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Mbokona and White River schools get brand new trucks from West Honiara Constituency office

Written by
Irwin Angiki
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The West Honiara Constituency has donated a brand new three-tonne truck each to the White River School and the Mbokona School. The donations total to $685,500. (Pictured) Handing over the vehicles to the recipient schools, (left to right) Lord Mayor Eddie Siapu hands over to Mbokona school principal Joel Throter, West Honiara CDO Brian Taupiri, MID deputy PS Alan Lilia hands over to White River school principal Hampton Bekepio.. Photo by Irwin Angiki

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Mbokona and White River schools are the latest to receive brand new three-tonne trucks from the West Honiara Constituency Office.

In a boisterous handover ceremony yesterday at the White River school, the principals of both schools received the vehicle keys.

This is part of the constituency office’s commitment to schools in West Honiara, which saw three schools receive a new three-tonne truck each in 2016 from the constituency office – Bishop Epalle, St John and Tamlan.

Yesterday’s donation costs a total of $685,500 – which West Honiara Constituency had sourced from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) national transport fund.

Both principals thank the MP for West Honiara, Namson Tran for the donations, which they describe as one of their schools’ main needs.

White River Principal, Hampton Bekepio underscores why it is important that a school has its own truck.

Bekepio says White River staff, students, parents and guardians have depended on public transportation, and private transport, for all activities relating to school matters.

However, he points out that one area which demands that the school has its own truck, and that public transport cannot help out in, is during times of natural disaster.

“There are critical situations and circumstances in which using public transportation will not be readily accessible or available to students and staff.

“For instance, in times of natural disasters such as earthquake, tsunami, cyclone, flash-flood, etc, schools need to have their own vehicle in order to effectively execute the disaster risk management plan to evacuate the students and teachers safely to their homes.”

In his keynote Bekepio said it has been a long wait and receiving a new truck is counted as one of the school’s milestone achievements since its inception 50 years ago.

West Honiara Constituency CDO Brian Taupiri giving his keynote address

Bekepio points out the importance of transportation in education, saying it is an important part in everyday activities relating to education.

“We spend at least 10 minutes travelling from home to work, or to school every day. This is transportation.”

West Honiara Constituency’s donation sees an end to a lot of expenses for the school, Bekepio adds.

“The cost of hiring vehicles to deliver materials to school is quite expensive, and many ongoing school projects were not able to be fully realised due to financial hassles incurred in transportation costs.

“There are some annual events, such as organized sporting activities, world teachers day celebration, school graduation, students and teachers attending various events organized by the government and NGOs, school excursions, and many other programmes, have continued to stretch our limited budget every year around in terms of the cost involved in providing transportation.

“Thus today, we are very happy to receive a new vehicle. Words cannot express our sincere gratitude and joy.

“We have waited many years, since 2016, when the first three vehicles were given to the first three school recipient. Today is the moment we’ve been waiting for.

“We thank MP for West Honiara Constituency Namson Tran for this timely gift. It was worth the wait.”

He also extended the school’s gratitude to the MID for providing funds from the national transport fund initiative.

Mbokona school Principal, Mr Joel Throter, echoes Bekepio’s sentiments, adding that receiving a new truck is also a milestone achievement for his school.

Due to the school’s location, it is quite a walk for staff and students using bus transport from home, and quite costly for taxi users.

With Namson Tran’s donation, this will be reduced, Throter said.

He echoed appreciation and gratitude to West Honiara MP Tran, CDO Brian Taupiri, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, represented at the occasion by deputy permanent secretary Alan Lilia.

Happy White River students looking forward to the handover

On behalf of the West Honiara Constituency Office, CDO Brian Taupiri congratulated the schools and encouraged each one to take care of the trucks.

“Congratulations on your receipt of the new trucks. With this receipt comes responsibility. Please take care of the trucks, service them regularly and keep them in good conditions.

“It is hard for anyone to just give you a new truck.”

He reiterated MP Tran’s vision to support education in his constituency and reassured West Honiara schools of the Constituency office’s ongoing plans to help schools improve their services.

