Home Blog Page 549

Sogavare signs off PM candidacy

Written by
Admin
-
0
Sogavare. Photo credit- MAVIS PODOKOLO

BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

CARE-TAKER Prime Minister and Member of Parliament (MP) elect for East Choiseul, Manasseh Sogavare has humbly announced he will not be the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation (CNUT) Prime Ministerial candidate.

His announcement last night during the press conference was to clarify his intentions followed by the public’s view over the possibility of him being the PM candidate for the largest grouping in the coalition.

Sogavare shared sentiments being able to serve his people and the country as a whole since 2019 as Prime Minister.

The caretaker PM further elaborated the effects of politics on his family and his children being subjected to unprecedented verbal abuse whilst being accused without any court proceedings.

“I have been accused of many things but not a single one of these accusations have been proven in court.

“My family (my children included) have been subjected to unprecedented verbal abuse. I have been continuously vilified in the media.

“Our family home has been razed to the ground but that did not waver my resolve to continue to serve our people. It has not been easy,” Sogavare said.

Sogavare further added that these have been a monumental commitment and sacrifice. “However, we persevered as a family, government and country because the Lord our God has been our pillar of strength, courage and comfort,” he reiterated.

MP elect for Hograno-Katova-Kia-Havulei (HKKH), Jeremiah Manele is now the Parliamentary wing leader of the Ownership, Unity & Reform (OUR) Party after formally being handed over by caretaker Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare last night.

 Manele Nominated for Prime Minister’s Post

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
Jeremiah Manele

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Member of Parliament for Hograno Katova Kia Havulei constituency, Jeremiah Manele, has agreed to run for Prime Minister as the candidate of the Coalition of National Unity and Transformation.

Manele the former Foreign Affairs Minister and External Trade says he is willing and able to carry on the responsibilities to lead the nation forward and well aware of the challenges ahead, but expresses confidence in the policies and solidarity forged by the coalition.

He thanked the leaders of the Coalition Party for entrusting him with this significant responsibility.

 “Together, we stand united in our commitment to building a future that reflects the dreams of our ancestors,” he said.

Manele highlighted the confidence in the coalition’s policies and solidarity, noting the electorate’s endorsement by electing them into Parliament. He humbly requests that MPs exercise their rights without fear or favor.

Acknowledging the caretaker Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, for his leadership during the 11th Parliament, Manele pays tribute to his predecessor’s dedication.

 “I commend the strong leadership of our caretaker Prime Minister,” Manele said.

Manele also highlighted the significance of unity and stability in nation-building, that they are not merely abstract concepts but the foundation upon which prosperous nations are built.

“Unity fosters a sense of belonging and promotes cooperation among diverse communities, while stability provides the framework for progress and transformation, attracting investments and ensuring peaceful coexistence.

“Together, they form the cornerstone of prosperous and resilient societies, where citizens can thrive and realize their full potential.” Manele said.

Manele also urges citizens of the Solomon Islands to pray for a peaceful election of the new Prime Minister and reiterates his commitment to leading the nation towards unity and transformation.

Meanwhile, Caretaker Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare remarks that Manele is no stranger; he was a career public servant who rose through the ranks of public service and was once Secretary to the Prime Minister before assuming elected office.

Case involving attempt to export illegal drugs returns May 3

Written by
Admin
-
0

BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against two people accused of attempting to smuggle illegal drugs to Kiribati has adjourned for May 3.

This is for the accused, Beatrice Umea and Etekia Kauai to take their pleas.

The case was mentioned again in court Friday last week, where only Ms Umea showed up.

She told court that she is still to get a lawyer to represent her.

As for Mr Kauai, prosecution said he is also still without a legal representative.

Court adjourned the matter for May 3, PSO to allocate a lawyer for Umea before May 3. Kauai is to visit Lappy law firm if he wishes for them to represent him in court, and bail extends for both however, Kauai if he did not appear again this Friday court will issue a warrant of arrest against him.

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

Prosecution alleged the accused packed eight packets of marijuana inside a speaker in 20 cm by 20 cm plastic bags. This was taken to the airport, where accused 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 Mr. Lappy Hite act for Etekia Kauai and Beatric Umea yet to allocate with Lawyer from PSO.

Makira Ulawa members sworn in

Written by
Admin
-
0
The Makira Ulara provincial members of assembly group photo after their swearing in yesterday.

BY MORRIS NAFU

In a significant ceremony witnessed by the Clerk to the Provincial Government, the Makira Ulawa Provincial Assembly (MUPA) welcomed its newly elected Ward members as they took their oaths of office yesterday.

The event, held at the Provincial Assembly headquarters in Kirakira, marked the official commencement of duties in representing their respective wards.

All 20 Ward members elected to serve on the Makira Ulawa Provincial Assembly made their solemn vows, signaling a new chapter in the governance of the province.

The ceremony, presided over by the Clerk to the Provincial Government, underscored the commitment of the elected representatives to uphold their responsibilities and serve the interests of their province

The swearing-in ceremony not only signifies the formal induction of the Ward Members into their roles but also symbolises the democratic process at work within the province.

