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17-YO TO REGISTER

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Islands Election Commission (SIEC) Chief Executive Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi.

Electoral commission considers the 18th birthday before election

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Electoral Commission is looking at registering 17-year-olds in the coming registration update from July 17 – August 26 this year.

This is provided for under the Electoral Act 2018.

Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) Chief Electoral Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi told media last Thursday that in the old electoral Act, the voter registration eligibility age was 18 years old which usually denies voting rights to those whose 18th birthday falls before election day but after the registration period.

Anisi said registration of 17 year-olds within the period of registration will allow those whose 18th birthday falls before the election day to be able to vote.

“However, 17-year-old registrants will remain in a separate voter list as 17 years old voter list and will only automatically transfer onto the final list of voters on their 18th birthday,” he said.

In addition, Anisi said pre poll voting at the moment is a provision that allows for election workers who will be working on election day to cast their vote prior to field deployment.

“However, there has bee a lot of discussion around the inclusion of other classes of voters which include the essential worker’s category of voters however, it involves many aspects that need in-dept discussions and technicalities hence will need more time before the commission to deliberate on before it can make decision on,” he added.

Apart from that, Anisi said out of country voting in person or by voting is also another major decision that the commission is yet to make a decision on.

He said Out of Constituency or country voting either in person or through other voting methods is too technical and needs legal reform to ensure, vote secrecy remains protected.

“These are big changes that cannot be implemented at once.

“The amount of time we have and the tendency that the general public will consume or absorb these changes at once is just unrealistic and hence electoral commissions ensures these are adopted one at a time,” he said.

Aqorau outlines key goals to drive SINU forward

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau.Photo supplied.

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau has outlined three key goals to help build SINU a university that is internationally recognized and respected.

Aqorau highlighted this in his Easter address this week.

The issues are to address SINU governance, finance and administrative systems, get SINU to be registered under Solomon Islands Tertiary Education Skills Authority (SITESA) and apply for ranking for the university.

“First to address issues such as governance, financial, administrative systems and processes to meet the due diligence of donors.

“I recognize that in order for the university to grow, we need others to invest in the university, in its programs and facilities. We must have their confidence in our systems and processes. I take a broad view of governance to also include student admission processes, our grading systems etc… which is critical for the effective functioning of the university.

“The second is to get the university registered under SITESA an educational service provider, and to have all its courses accredited. This is also a critical step to ensure that that the programs that are offered by the university meet the qualification standards of the national and regional regulatory standards. My goal for you is to ensure that we empower the future thought leaders of the country with global employability skills so that the qualifications that you get the university will allow you to work overseas as well.

“The third is to eventually apply for ranking for the university. This is a process where the University will be assessed against standards that are set for universities. This process will measure our progress as a university and assesses if we meet standards that relate to student facilities, staff and student welfare, and whether our performance in research and publications measure up to these standards. These goals are important if we want to be recognized by others.” Aqorau said.

Heavy penalties ahead for littering: Rodgers

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Chairman of NHA and Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Jimmie Rodgers.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

The National Hosting Authority in collaboration with Honiara City Council and the Government will be enforcing heavy penalties commencing next month in support the Safe and Green games cleanup campaign to keep Honiara clean for the PG2023.

Sol 2023 National Hosting Authority (NHA) Chairman, Jimmie Rodgers warned public during its first talkback show 2pm on Sunday 2nd of April at the SIBC.

“We must try to keep Honiara clean because we want to be proud of Honiara our city. Honiara will be the eye representing us during the Pacific Games.

“We are very happy with the response from our Private Sectors, business community and Government Ministries towards the Safe and Green Games campaign. I think we notice last week the city looks clean.

 “Well, it has come to our observation that when others do the clean-up, others do the littering. It happens over night or even a day later, after the clean-up. So a lot of people don’t change the attitude.

“We must understand the cleaning up of our city is not for few people but for everyone, so whenever you get a hold on to any piece of object, think twice before you drop it,” he said

He confirmed the By-law will be effective as of May 1, 2023, which means people who throw rubbish around the city will be fined on the spot.

“The legal framework to carry out the By-law has already been put in place. Even to vehicle drivers who chew betel-nut and spit out of their car while driving, will also be held accountable. Their driver’s licences will be suspended and the car will not be on the road again.

