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MWYCFA praises APTC

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MWYCFA Deputy Secretary, Aaron Pitaqae.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) has praised APTC for their investment in upskilling youths to reduce unemployment and encourage entrepreneurship.

“I believe this partnership that we are having now is a way forward for our country. It must be maintained to allow for more people to be up-skilled and recognised with qualifications that will eventually make a difference in the lives of young people. Solomon Islands needs qualified and skilled workforce.” MWYCFA Deputy Secretary Aaron Pitaqae said.  

Citing the Solomon Islands National Youth Policy, Pitaqae emphasised that such initiatives are tackling one key area, the high rate of unemployment and the lack of entrepreneurship for youths.

With youths making up 70% of the population and limited resources to meet their demands, Pitaqae emphasised that such initiatives are also vital for “peace and stability” and urged for the continuity of the programs.

“In that regard, I wish to call on all parties involved in this program to ensure continuity of the program for the benefit of our youth” he said.

He also reassured APTC and the Australian High Commission in the Solomon Islands that the government through his ministry will continue to provide the necessary support.

Pitaqae was the key note speaker on the recent APTC graduation held at Saint Barnabas compound.

Malaitans thanked SIG/PRC

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Malaita Premier Martin Fini presented shell money gifts in appreciation of the project.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE People of Malaita acknowledged the Solomon Islands government and People’s Republic of China (PRC) for the tar-sealing project for Auki township in Malaita province.

Mr Henry Tuhu made the above statement following the signing agreement on this infrastructure project in Honiara on Friday.

He said at the moment there is a road improvement going on in Auki town in preparation for this significant and economic impetus project.

“The project once completed will improve transport services, support delivery of goods and services and enhance other socioeconomic activities in Auki.

“The project will help improve the livelihood of people living in and around Auki in terms of small business activities they engage on in Auki.

“We look forward to support and work together with partners to this landmark project so that it materializes and benefit the people of Malaita,” Tuhu said.

Speaking during OUR party’s launching trail in Auki last week, caretaker Prime Minister said progress witnessed on the project reflected partnership between MPG, SIG and PRC.

He said this happened after the outgoing executive government of Malaita had reconnected the disconnect between Malaita provincial government and national government.

Sogavare said the tar-seal project is the fruit of the partnership and PRC will be funding the project.

He said that discussions are also going on with other donor partners to fix other roads in Malaita province include the current dormant South Road.

Sogavare said the improvement of these roads are important to flourish economic activities and delivery of goods and services in the province.

He said that his office is committed and will ensure these projects are happen for the benefit of the people of Malaita and Solomon Islands.

Tran launches campaign trail, attracts huge crowd

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BY NED GAGAHE

Former MP for West Honiara Namson Tran has officially kicked off his campaign trail yesterday at White River Community High School field.

His campaign has attracted thousands of his supporters and residents within the West Honiara Constituency gathered to witness and listen to speakers including Tran delivered his campaign key messages.

Tran launched his campaign and contested a an independant candidate. His campaign theme, ‘Improving & Empowering You, Your Family, Our Community for a Better Future’ was attended by Caretaker DPM Manasseh Maelanga and hosts of his campaign team who spoke on various topics and sectors including church, education, students and youths, women, business, governance and people with special needs.

Speaking during the launching, Mr. Tran thanked his supporters for past 12 years for the trust, patience and faith bestowed upon him and his constituency team and as the leader representing the West Honiara Constituency in delivering much needed services to the people of West Honiara Constituency for the past three terms.

Mr. Tran also used the opportunity to highlight to the constituents the achievements of the past four years as a member representing the constituency.

He said the past four years has been a hard work, commitment and achievement and of course very tough challenges.

He said despite these challenges, it is with deep understanding, collaboration and loyalty from the supporters, that West Honiara Constituency has continued to deliver and provide much needed services to the people.

He adds, that moving forward together as a constituency under his leadership he is willing to serve the good people of West Honiara Constituency.

Chottu contesting Northwest Guadalcanal seat

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Simon Chottu

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

Thirty-five-year-old Simon Chottu is one of the candidates contesting the Northwest Guadalcanal constituency seat this coming joint elections on April 17.

Mr Chottu is from Kiribati and India. He is a born Solomon Islander and raised up in Guadalcanal. He is married with three children.