With their vows taken, the Assembly is poised to embark on its legislative agenda and address the various challenges and opportunities facing Makira Ulawa.

Source confirmed the Makira Ulawa Provincial Assembly is expected to have their premier’s election and announcement on Wednesday, March 1, 2024 as two faction camps emerged to contest the leadership.

Sogavare expresses trust in Manele ‘Manele new OUR Party Wingleader’

Written by
Admin
-
0
Manele is the MP elect for Hograno-Katova-Kia-Havulei, Isabel Province.Photo supplied.

BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

CARETAKER Prime Minister (PM) and Member of Parliament (MP) elect for East Choiseul, Manasseh Sogavare expressed his trust in the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation (CNUT) nominated candidate Jeremiah Manele last night.

Manele is the MP elect for Hograno-Katova-Kia-Havulei, Isabel Province.

Sogavare made these remarks during a press conference last night as outgoing Ownership, Unity and Reform (OUR) party Wing Leader.

“It is on this note, that I am deeply honoured to announce that together we in OUR Party have chosen Hon. Jeremiah Manele to be OUR Party’s Parliamentary Wing Leader.


“Hon. Jeremiah Manele is no stranger. Hon. Manele was a career public servant rising up through the ranks of public service and was once upon a time Secretary to the Prime Minister (SPM) before assuming elected office.

“He last held the senior position of Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade in the last government,” outgoing OUR Party Wing Leader Sogavare said.

Sogavare told the media last night in a press conference that Manele has been groomed for this position and his new responsibility as Wing Leaderis a testament to OUR Party’s progressive plan in ushering in new leadership.

Sogavare then concluded saying, “It is with great honour and privilege that I now hand over to the OUR Party Parliamentary Wing Leader and the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation candidate for Prime Minister, Hon. Jeremiah Manele.”

The grouping now formally announced as the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation (CNUT) entered into agreement in accordance to the Political Parties Act 2014 with People First Party and Kadere Party.

CNUT SECURED 28 MP’S

Written by
Admin
-
0
Team Coalition for National Unity and Transformation (CNUT). Photo credit – CAROL -ANNE SULEGA.

Coalition for National Unity & Transformation (CNUT)28 MP’s secured ‘Manele PM candidate’

BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

THE Cowboys Bar & Grill grouping has come up with a coalition name called Coalition for National Unity & Transformation (CNUT) with Member of Parliament (MP) elect for Hograno-Katova-Kia-Havulei (HKK) Jeremiah Manele as their candidate ahead of the Prime Minister’s election on Thursday.

Manele was endorsed by the newly formed coalition’s executive to be the political grouping’s Prime Minister candidate. This was exclusively confirmed this to Island Sun prior to the scheduled press conference last night.

According to caretaker Prime Minister and MP elect for East Choiseul, Manasseh Sogavare in a press conference last night, the initial coalition had 19 MPs but has now increased to 28 MPs. This is made up of 12 Ownership, Unity & Reform (OUR) MPs, 6 People First Party and 1 Kadere Party.

Island Sun understands that the majority of Independent MPs have joined the coalition based on mutual consensus as witnessed by the media last night.

According to Sogavare, he said, “It is very encouraging to see that despite being separate political parties, we share the same policy goals and vision for the advancement of our beloved Solomon Islands.

“A vision focused on enhanced engagement with our development partners with the purposive drive on infrastructure development. It is on these shared goals and vision that we build and nurture our solidarity.


Sogavare further added that OUR Party has over the years grown in strength and maturity and recognizes the need to have succession plans whilst grooming future leaders for the country.

“We also recognize the need to allow for aspiring leaders to be given the opportunity to lead our people given the continuous ever changing political landscape,” Sogavare added.

Caretaker Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga, People First Party Wing Leader Frederick Kologeto and Kadere Party Wing Leader Jamie Vokia nominated Hon. Jeremiah Manele in accordance with schedule 2 of the Constitution to be their candidate for the Prime Minister.

“It is with great honor and privilege that I now hand over to the OUR Party Parliamentary Wing Leader and the Coalition for National Unity and Transformation candidate for Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele.” Sogavare affirmed.

SIPRA candidate George Atoa dispels misinformation circulating in East Malaita Province

Written by
Admin
-
0
George Atoa

Following the conclusion of the National Election on April 17th, 2024, Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement (SIPRA) candidate George Atoa, who secured the fourth position, has taken a proactive stance to address misinformation circulating in East Malaita Province.

Atoa, in a recent statement, addressed friends, family, and political supporters, expressing his concern over false rumors regarding his alleged involvement in a firearm-related incident and subsequent arrest, charges, and detention.

He vehemently denied these allegations, asserting that they were baseless fabrications propagated by political rivals in an attempt to damage his reputation.

Emphasizing his commitment to upholding the law and the values expected of a community leader, Atoa reassured the people of East Malaita that the allegations against him were entirely untrue.

