IN an official announcement yesterday, His Excellency Sir David Vunagi, Governor-General of Solomon Islands, has laid out plans for the commencement of the twelfth Parliament this Friday.
Using powers outlined in the Constitution, Sir David Vunagi has announced that this twelfth Parliament’s first sitting is set to begin at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 17, 2024.
The stated section of the constitution 72(1), outlines the authority and procedures for convening sessions of Parliament. It specifies the Governor-General’s role in designating the time and place for Parliament sessions to commence. This section is a foundational aspect of the Solomon Islands’ constitutional framework, ensuring the orderly functioning of the legislative branch of government.
This declaration marks a crucial step in Solomon Islands’ democratic process, signaling the start of a new parliamentary term. It is an eagerly awaited moment for citizens as they anticipate the beginning of upcoming discussions and decisions shaping the nation’s future.
The twelfth Parliament inherits the task of tackling various challenges, from economic growth to social welfare, against a backdrop of global changes. The convening of Parliament provides a vital opportunity for elected officials to come together, debate, and create laws reflecting the needs of Solomon Islanders.
As the nation gears up for the beginning of a series of sittings, all eyes turn to Honiara, where Parliament members will gather to begin their legislative work. The Parliament Building, with its rich history, will once again serve as the place where the people’s voices are mandated to be heard through their elected representatives.
Under the guidance of Sir David Vunagi, the twelfth Parliament of Solomon Islands is ready to embark on its journey, committed to serving the nation with honesty and dedication.
WARD 15 President for West New Georgia and Vonavona Laheni Sasabule is saying Government should consider and implement the Temporary Special Measures to allow women in decision-making.
Mrs Sasabule said in a society where cultural norms and attitudes often hinder women’s political participation TSM is a way forward for women.
She said women in Western province supported the idea for TSM.
“We are hoping that TSM be implemented in this year’s election unfortunately no, so we are calling on the new government to consider and implement the idea”, Mrs Sasabule said.
She said for women to enter into parliament like the male candidates it is difficult as there were too many challenges, including cultural norms and pressure from husbands and community leaders on women to support men.
However, she remains determined to create opportunities for women in politics.
Sasabule emphasizes the importance of the Temporary Special Measures (TSM) as a means to empower women and increase their representation in parliament. Through TSM, women candidates are provided with dedicated spaces in the National General Election, offering them a fair chance to compete for parliamentary seats.
She firmly believes that the implementation of TSM will pave the way for a brighter future, where women have equal opportunities to participate in decision-making processes at the highest levels of governance.
With Sasabule’s support for TSM and her commitment to promoting women’s rights, she symbolizes the potential for positive change in advancing gender equality in politics.
With the upcoming joint election just around the corner, excitement and anticipation fill the air as candidates gear up to vie for both National and provincial seats. In the rural areas, discussions abound about the qualities desired in their future leaders, those who will truly represent their voices. In this piece, we dig up sentiments of the people of Western Province, as they express their hopes and aspirations for the forthcoming election. Let’s listen to their voices.
Elisa Teko Ranogga, Western province.
For a long time, we really wanted a woman leader who could speak for us, represent us, and make rules that help women in rural areas. But every time there’s an election, our hope fades away. We were hoping to have a woman candidate in the upcoming election, but sadly, there isn’t any woman contesting in my area, Ranogga and Simbo constituency.
Mary L Gizo, Western Province
We’ve been wanting a woman leader for a while now. We want her to speak up for us, represent us, and make fair rules for women in rural areas. But every time there’s an election, our hope goes down. We were hoping to have a woman candidate in the next election, but sadly, there isn’t any woman running in my area, the Ranogga and Simbo constituency.
Kaba Pitu Gizo, Western Province
I want both men and women to represent us in parliament. It’s time for a change. We need leaders who really understand what it means to be a Member of Parliament, not just those who show up during elections and hand out things like roofing irons and solar lights.
Miriam S Noro, Western Province
I want a leader who listens to people and talks to communities when they visit their areas. They should have good plans for helping the community that can last a long time. Also, they should find ways to help young people get jobs because the number of unemployed young people is going up in the Solomon Islands.
Jessica Darlcy Shortland, Western Province
As a young person who sells betel nut and earn an income to me going each day I see a need of erecting a market here in Gizo Western Province. This new market should be big enough for lots of vendors like me. Many of us, including women, men, and young people, don’t have regular jobs. But if we have a good market,we can sell our local products and make a living.Even the newly upgraded Gizo market cannot accommodate all vendors because number of vendors increases in every two weeks as per my observation.
Market Manageress for Munda Market in Western Province Florence Rove.
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
The Market Manageress for Munda Market in Western Province Florence Rove, has raised concerns that she hopes the new government will address.
Rove highlighted that while Munda Market at Lambete has seen significant improvements, there are still crucial upgrades needed. One pressing issue is the shortage of market space to accommodate the increasing number of vendors.
“We often face a shortage of market tables, especially on Fridays when vendors flock to sell their products. We need additional tables and another market facility to cater to our vendors,” Rove explained.
Another essential requirement, according to Rove, is the restoration of the water supply. Although boreholes are available, one needs to be strengthened to ensure adequate water collection.
Lambete Market, Munda.
“In the past, we had a functional water supply, but it’s no longer operational, possibly due to damaged pipes. Nowadays, we rely on boreholes and rainwater. Restoring our water supply is crucial because water is life,” she emphasized.
Rove also expressed her support for increased female representation in Parliament, believing that women leaders would prioritize and address these needs proactively.