Mr Taupiri said one of MP Tran’s top priorities for his constituency office’s development plans is supporting education.

And, this involves supporting education initiatives, institutions, and programmes within the constituency, Taupiri explains.

“Apart from school fees, the constituency office also helps in logistics support and assistances to improve schools provide their services.”

MID deputy PS Mr Lilia echoed the advice for recipient schools to take care of the trucks.

“On behalf of the MID Minister, and the MID PS, I congratulate the West Honiara Constituency for its successful application to the national transport initiative plan, under MID, to purchase these two vehicles, and the successful handing over today.

Boys from Mbokona school to witness the handover (1)

“These two vehicles should improve the transportation needs of the two schools.

“To the White River school administration the Mbokona school administration and, please take care of these wonderful gifts to you, take care of them, keep them safe, and make sure they serve their purpose from today and years to come.”

White River and Mbokona school students sure know how to celebrate. Following the handover, a parade to mark the vehicles’ maiden voyage was run, with the trucks filled with jubilant students from both schools.

The parade started from the White River school to the roundabout opposite the Didds refueling station, then back to the respective schools.

The students chanted “Thank you, Namson”, along with their schools’ names as the vehicles weaved in and out of traffic.

The handover was graced by the Constituency Development Officer (CDO) of West Honiara, Brian Taupiri, Honiara City Mayor Eddie Siapu, Councillor for Mbuburu Mostyn Saferio, MID deputy PS Alan Lilia, and staff of the West Honiara Constituency office.

Mrs Sogavare donates chairs to women vendors.

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Madam Sogavare hands over the chairs to Moreen and team

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Madame Emmy Sogavare has handed over 200 chairs to the Honiara Central Market Vendors Association (HCMVA).

This was done with the aim of helping keep the association operating and serving its rightful purpose.

Mrs Sogavare, wife of Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, during the handover on Monday said this assistance is part of her appreciation and support to rural farmers especially women who have worked very hard to earn for their families.

“This assistance is part of our recognition to your accomplishment in your daily struggles. I know this support will provide you with a comfortable place for you to sit and be able to sell your fresh products displayed on the table,” she said.

Sogavare on the same note thanked the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) for assisting her in supporting women of this nation in this kind of income generating activities.

President for the Honiara Central Market Vendors Association Moreen Sariki in response said thanked Sogavare for assisting the vendors.

“These chairs will not only provide a comfortable space for vendors to sell their produce but will also support the association in generating money through these chairs,” Sariki said.

She adds that the chairs will be made available for hire at a fee of $5 per chair.

The handover was held at the Prime Minister’s private Residence at Tasahe.

Japan funds water supply projects to Fauala and Afio communities in Malaita.

Written by
Samie Waikori
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H.E Yoshiaki turns on the tap of the newly handed over water suply project to Afio community as witness by Premier Suidani and MPA for ward two, Hon Benjamin Baetalua and members of Afio community.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

COMMUNITIES of Fauala and Afio in Central Kwara’ae constituency have benefited from Japan’s water supply projects under its Grassroots and Human Security Project for Solomon Islands.

The water projects which cost USD69,250 each, around SBD1.1 million, is aimed to improve public health infrastructure in Solomon Islands through installing water supply systems or sanitation facilities for communities.

Officiating the handover of the projects on Monday was His Excellency, Miwa Yoshiaki accompanied by a team from the Japan Embassy office in Honiara, Premier Daniel Suidani and members of his executive, rep from provincial RWASH and Malaita provincial health.

H.E Miwa Yoshiaki gets a drink from the Japan’s funded Fauala water supply project that is handed over to Fauala community on Monday this week.

Speaking during the handover ceremonies, HE Yoshiaki said the people and government of Japan are very happy to provide Fauala and Afio communities with water supply systems.

He said water is an absolute necessity of life and that nobody can live without water. Adding that it also important for industries or related activities as the country is developing.

Yoshiaki said the availability of water supply in the communities will support people with all activities of life that require water.

Thus, he urged the communities that now they have received water projects, it is just the beginning of a long development journey ahead.

Yoshiaki said the water projects are development themselves and will also contribute to other developments the communities will pursue in future.