Speaking of Chottu’s work experience, he started working in 2011 as a logistics officer at Gold Ridge Limited HV and later became a Gold Ridge HV’ s Maintenance Planner. In 2014, due to one of the cyclones, Gold Ridge closed down. He was with the last group of people evacuated via helicopter because of the road’s bad condition.

From then he joined and worked at Heritage Park Hotel, Hailie’s Entertainment and Chottu’s Guadalcanal Products.

He said he chooses to be the voice for, he chooses to lead Northwest Guadalcanal and he chooses to develop Northwest Guadalcanal.

Chottu’s slogan is “Voice blo you, time blo umi” (your voice, our time) and runs with a symbol of Wheel or ship’s steer.

Chottu is affiliated to the Ownership Unity Responsibility (OUR) party, this political party underpins the country’s unity and solidarity as a Nation. OUR Party was founded and established in 1996, prior to the 2010 National General Elections. The party’s vision is focusing on achieving sustainable national unity through the facilitation of the requisites of improving the socio-economic livelihoods of all Solomon Islanders.

Chottu said that if he comes into power as a parliament member his visions and plans are as follows; family home, health, education, employment, market, economy, road, entertainment, sports and church.

‘Build-use and forget’ syndrome must stop: Galaigu

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BY NED GAGAHE

Caretaker Premier of Central Province Polycap Galaigu has appealed to School Board of Managements and School Administration in Central Islands Province to refrain from the “build-use-use-use and forget” syndrome that is prevalent with a lot of public infrastructure and gifts from development partners.

Speaking at the handover of boys dormitory building and ablution block on Wednesday 20th March 2024 at Siota Provincial Secondary School, Mr. Galaigu urges School Board of Management and Administrations to put in place maintenance and repair programme with the appropriate budget allocation on annual basis.

“Let me reiterate, we must refrain from the “build-use-use-use and forget” syndrome that is prevalent with a lot of public infrastructure and gifts from our development partners. In addition, I am aware that in the recent years, there have been instances where school properties have come under threat from a few community members, I beg you to refrain from such untoward behaviors.

“I appeal to the students, staff and school managements to take good care of the facilities and to use it with respect and with the overall intention of ensuring that it continues to serve students now and into the future.” Mr. Galaigu said.

Caretaker Premier Galaigu expressed sincere gratitude on behalf of the province to the Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP) and in particular the two key donors of ESSP, the Governments of Australia and New Zealand in partnership with SIG through the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).

“A major project of this magnitude is not an easy undertaking in the Solomon Islands, where building materials have to be sourced and shipped from Honiara to Siota. More importantly, the translation of the plans into the physical infrastructure requires leadership, commitment and the concerted efforts of a number of stakeholders, most of who are represented in this handing over ceremony. On this note, I thank the contractor Willies Construction for your professional work and completing this project in time. I also thank the project managers in ESSP and the Ministry of Education for monitoring and ensuring the completion of this project.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, let me close by reiterating the appreciation of the Provincial Government and the people of Central Province and more especially the teachers, students, school board of management and communities in and around Siota to the Governments of Australia and New Zealand, and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development for selecting Siota PSS to be a recipient and beneficiary of the Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Program or ESSP in short.” Galaigu said.

SCHOOL ASKS FOR MORE

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Siota PSS appeals for new dormitory for girls and a new science lab

BY NED GAGAHE

Siota Provincial Secondary School, one of the oldest secondary schools in the country has expressed the desire for a new dormitory for girls and new science laboratory for the school.

School Principal Mr. John Gomi made the request during the handover of new two-storey boys dormitory and ablution block last week funded by the governments of Australia and New Zealand through the Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP) in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD).

Mr. Gomi told delegates attending the handover ceremony on March 20 which include Australia High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Rod Hilton, New Zealand High Commission Political and Economic Advisor Nelson Kere, MEHRD Deputy Secretary Cooperate Services Coldrine Kolae and Caretaker Premier of Central Islands Province Polycap Galaigu.

Siota PSS took delivery of new boys’ dormitory and an ablution block. The facilities are equipped with modern amenities that will accommodate 118 male students from form 1 to form 6, providing a safe, secure, and clean environment aimed at positively influencing the local community and creates a space for growth and development.