Regarding a specific incident involving a roadblock on April 21st, Atoa clarified that it was an isolated occurrence organized by his supporters without his knowledge. He explained that he was away in Auki at the time and only became aware of the situation upon his return to East Malaita. With the assistance of the Police Response Team (PRT) and Provincial Police Commander Leslie Kili, Atoa stated that the issue was peacefully resolved through dialogue with his supporters.

Atoa concluded his statement by reaffirming his dedication to serving the community with integrity and transparency, urging the public to disregard the misinformation and focus on constructive engagement for the betterment of East Malaita Province.

By William Ekotani

Island sun stringer  

NO SECOND THOUGHTS

Written by
Admin
-
0

SIUP claims to join CARE on a mutual basis”

BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

THE Unity Party (UP) has officially teamed up with the Coalition for Advancement Reform and Empowerment (CARE) in a strategic move aimed at gaining more political power.

According to the Party executive, the decision highlights the importance of forming alliances to make meaningful changes in forming government. The UP’s leadership made it clear that joining CARE was a carefully considered step, showing their commitment to working together to achieve shared goals.

By joining CARE, the UP aims to strengthen its position and influence in supporting the formation of a potential government. The decision was made after careful evaluation of the current political landscape, and the UP leadership is confident that this partnership will lead to positive outcomes for the country. This move underscores the significance of collaboration in shaping the direction of governance.

When queried by Island Sun over the weekend, the executive said, “Its simple. A change in government requires numbers. In order to achieve that, Joining CARE was the expectation the country had about UP, in terms of the numbers and so a pact was made. In relation to giving CARE the upper hand at forming the government, the UP executive made the decision to join CARE with their eyes wide open and without any regrets.”

According to the executive, UP’s alignment with CARE marks a significant development in the political scene, with implications for future policy-making and decision-making processes.

As the partnership unfolds, observers will be watching closely to see how this alliance shapes the course leading up to the election of the Prime Minister (PM) after candidacy nominations are put forward.

GDL says UP’s move is not a gain. Will Lilo opt to have no camp ties?

Written by
Admin
-
0
MP elect for Central Honiara Gordon Darcy Lilo.

BY CAROL-ANNE SULEGA

GORDON Darcy Lilo, the Member of Parliament (MP) elect for Central Honiara and Parliamentary wing leader of the Solomon Islands Party for Rural Advancement (SIPRA), stated that the move announced by Solomon Islands United Party (SIUP) to join the Coalition for Advancement, Reform, and Empowerment (CARE) is not a gain.

When queried about the possibility of collaborating with CARE after the announcement of a pact signed  between CARE, SIUP, and Umi 4 Change (U4C), he responded, “Not a new thing – not a gain.”

Prior to the recent signing of the pact between SIUP and U4C with CARE, a published article suggested that Lilo and SIUP may come to a consensus to collaborate with CARE based on specific portfolio arrangements.

Lilo clarified his stance exclusively to Island Sun at the time  stating, “I do not understand where that came from, but we are consulting between all parties.”

 It was not clear whether this referred specifically to consultations between SIPRA and SIUP, prompting Island Sun to seek SIUP’s perspective on consultations between the two parties and CARE, as well as the possibility of GDL collaborating with CARE.

The SIUP executive responded, “UP cannot confirm nor speak for other candidates’ positions on any matter, if they are from another party. If GDL used ‘we’ in his reply, that refers to his SIPRA executive and not UP.”

Extension of the liquor ban is legal: AG

Written by
Admin
-
0
Attorney General John Muria Junior.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Attorney General says the extension of the liquor ban is legal, pointing out former Member of Parliament (MP) Christopher Laore’s continued role as caretaker Minister of Home Affairs until the election of a new Prime Minister.   

AG John Muria Jnr made the remark following public queries surrounding the validity of the ban as it was enacted by former MP Laore who has lost the Shortland Islands constituency seat in the recent National General Election (NGE).

“The caretaker executive is still exercising its powers under their relevant statutory legislation” he explained.

The AG’s remark is in accordance with the section 34(6) of the constitution which clearly outlined this.

The liquor Ban was initially imposed from April 16th to April 26th and has now been extended from April 26th to May 15th

Responding to queries on why it has not signature, Muria explained” A gazette is the official publication of any legal instrument the government makes. It reflects the original order; it is the original order that is signed” he remarked

“Gazette copies are not signed so that is why we won’t see a signature on the gazette. It is just an official publication of that order so once it is published, it becomes effective” Muria said.  

The announcement of the extension has generated mixed reaction on Facebook (FB) with some describing it as meaningless, a heavy financial loss for liquor shop owners and even calling for Police to toughen up on illegal homebrewing and Kwaso production.

However, a recent Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) press statement said that the extension was necessary for the election of the new PM.

“The extension of the liquor ban aligns with our commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment, formation of government and election of a Prime Minister by mitigating the risk associated with excessive alcohol consumption, we aim to foster an atmosphere conducive to the democratic process” the statement said. 

Muria made the clarification in the Talkback show broadcasted by SIBC yesterday.

1...548549550...1,671Page 549 of 1,671