(L-R) Juri Kikuchi, Lady Yoshiaki and H.E Miwa Yoshiaki after being presented with shell money gifts by the community of Fauala on Monday this week.

Yoshiaki urged the communities to take great care of the water projects to benefit the generations to come.

He also thanked the provincial RWASH office in Malaita, Malaita provincial government and two MPAs for wards two and 29 for supports behind the successful completion of the projects.

On that note, reps from the communities acknowledged people and government of Japan through their embassy in Honiara for the support.

Silas Maefoa from Afio village said for the first time in three decades their community has a decent water supply system.

Members of Fauala during the handing over of their water supply project on Monday this week.

“All along our women and children fetched water from nearby river and other water sources for our used.

“The project is indeed a relief and will definitely ease the water burden we once endured in the past,” he said.

Robert Rade Buai from Fauala village also shared similar sentiments as his community too faced challenges of water in the past.

He thanked Japan for the support of the project that will have great impact on the life of people in their communities.

More than 1,000 people from the two communities will benefit from the water projects.

Sogavare proclaims King Yeshua to reign

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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PM Sogavare pledging his allegiance to God Almighty at the event

BY NED GAGAHE

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has declared King Yeshua, Lion of the tribe of Judah, Jesus Christ to reign in Solomon Islands.

Mr Sogavare boldly made the proclamation when he addressed the All Pacific Arise and Sukkot 30th anniversary celebration in Honiara on Monday.

The PM’s proclamation was received with overwhelming praise and worshiping.

It was then sealed off with a signing and was witnessed by seven Pacific nations and Dr George Annadorai, president of Asia Shalom.

(L-R) PM Sogavare, Dr George Annadorai lifting his hands in worship while a representive from Pacific joined in the worship after the declaration

“Today the great day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the day that the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Manasseh Damukana Sogavare signed and declare Jesus as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

“This day will be written down in the history of Solomon Islands both in the physical and in the spiritual realm and witnessed by seven South Pacific nation’s representatives.” A statement by the APA said.

Seven Pacific nations were represented at the event including Australia, New Zealand. The Pacific nations are Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Niue, Fiji and Samoa.

The event was celebrated from October 9-18. Had attracted a sizeable audience at the Maranatha Hall, East of Honiara.

Milo Silata and other Pacific delegates got down into praise and worship after the landmark declaration

In the Solomon Islands participants had come all the way from all the nine provinces for the celebration.

The absolute majority being from Malaita in particular the Northern region where the prayer movement was birthed in 1991.

In his keynote address Sogavare said:

“I can only proclaim to you this day that Solomon Islands has a new Prime Minister and He is King Yeshua, Lion of the tribe of Judah, Jesus Christ. I am his servant, a humble steward for His Glory and His Glory alone.”

PM and lady Sogavare being led after the event

“First of all, I give thanks, praise and honor to the Creator, Our Father, Our Almighty and Eternal God. I stand here before HIM with the greatest humility.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Solomon Islands, I also wish to warmly welcome our brother and sisters who have travelled from afar to our shores to be part of this historical event.”

“I am truly blessed to stand here today in the presence of God Almighty and this congregation bearing witness to this historical proclamation. It is my conviction that it is by divine design that this historical event is hosted here in Solomon Islands. It is the will of God Almighty.

Maranatha Hall was packed with hundreds of attendees to witness the historic proclamation.

“On the outset, I am obliged to reaffirm the blue print of Solomon Islands in God; and hereby make the declaration under the preamble of the Solomon Islands National Constitution, and I quote;

“We the people of Solomon Islands, proud of the wisdom and the worthy customs of our ancestors, mindful of our common and diverse heritage and conscious of our common destiny, do now, under the guiding hand of God, establish the sovereign democratic state of Solomon Islands.

“Furthermore, our national anthem is a prayer, a prayer for a united country where we are all equal before God. It is a prayer for unity, joy, peace and progress. A prayer for the manifestation of a nation united through God’s guiding hand where men shall brothers be, make nation see.”