“I’m sure there is no harm to request another dormitory of similar plan for the girls. It is my request for you our guests today as the source of such building to be given another chance to the girls, very similar opportunity and mind set given to other schools. In other words, I have the honors to ask you now to assist the school again for another dormitory for our girls especially when considering gender equality or gender balance.

“Not only that, As the Science graduate, Siota PSS has no science laboratory and so I was not so useful here. We also need a science lab here as this is the premier school of the Central province for effective science learning. I don’t see any reason for Siota PSS to be forgotten compared to other small Community High schools already equipped with Science Lab funded or donated by the Ministry.” Mr Gomi said.

Meanwhile, this new education infrastructure is part of ESSP’s broader efforts to improve access to quality education across all provinces in the Solomon Islands.

This significant investment demonstrates Solomon Islands, Australia, and New Zealand’s commitment to providing quality education infrastructure for all children in Solomon Islands.

The boys dormitory and ablution block advances educational opportunities, fosters growth, and contributes to the overall development of Siota Provincial Secondary School and its surrounding areas.

ESSP provides the strategic direction and implementation arrangements for the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) combined investment to support the Solomon Islands Government to implement its Education Strategic Framework (ESF) 2016-2030 and the National Education Action Plan.

ESSP hands over new facilities to Siro and Siota schools in Ngella

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A group photo of guests and students of Siro CHS.

BY NED GAGAHE

The Australia and New Zealand Government funded Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP) project continues to touch the lives of rural communities as two schools in Central Islands Province, Siro Community High School (CHS) and Siota Provincial Secondary School (PSS) received their two- storey dormitories plus ablution blocks on March 19 and 20 respectively.

His Excellency Rod Hilton, the Australia High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, New Zealand High Commission Political and Economic Advisor Nelson Kere, Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Deputy Secretary Corporate Services Coldrine Kolae and Provincial Premier Polycap Galaigu were there to witness the completion and official handover of the project.

These newly constructed infrastructures will be able to accommodate up to 60 female students and 118 male students, addressing the crucial need for safe, secure, clean environment and also the need for adequate housing and sanitation facilities.

The infrastructures are equipped with modern facilities aimed at providing comfort and well-being of students, nurturing a conducive atmosphere for learning and personal growth.

Funded by the Australian and New Zealand governments in partnership with the Solomon Islands Government – MEHRD. The ESSP programme underlines the commitment to bolstering educational infrastructure and fostering an environment conducive to learning and development.

Speaking at the handing over at Siro CHS and Siota PSS, Deputy Secretary Coldrine Kolae said the completion of the school infrastructures is a manifestation of the strong partnership between the three governments towards improving access and quality of education.

He said providing a proper learning environment and developing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities for schools is one of the criteria for a school to be registered as a training institution.

“In our new Education Act, WASH facilities must develop and be accessible to all. That is in order for a school to be registered as required in our Education law,” he said.

Kolae acknowledges donor partners, especially the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP) for their continuous support to the education sector.

In his remarks at Siro and Siota Australia High Commissioner Rod Hilton said “the partnership between the Australia, New Zealand and Solomon Islands governments in education, reflects our shared values and commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of people here in Solomon Islands.

“We are so proud to have been part of the provision of these essential facilities. By investing together in education, we are investing in the future of this these wonderful young people and the future of the whole nation.

“So, let us remember that the impact of this project extends far beyond the walls of the school. By providing friendly and safe accommodation for female students, we are not only investing in their academic pursuits, but also helping to empower them to reach their full potential.” High Commissioner Rod Hilton said.

Zealand High Commission Political and Economic Advisor Nelson Kere said New Zealand is proud alongside Australia to witness the official handover of the facilities which will improve access to education.

He said the completion of the projects is the result of the hard work and commitment of all stakeholders involved.

Caretaker Premier Polycap Galaigu said Siro CHS and Siota PSS are amongst the very few boarding schools in the province and having such appropriate and standard boarding facilities is essentially a need that cannot be over-emphasized.

“I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the Solomon Islands Education Sector Support Programme (ESSP) and in particular the two key donors of ESSP, the Government of Australia and New Zealand which also had the support of SIG through MEHRD.

“I am informed that this is an investment of more than $5 million dollars (Siro project nearly $3 million and Siota $2 million). I appeal to the students, staff and school management to take good care of this facilities to use it with respect and with overall intention of ensuring that it continues to serve students now and into the future.” Mr Galaigu said.

