at 4pm on Thursday, ahead of election on Friday.

He called on interested candidates with the support of MPAs to collect nomination papers at his office and complete the process required by 4pm Thursday.

The clerk said this is so that his office can prepare required paper works ahead of the speaker’s election the next day.

He thanked the newly elected members of Malaita provincial assembly and look forward to work together with them in the next four years.

He said his office and the office of the speaker will always accord them respect, as they will be hosting them assembly meetings to deliberate on businesses of the province.

Trial against 4 men accused of attacking man to be confirmed tomorrow

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against four men accused of attacking a man has been tentatively set for October 7-18.

This tentative date will be confirmed tomorrow in court.

Luise Meke, Daniel Rofeta, Warren Basil and Daniel Fugui are jointly charged with one count of grievous bodily harm.

The matter was heard in court yesterday where prosecution held a verbal pre-trial conference.

Prosecution told court it will be calling 11 witnesses, with their statements to be tendered to the court as exhibits.

Defence said its four witnesses will be the four accused persons.

Defence counsel Vicent Nomae who represents accused Mr Rofeta informed court he would reallocate the file to another counsel for the trial.

Nomae also informed court to cancel the warrant of arrest issued for his client in the previous hearing.

Court adjourned for tomorrow Thursday, May 9, for counsels to confirm to the court their position regarding the tentative trial date set yesterday in court.  

All the four suspects pleaded not guilty to the charge.

It was alleged around 1 and 2am in the morning of August 16, 2023 at the Town Council Depot area, the complainant was waiting at the front gate of the Holy Cross transit in front of his girlfriend’s residence.

It was alleged the complainant honked for the security guard to open the gate for him and while waiting saw the four accused running towards him from the opposite side of the road.

The victim got suspicious that this group might harm him and he quickly drove away to escape from them.

After 30 minutes the complainant returned to the same location and while waiting for the security to open the gate, smoked a cigarette.

All of the sudden the group attacked the complainant from behind.

They used a hard object to strike the complainant’s right hand, causing him to fall onto the road unconsciously.

Luckily, one of the security officers at the Honiara City Council (HCC) workshop witnessed the attack and intervened and prevented the boys from further harming the complainant.

Later the complainant was assisted to his girlfriend’s residence.

That same night the complainant was not feeling well and went to the National Referral Hospital.

He was informed that the right side of his skull was cracked and there was internal bleeding.

The injuries sustained by the complainant was severe, he was referred to Gold Coast University Hospital in Queensland, Australia for further medical attention.

Vernon Taupongi acts for the crown and Delilah Kukura represent Luise Meke, Daniel Onorio represent Warren Basil, Jennifer Happilyn represent Daniel Fugui and Vincent Nomae for Daniel Rofeta.

Fake scholarship case faces trial

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against a man accused of defrauding students of money with the false promise of securing them government scholarships will go to trial from November 18-22.

Donald Keso is charged with three counts of obtaining money by false pretence.

He had pleaded not guilty.

Yesterday the matter was mentioned before Principal Magistrate Elma Veenah Rizzu Hilly for interim-mention.

Crown confirmed to the court that they have no issue regarding the trial.

Defence told court the accused was returning from his home province after going home to vote in the national general elections.

Court reinstated the original court bail for Keso yesterday.

Court suspended the matter for June 4 for another interim-mention; and Keso is excused from appearing in court until November 12 for the final interim-mention.

Prosecution alleged that accused Keso obtaining money from students with a fake promise for Solomon Islands Government (SIG) Scholarship awards.

It was further alleged that on different dates in March and April 2022, Keso allegedly lied to the victims that he was working as an agent for the National Training Unit (NTU).

He also promised these victims that if they produced their required documents and gave him sum of $1,000, he would place their names on the Solomon Islands Government scholarship (SIG).

Upon hearing the promises, two of the victims gave Keso $1000 each while one allegedly gave Keso $2,000 for himself and his sister.

Keso then told the victims that he would call them to collect their offer letter when their names were listed for the scholarships.

The victim waited in vain for a response from Keso but nothing happened.

One of the victims then went to the NTU office and enquired if a person by the name of Donald Keso worked at SITESA and in response, a receptionist allegedly told him that a senior female staff member that Donald Keso used to work there but had resigned.

The victims were students of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) at that time of the offence.

Few months later nothing happened to the victims regarding the scholarship as promised by the accused Keso.

Prosecutions alleged that after Keso took the money from the victims, he never informed the victims about their placements for the SIG Scholarship and was only sighted again at a bus stop in Honiara on February 18, 2023.

Keso was later arrested by the police after the three victims lodged their complains on February 18, 2023.

Steward Tonowane of ODPP act for State and Emy Rusi of PSO represent the accused Donald Keso.

GNUT FINISHES 100 -DAY PLAN

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Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT). Photo credit - OUR PARTY.

Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) coalition 100 Day policy draft completed

BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

The Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) coalition has achieved a significant milestone by finalizing its draft-form inaugural 100-Day policy framework.

This crucial document is now set for presentation to both the Caucus and Cabinet for further deliberation and approval.

This was confirmed to Island Sun on Monday this week by the Secretary of the major party within the current coalition.

This framework represents a collaborative effort among the three constituent ruling parties to delineate key policy objectives.

Comprised of representatives from the People First Party, Kadere Party, and OUR Party, officials have diligently assembled a comprehensive framework that will guide the GNUT coalition’s endeavours during its initial 100 days in office.

Encompassing a spectrum of critical sectors including health, education, agriculture, finance, fisheries, and infrastructure, this framework aims to prioritize actionable and achievable initiatives for the nation’s advancement.

The policy aims at emphasizing feasibility and practicality within the designated timeframe, GNUT officials are dedicated to ensuring the framework’s viability.

The coalition remains unwavering in its commitment to effecting efficient policy implementation in pursuit of national unity, transformative progress, economic empowerment, rural development, and sustained peace.

ASAF Academy Feminine Welcomes Ileen Peqi

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ASAF Academy Feminine welcome Peqi upon arrival in New Caledonia. Photo supplied.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

The Champions of the first edition of the Oceania Women’s Champions League, New Caledonia, ASAF Academy Feminine, received their new inclusion, the Solomon Islands national women’s team captain, Ileen Peqi.

A statement from ASAF Academy Feminine welcomes Peqi while looking forward to her contribution to the team this season.

“We are proud to recruit the captain of the Solomon Islands national team and Koloale Women’s Football Team, Ileen Peqi, for the 2024 season.

“Hoping that this experience will create future opportunities for female footballers in Oceania.

 “Welcome to Ileen Peqi,” the team statement reads.

The statement further revealed that this marks a historic moment for women’s football in both countries and likely in Oceania.

“This player will bring her experience to the team during the championship,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, the team beat Ne Drehu/DAC 1-0 in its first Championship match on Saturday.

USOTASI  eyes debut at DC Park Rugby 7s

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USOTASI Rugby Team Manager Carlwyn Tengemoana.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

NEWLY introduced Rugby Club USOTASI Rugby team is gearing up for the upcoming DC Park Rugby Sevens -Solbrew Series set for next month at DC Park in East Honiara.

Team Manager Carlwyn Tengemoana told SunSPORTS that it’s a new team established for the DC Park rugby 7s tournament.

Tengemoana also calls on interested rugby 7s players to join the team because allowance will be provided for the players.

“The team will be competing in the Men’s Open Division, so the team is aiming for a total of 12 players.

“Any interested player is free to submit his name to join the team.

“For the start, each player will receive an allowance of $500.00 each,” he said.

Meanwhile, the DC Park Rugby Sevens – Solbrew Series is scheduled for Friday 14th to Sunday 16th of June 2024.

The three-day rugby 7s tourney is sponsored by DJ Graphics Ltd, Unisound Enterprises, and Solomon Breweries Company and competition will be delivered for Men’s and Women’s Opens, Youth Boys, and Social Men’s teams.

“The four divisions will accommodate a total of 30 teams, 56 matches, and 450 participants.

Registration is currently open and teams wishing to participate may call 7412184 or email [email protected].

The total number of competitive participants is expected to be exactly 450 over the three-day event.

The registration fee for the Men’s division is $2,000, while the registration fee for all other divisions is $1,500.

PREPARATION STARTS TODAY

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Coach Eddie Marahare-Photo credit - ELTON LONARATHA JNR.

… 3 Caretaker Coaches to Prepare National Team Ahead of OFC Men’s Nations Cup 2024

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

NATIONAL U23 Head Coach Eddie Marahare will be in charge of the senior Men’s national team in replacement of Spaniard Felipe Vega-Arango in preparation for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Men’s Nations Cup 2024 in Vanuatu next month.

While the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) is yet to recruit its qualified coach to look after the Men’s national team, the Telekom Super League (TSL), Kossa FC head coach and the man who helped former TSL Champions, Henderson Eels FC make their debut at the Oceania Champions League back in 2019, will be leading the team preparation with the support of fellow caretaker Assistant Coaches, Batram Suri and Stanley Waita.

SIFF confirmed the appointment of Marahare while also revealing the senior Men’s national team training squad for the tournament set to run from the 15th to the 30th of June.

“The team will be guided by three caretaker coaches while waiting for the federation to review the list of potential national head coaches who are being shortlisted to lead the national Men’s team,” SIFF confirmed.

SIFF further urged the players who were called up to attend the team’s first session today at SIFF Academy, at KGVI.

“The Solomon Islands National Men’s team management has issued a call for all players currently in the country to attend training at the SIFF Academy at 9:00 am tomorrow, Tuesday 7th May.

“The management has also released a provisional team list of 43 players, including overseas-based players.