“So there will be heavy penalties,” Rodgers added.

He said it’s the responsibility of the vehicle owners and drivers to make sure passengers don’t spit out of the car or throw their rubbish out of the car or bus.

“So, these are penalties that will come into effective online.  To all shop owners. Seven meters out from the shop is still your responsibility. So if there is people selling betel nut in front of your shops and makes the site looks unpresentable, the shop will be face fine charges as well.

“So before reaching the penalty stage always throw our rubbish at the right places or in the bins provided along the streets. We will be looking to make the bins available,” Rodger said.

He also assured some of the private sector have indicated they’re procuring bins that will be put out along the streets to make sure there is no excuse.

“Currently I believe there are not enough bins in the streets. We will make sure the bins are there with in the next few weeks,” the NHA Chairman said.

Some rural schools do not access drinking water

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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WVSI National Director Jimmy Nadapdap.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

EIGHTY seven percent of rural schools in Solomon Islands have limited access to drinking water services.

Country Manager for World Vision Solomon Islands Jimmy Nadapdapa revealed at the launch of the Upscaling WASH programs in Schools in Guadalcanal.

Nadapdapa said this data is collected in a joint monitoring programme for Solomon Islands carried out by World Health Organisation/ UNICEF. 

“The WHO/UNICEF joint monitoring programme for the Solomon Islands estimates that 17 percent of these schools nationally have access to basic services for drinking water, and in rural areas that decreases to 14 percent. This leaves about 87 percent of rural schools with limited drinking water services.

“Furthermore, only 25 percent of rural schools have access to basic sanitation services, and 17 percent have access to basic hygiene services,” he said.

Nadapdap said when looking at Guadalcanal schools specifically 58.9 percent of schools do not have handwashing facilities and of those with handwashing facilities only 7.53 percent have access to basic handwashing services, but none have access to soap at the handwashing facilities.

“With this in mind, there is a major need to bring the Guadalcanal Province schools up to standard and deliver safe and basic services to meet the children’s and teachers needs,” he said.

SECRET COMMUNIQUE HEADS TO CABINET

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Premier of Western Province, Billy Veo presents the document to Minister Rollen Seleso.

Resolutions reached by premiers on the federal system in Gizo presented to Government

BY BEN BILUA

A Communique signed by premiers during the recent Premiers workshop in Gizo is heading to the Prime Minister’s Office and then to the cabinet for deliberation.

The communique was presented to the Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening Rollen Seleso during the closing of the workshop on Thursday.

In his speech, Mr Seleso said he will present the document to the Prime Minister’s Office when he returns to Honiara.

He said he will do everything under his power as the minister responsible for the provincial government to make sure cabinet discusses the communique.

“I will hand other this document, the signed communique to the Prime Minister and cabinet for further deliberation so that they will look through the document.

“The only thing I want is, as a minister responsible for the Solomon Islands government, this system is very important for our country.

“I want you to support my mission when presenting the document at the cabinet,” Seleso said.

Speaking about the Premier’s workshop, Seleso said the workshop has two objectives, first, to present the draft federal constitution to the premiers’ attention and second to obtain the premiers’ view on the draft federal constitution.

He adds that the government is looking at a unifying system of statehood that brings the country together.

“It is important to note that the government is looking for a unifying system of statehood that brings the country together and not diving the nation.

“That is the reason why this workshop is all about,” Seleso said.

He acknowledged provincial premiers and top officials from the government who were part of the week-long workshop.

“Your knowledge and understanding will definitely contribute very well to the future of this document,” Seleso said.

Premier Western Province, Billy Veo acknowledged his colleague premier, officials from the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Minister of Provincial Government for funding and for the successful hosting of the Premier’s workshop.

“There was no tense situation throughout the workshop – meaning Premiers have they understood the importance of the workshop,” he said.

He is optimistic that the communique demonstrates a clear pathway toward enforcement of the federal system.

Island Sun was not able to get a copy of the communique. An attempt to get the communique was unsuccessful.

Inquiry proved that the media was prohibited to get the document for unknown reasons.

Noni breaks through European market, making a comeback after pandemic

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

The noni industry is back on its feet following the crippling impacts of the covid-19 pandemic.