School Principal of Siro CHS Maxley Ausanau thanked Australia and New Zealand governments.

The support coming from your governments with the involvement of MEHRD, Central Islands Provincial Government (CIPG), CIP Education Authority and contractor is a testament of the shared commitment to Solomon Islands education in improving access to quality basic education for all the children of Solomon Islands.

“The construction of our girls dormitory made possible through you generous funding, stands as a symbol of the strong partnership between our nations. Your investment is not only in bricks and mortar but in the future of these young minds echoes the spirit of cooperation and global solidarity.

“We recognize the far-reaching impact this dormitory will have on the lives of the girls who will can it home. It transcends borders, fostering an environment where education become a bridge to opportunity and empowerment.” He said.

Meanwhile, School Principal of Siota PSS John Gomi also echoed similar sentiments.

Mr Gomi said the unwavering support aligns with the school’s shared belief in the transformative power of education.

He adds that completion and handover of the infrastructure at Siota is a tangible result of the collaboration – will be a haven for learning, growth and realization of dreams.

40 Communities benefit from SI – Australia community partnership grant

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High Commissioner Hilton with Project Coordinator of the Safoa Community High School Classroom , Temotu Province shaking hands after the signing.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

A signing ceremony held on Friday has marked a milestone for 40 communities nationwide as they are set to benefit from the Solomon Islands –Australia Community Partnership Grants 2024.

4O project coordinators and the Australian High Commissioner, His Excellency Rod Hilton signed the contracts to formalise the delivery of the projects directed towards various needs of each communities.

These needs include solar lighting, Water and Sanitation, Water tanks, Community and School Halls, Sea walls, Staff houses, Youth Centres, Classrooms, Clinics, Rainwater catchment and harvesting projects,

For this round, communities from Western, Choiseul, Isabel, Central, Guadalcanal, Malaita, Renell and Bellona, Temotu and Honiara are the successful recipients.

High Commissioner Hilton announced that this single round to date, is the biggest intake of recipients for its community infrastructure grants program   in the Solomon Islands, totalling up to SBD9million.

Administered by the Australian High Commission in the Solomon Islands, the grants program supports community-led projects to improve living standards.

He congratulated the recipients and explained that their selections were based on “merit” as his office was impressed with their applications.

Regardless of the duration of the projects, Hilton assured the recipients that these project have “clear economic outcomes” for their respective communities.

He reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to the country’s development aspirations describing Australia “as the number one infrastructure partner of Solomon Islands”  

He then confirms his office’s partnership throughout the duration of the projects.

“Tagio (thank you) for being champions of your communities, we look forward to partner with you all to carry out the projects” Hilton added.

The signing ceremony took place at the Heritage Park Hotel.

20-yo male assaults elderly woman in Choiseul

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Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau

BY ROMINAH FAKA

A 20-year-old male has been arrested for reportedly assaulting a 62-year-old woman in Sasamunga village, south of Choiseul province.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau told a press conference on Thursday 21 March that the incident occurred on March 9.

Mr Mangau said the suspect was attempting to cut down some trees beside the area belonging to the elderly woman when she approached him and asked him not to.

The suspect got angry with the woman and assaulted her.

People who were nearby intervened and separated the man from the elderly woman.

The matter was reported to the Taro police, and the man was arrested.

Mangau appeal to people of Solomon Islands, “we are a country that we rich in culture practices therefore, we have to respect our elderly people by not mistreating them but always show respect manners when approached by elderly person”.

Man dies in Choiseul after falling off logging truck

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Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau.

BY ROMINAH FAKA

A 39-year-old man has reportedly lost his life after falling off a logging truck in Choiseul.

Police commissioner Mostyn Mangau told a press in a recent press conference the incident occurred on March 11 at the Gito logging camp.

The victim had been sitting in the trailer of the logging dump truck, which was carrying a fuel tank in the trailer, he said.

As the truck climbed a hill, the fuel tank rolled and hit the victim causing him to fall off the trailer, Mangau said.

The victim sustained serious injuries from the fall was rushed to the nearest care centre for medical centre, however he was later pronounced dead, Mangau said.

Commissioner Mangau said police are investigating the matter, and that reports are expected shortly.

Mangau reminds people who work in the logging industry to always be mindful of their safety.

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