“I support women entering politics in this year’s election. Women understand the basic priority needs, and I believe a woman leader would recognize and address them. When women participate in decision-making, they advocate not only for themselves but for the entire community and nation,” Rove concluded.
Mrs. Laheni Sasabule, the Ward President for Lambete to Baeroko (Ward 15) in the West New Georgia and Vonavona constituency, has brought forward pressing concerns for the attention of the new government.
She emphasizes the urgent need to address mental health disorders and promote inclusive education.
In an exclusive interview with, Mrs. Laheni Sasabule, representing Ward 15 in West New Georgia and Vonavona constituency, highlighted two critical issues plaguing her community, mental health disorders and inclusive education.
As a woman leader and mother, Sasabule expressed alarm over the rising incidence of mental health disorders among youth in rural areas, attributing much of it to the escalating abuse of illegal drugs.
She stressed that this not only affects individual well-being but also destabilizes families and communities.
Sasabule urged the government to collaborate with local leaders to establish a dedicated rehabilitation center to address this growing crisis.
Furthermore, Sasabule emphasized the importance of inclusive education, noting that many families struggle to afford schooling for their children due to financial constraints.
She appealed to the new government to devise strategies that would ensure equal access to education for all children, regardless of their economic circumstances.
Sasabule’s call to action underscores the need for concerted efforts to safeguard mental health and promote educational equity in Lambete to Baeroko and beyond.
In a significant move, newly sworn-in Premier of Isabel Province Lawrence Hayward wasted no time in revealing his ministerial team.
Premier Hayward made the announcement shortly after swearing into office yesterday, outlining the key portfolios and their respective holders.
Eddie Kopala, Speaker of Isabel Provincial Assembly revealed to Island Sun yesterday that Premier Hayward himself assumes the role as Premier and Minister for Administration, Planning, Lands, Environment, and Forestry.
According to Kopala, Deputy Premier Tony Vahia, the MPA for Japuana ward is the Minister for Community Affairs.
The executive lineup are:
Sam Watson – Minister of Finance & Treasury.
Paul Sogedi – Minister of Business & Tourism.
Augustine Hebala – Minister of Education.
Nathaniel Togamae – Minister of Agriculture & Fisheries.
Ian Mason – Minister of Health & Medical Services.
James Leo – Minister of Works, Communication, and Transport.
Meanwhile, the announcement has set the stage for the implementation of Premier Hayward’s vision for Isabel Province, with each minister tasked with specific responsibilities aimed at fostering growth and development across various sectors.
Mrs Laheni Sasabule, the Ward President for West New Georgia and Vonavona constituency, alongside her role as a church leader overseeing the Girls Brigade admin office (GB Desk), has called upon the new government to prioritize the needs raised by churches.
Mrs Sasabule emphasized that churches across the region, including Lambete to Baeroko, have pressing needs that require government support.
She highlighted the history of unfulfilled promises despite previous appeals for assistance.
According to Mrs. Sasabule, it is crucial for the government to genuinely support and assist churches, particularly in funding and facilitating programs aimed at youth development.
The call underscores the importance of collaboration between religious institutions and the government to address community needs effectively.
Trial against 11 women accused of breaking the law by selling betel-nut at Maromaro on December 7 last year began yesterday at the magistrate court.
It continued this morning.
Honiara City Council prosecution told court yesterday it will call a total of eight witnesses.
The 11 accused had pleaded not-guilty to the charge of breaching a betel-nut free-zone ordinance.
Yesterday prosecution called three witnesses who testified under oath.
The first two witnesses are law enforcement officers.
During examination both witnesses said the Prince Philip highway started from Kukum area to King Geroge area, Maromaro included, meaning it is a public area and the accused had breached the HCC betel-nut free zone ordinance.
Defence asked both witnesses if they had issued receipts to the suspects when they arrested them and confiscated their betel nuts and leaf.
Both witnesses admitted to the court that they did not issue any receipt and that they had taken all the goods to the central watch house.
There they took a photo of all the betel nut bags and labelled it, but then destroyed the betel-nuts because they were goods that did not last long.
Defence then asked the witnesses about the money they took from few of the accused which was never returned.
Both witnesses told court they are not aware of that money.
Court adjourned for the trial to continue today.
Bail for the accused were extended.
Ambrose Motui of HCC act for crown and Feriel Taki of HOF Law Chambers represent all the defendants.
A 17-year-old male is expected to take his plea tomorrow for the case against him accusing him of killing a 37-year-old man at Kukum Heights in March this year.
Yesterday’s hearing was for the accused to be arraigned, however, the matter was administratively adjourned for Wednesday, tomorrow.
Prosecution alleged on March 16 this year between 3am and 4am at Kukum Heights, the accused and other boys were drinking when the deceased arrived in a taxi.
Prosecution alleged that the deceased had dropped off from a taxi at Kukum Heights area and was walking towards his residence when the incident happened.
When walking towards his home, the deceased went and asked a group of boys sitting beside the road for a cigarette.
After he left the group of boys the accused who was said to be under the influence of liquor followed the deceased and assaulted him from behind causing the deceased to fall to the ground unconscious.
The boys approached and separated the accused from the deceased.
The deceased’s brother, who was at the scene, assisted by two other boys, rushed him to the hospital but was pronounced dead.
The matter was later reported to police and the accused was arrested.
Office of Director of Public Prosecution act for the State and George Grey Director of Public Solicitor Office act for the accused.