Solomon Noni Corporation (SNC) is breaking through the European market. It is exporting one container of noni juice puree to the Netherlands.

The end product from this export will be sold in Hungary, says an elated Bodo Dettke, owner of SNC.

This will be SNC’s second export. The first was to Japan before the pandemic.

Two of the works with drums of puree packed drums of puree inside the container.

SNC is enjoying a monopoly of Solomon Islands’ noni industry since Dettke has invested and perfected the complex processes and requirements of harvesting, extracting and preserving the product according to world standard.

Dettke who is also the Member of Parliament for Northwest Guadalcanal told Island Sun their second container was possible after harvesting and processing fresh noni fruits at the North West Guadalcanal constituency noni processing factory.

Puree stored inside one of the many drums.

“This would be our second shipment, our first shipment was to Japan. For this second shipment it will be going through Netherlands to Hungary and next month repeat for Japan, following month my export will repeat back to Netherlands.

“So really the noni industry is currently operational again. We have been hit bad by the global pandemic for almost three years and really affected our sales because the global market was closed. Now the market is open and the hard work of the people in the Northwest Guadalcanal will be exported to global market,” Dettke said.

Labelling of drums by workers of SI noni Corporation.

He said the shipment consists of frozen noni puree.

“This container will be shipped to another supplier who will make his own product by adding other flavours to this (puree) as base material.

“We have been also producing our own noni drinks which most people have tasted and drink it already. The current supply who will buy this container will make their own flavours of noni drinks and sell it in Europe but the sad thing is that they did not know where the noni products originated from because their product will go under their branding, not having any indication that the noni was shipped from Solomon Islands,” Dettke said.

Some of the many drums of puree noni ready to be packed inside the container for exporter.Photos by MARTIN TAROMANE.

He said only if the government of the day see the need and the importance of branding for them to be able to support the noni industry and to enable those running the industry export Solomon Islands own finish products.

“Hopefully if trade ministry, ministry of agriculture and ministry of Finance and treasury see the importance of this industry that took us now almost five years to survive it and also to improve the livelihood of the unfortunate people in the rural areas to bring small incomes to bring up their standard of life. This industry also provides employment,” Dettke said.

He adds that this week Solomon Islands noni industry packed 48 drums a maximum loading for one container that will be shipped to Netherlands.

Workers strapped the drums to secure them.

“Actually this year we have secured about 140 tonnes to be exported in puree form and juice form. So we are looking at buying 360 tonnes of fresh fruits to come from North West Guadalcanal famers. This is good news for our farmers.”

Dettke said 70 percent of the farmers are women who have been benefiting a lot from this initiative of noni buying.

“This is where the noni industry players a vital role in supporting families’ survival,” he said.

The global noni juice industry had suffered under the pandemic, and is making its comeback. In 2022 it was valued at “USD 242.64 million in 2022 and is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.49% during the forecast period, reaching USD 418.09 million by 2028”, according to Market Watch.

PCYC kicks off annual Easter fishing competition

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
PCYC. Photo supplied

BY NED GAGAHE

Point Cruz Yacht Club (PCYC) has kicked off its annual Easter fishing competition with exciting prizes up for grabs.

The competition is an annual tradition organised by PCYC to celebrate Easter and Christmas festivities held twice in a year in April and December.

The event is aimed at gathering fishing enthusiasts and passionate fishermen to compete in two days fishing outings to win prizes.

Speaking to the Island Sun yesterday a spokeswoman for the competition, Grace Aihunu said the competition was launched yesterday.

She said following the launch some competitors have already deployed for their two days fishing voyages with more competitor expected to deploy today.

She said competitors are expected to return on Sunday, April 9, 2023 before 3pm at the Point Cruz Yacht Club in time for the official prize giving ceremony where their catches will be weighed and judged.

Aihunu said winners be judged by a panel of judges according to various categories and will be presented with prizes.

Details of the prizes and categories are yet to be known however, it was anticipated that the event will be an exciting and fun adventure.

Trial date on Peochakuri killing set for April 24

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

Defendant David Tingi will have his case set for trial from April 24 – 28 before High Court judge Justice Ronald Bei Talasasa.