“However, the management is also aware that players from the Telekom S-League Champions, Solomon Warriors, will be out of the country for the OFC Men’s Champions League, as well as those who are playing abroad.

“Therefore, only those who are in the capital are encouraged to meet this week,” SIFF confirmed.

Meanwhile, the Oceania Men’s Nations Cup 2024 will be hosted in Vanuatu at VFF Fresh Water Stadium and Luganville Soccer City Stadium, with eight teams confirmed to participate.

Participating teams are Fiji, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tahiti, Vanuatu and Samoa.

Host Nation Vanuatu has been drawn in Group A and will play all its Group matches in Port Vila against New Zealand, Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia.

Group B based in Luganville on the island of Santo, will feature Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, Fiji, and Samoa.

The Group A winner will face the Group B runner-up with the Group B winner to play the Group A runner-up in the semi-finals.

Luganville’s Soccer City Stadium will host one semi-final with VFF Freshwater Stadium in Port Vila to host the other semi-final and the final.

The Solomon Islands will play its first match against host Vanuatu on 15th June at VFF Fresh Water Stadium, at 3:00 PM.

The national team training squad is as follows:

Squad: Philip Mango, Timothy Maerasia, Junior Petua, Harold Nauania, Micheal Laulae, David Supa, Junior David, Loea Mani, Javin Wae, Steven Koti, Stanley Semeka, Aegnari Junior, Leon Kofana, Alick Stanton, Allen Peter, Danny Rofeni, Calvin Ohasio, Innocent Sinahanua, Prince Tahanipue, William Komasi, Patrick Taroga, Molis Gagame, Atkin Kaua, Dona Keana, Hudson Oreinimae, Hadyn Irodao, Raphael Le’ai, Ali Mekawir, Barry Limoki, Gagame Feni, Joses Nawo, Molea Tigi, Alfia Aunga, Marlon Tahioa, Micah Lea’alafa, Bobby Leslie, Dalton Saeni, Alvin Hou,Dickson Maggie, Norman Ngafu, John Orobulu, Junior Fordney and Rocky Junior.

Officials:

Caretaker Head Coach: Eddie Marahare

Caretaker Assistant Coach: Batram Suri

Caretaker Assitant Coach: Stanley Waita

Goalkeeper Coach: Tibon Oge

Physio: Charles Guaba

Kit Manager: Augustine Hou

New health minister vows transformation in SI healthcare

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Minister for MHMS Hon Dr Paul Bosawai Popora.

BY NED GAGAHE

Dr. Paul Popora Bosawai, recently sworn in as the Minister for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), pledges significant changes in the healthcare sector for the direct benefit of the people of the Solomon Islands.

Dr. Paul, a medical doctor by profession and the newly elected Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal Constituency, assumed office following his swearing-in ceremony at the government house on Sunday.

Expressing his gratitude for the overwhelming support and congratulations received, Dr. Paul took to Facebook to convey his deep humility as he steps into this leadership role.

“Thank you all for the congratulatory messages. I am humble to take on the leadership in the health sector for the Solomon Islands,” he wrote, emphasizing his commitment to transforming healthcare for the nation’s citizens.

He acknowledged the supporters who paved the way for his current position and expressed readiness to work closely with donor partners and ministry staff to build a better and more resilient healthcare system for Solomon Islands.

Meanwhile, former MP Dr. Culwick Togamana lost his seat to new MP Maringe/Kokota Cathy Nori during the recent joint election.

Dr. Paul’s appointment signals a fresh chapter in Solomon Islands’ healthcare, with expectations high for transformative changes under his leadership.

The ‘Look North Policy”

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Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT). Photo credit - OUR PARTY.

BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

THE government has outlined a fundamental reform agenda aimed at enhancing various sectors. In the foreign policy domain, a selective and strategic approach, notably the “Look North” policy, will be pursued while maintaining ties with traditional partners.

This strategy, according to the current Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT), seeks to bolster national security interests while fostering robust engagement with external partners and donors, ensuring alignment with the government’s priorities.

Efforts to strengthen the economic and finance sector will involve the implementation of micro and macro policies to improve economic management. Additionally, the consolidation of project management units and the reduction of costs and wastage across ministries and agencies are prioritized to optimize government finances.

The coordination between key economic policy entities, including the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ministry of Finance and Treasury, and Central Bank of Solomon Islands, will be enhanced to foster effective policymaking and implementation.

Moreover, support for the judiciary and parliamentary systems will be bolstered, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening governance and rule of law.

This includes reviewing existing policies and identifying new priority areas to address emerging challenges and opportunities. By streamlining operations and reducing inefficiencies, the government aims to ensure resources are allocated effectively to drive sustainable development and prosperity.

Overall, the reform agenda underscores the government’s determination to improve governance, economic management, and coordination among key sectors. These initiatives aim to enhance the country’s resilience, promote transparency and accountability, and foster inclusive growth and development for all citizens.

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