Justice Talasasa said the trial is fixed for April 24 and will not be moved to another date.

Mr Tingi is charged with one count of murder in relation to an incident at Peochakuri village in South Guadalcanal on May 6, 2022.

 The allegation said that the defendant and the deceased had an argument prior to the incident. The defendant allegedly struck a hammer on the victim’s head and continue to punch the victim whilst the victim is on the ground.

 Due to the alleged attack the victim sustained serious injuries; the victim then was transported to the National Referral Hospital for medical treatment unfortunately the victim later died several days after.

Police alleged that the cause of the incident started with an argument in which the deceased was alleged to have attempt to rape his own daughter on several occasion prior to the murder incident.

The deceased was transported to the National Referral Hospital (NRH)

Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the crown.

SINU graduation date postponed

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
Solomon Islands National University

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) graduation ceremony scheduled to take place on April 20 has been postponed to Thursday, April 27.

SINU announced this yesterday in a statement posted on their Facebook page.

SINU said only the date is change but the time 9am and venue at the Friendship Hall will remain the same.

SINU said that the final list of graduates will be released next week once it is finalized and ready.

“The Solomon Islands National University wishes to inform all SINU 2023 Graduands, families and the general public that the graduation ceremony scheduled for April 20th, 2023 is being postponed to April 27th 2023.

“The ceremony will commence at 9:00 am at the Friendship Hall.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding.

“We are committed to making the rescheduled ceremony a memorable event for you and your families. We will be releasing the final list of 2023 graduates next week, so please stay tuned for updates.” SINU said.

REGISTER PROCESS CHANGE

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Islands Election Commission (SIEC) Chief Executive Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi.

Electoral Commission to abolish Out of Constituency registration

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Electoral Commission has agreed to abolish Out of Constituency registration for the National General Election proposed for April 17, 2024.

The Out of Constituency registration was done in the 2018 voter registration where out of constituency registration centres were opened in Honiara and in the provincial headquarters.

However, Solomon Islands Election Commission (SIEC) Chief Executive Officer, Jasper Highwood Anisi told media yesterday “if you want to register in a constituency, you will have to trave back to the constituency you want to register in”.

He said Out of Constituency registration in the past has opened up the voter registration process for registration fraud resulting in cross border registration and multiple registrations.

Furthermore, Anisi said there will be no on the spot issue of voter ID cards.

He said in the past, the on-spot issue of ID cards has resulted in multiple registrants ending up having too many cards though cross border registration.

“Voter ID can only be used at a later date determined by the commission and only those whose names are on the final voter list will be given cards.

“Instead of a voter ID card, each registrant will be issued with a copy of their registration form,” he said.

In addition, he said this form will be used as an identity for the purpose of issuance of a Voter ID card as well as proof of successful lodgements of voter registration during the omission and objection of the registration phase, in case of registration is been challenged by someone.

Anisi said every new registrant must provide a proof of eligibility before their voter registration application form can be processed.

“To prove that your eligibility, an applicant must present a birth certificate, baptismal certificate, or a testimony statement by a registered voter in the same constituency you’re applying to register to testify that you are 17 or 18 years old or you’re are a resident of the constituency you are applying to register in.

“For urban centers, you must provide proof such as a receipt of electricity, water, or rental bill to provide your residency or again a testimony statement,” he added.

Moreover, Operation Manager, Fredrick Bosoboe said there will be more than 120 registration teams, one per constituency with more than 10 registration teams will be on standby who will be stationed at the provincial headquarters.

Bosoboe said registration will move according to movement plans to Voter Registration Center (VRC) within their assigned constituency.

He said team will move from one VRC to another within the Constituency from 17th July to 26th August and new registrants and other who need to update their voter details will have to meet the teams at the VRCs closer to them to update or register as a voter.

“Registration will be done in more than 800 VRCs around the country.

“On average, there will one voter registration kid per team for constituencies with 10-20 VRCs,” he said.

Bosoboe said this is to allow all teams to finish the field registration around the same time within the given registration period (17th July-26 August).

There will be other processes follow behind like submission of Omission and Objection claims and the list of those who had made claims will be published to notify claimants and defendants to appear before electoral Commissioner’s Revising Office to justify the basis of the claims.

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