Bellona welcomes return of double flights weekly

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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BY NED GAGAHE

People on Bellona have welcomed Solomon Airlines resuming its weekly double flights to the island.

With no ship servicing the Rennell & Bellona province for three months, people on the two-island province are heavily dependent on SolAir’s weekly service.

Bellona, with fewer retail canteens, is reportedly faring worse than its bigger neighbour, Rennell.

For Bellona, the usual flight schedule includes two flights per week, Mondays and Thursdays.

However, when Monday flights were temporarily cancelled starting October 3, within just two weeks, people on Bellona were feeling the brunt of having just a single flight per week.

People took to social media to voice their plea, many mentioning that the SolAir flights was the only means of transport to bring food and other necessities to Bellona from Honiara.

“Life is made harder by cancellation of Monday flights,” one says on facebook.

After two weeks, the weekly double flights resumed yesterday, with the usual Monday schedule to return next week, October 24.

Speaking to Island Sun from Bellona yesterday, teacher Mr Daley Tingiia says, “People on Bellona are relieved that the Monday flights have returned.

“The last two weeks have been quite unsettling and hard because we did not know why the Monday service stopped, and the rate of incoming food supply from Honiara could not keep up with the demand here.

“Luckily, an extra flight carrying cargoes came unexpectedly on Wednesday last week.

“Another thing, betel nut chewers and smokers were observed to be hit hard as well.”

Explaining the two-week gap to Island Sun, Solomon Airlines said:

“Solomon Airlines is resuming services this coming week to Bellona however there has been a slight schedule adjustment to accommodate the Dash-8 returning on Monday.

“So, for the coming week, there will be 2 x Bellona services, operating on Tuesday and Thursday. Then the Monday and Thursday regular services will resume again from the following week from October 24.

“The reduction in service is only temporary from October 3-13 as we welcome back the Dash-8 into service.

“Once our Dash-8 returns to service, effective from Monday, October 17, the route will return to two services a week operating between Honiara and Bellona, as follows:

“Mondays IE320 departs Honiara 0700 arrives Bellona 0755, departs Bellona 0810 and arrives Rennell 0830, IE321 then departs Rennell 0845 arriving in Honiara 0945

“Thursdays IE322 departs Honiara 0700 arriving in Rennell 0800, then IE323 departs Rennell 0815 arriving in Bellona 0835, departing Bellona 0850 and arriving back in Honiara 0945

“During the period of October 3-13, we have added Bellona to our Rennell service on Wednesday, October 12, in addition to our usual Thursday service, until the Monday service returns on October 17, we appreciate that seats are limited during this time, however it is only temporary whilst we go through the process of reinduction of the Dash-8 into service.”

American couple heading home after 29 years here.

Written by
Admin
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American couple, Don and Joyce Boykin are leaving the Solomon Islands after 29 years.

AN American couple who have lived and worked here over the last 29 years are heading back soon to their country.

Joyce and Don Boykin first came to the Solomon Islands in 1993. 

Don was an architect and Joyce a teacher. 

“We have continued in those careers throughout the three decades we have lived in Honiara, plus doing many more activities,” Joyce said yesterday.  

The Boykins are from the Baha’i Faith and came here to serve in that community. 

“We are leaving because of the pull of family and the desire to know our grandchildren,” Joyce added.

Joyce taught at KGVI, Woodford and USP. 

She worked for the Ministry of Education and then decided to create her own NGO focusing on literacy. 

With READ SI (Resources for Education to Advance Development in the Solomon

Islands) she taught youth to set up literacy schools in villages and

provided books for a small library. 

After two years, 274 villages across the country had people teaching basic literacy and reading books up to third grade level. 

For the past two years, she has been working with ECEs and training teachers how to teach spoken English. 

This is important, she says, before children learn phonics and to read they must be able to speak basic English.

Don designed over 80 buildings, residence and commercial. 

He designed Hyundai Mall and the Paul Tovua Center by the parliament building. 

After the coup and evacuation, Don taught science, technology and sports at Woodford International School and later at SINU. 

Don has always been involved with sports. 

Coaching first basketball teams and then children’s tennis.

Both Joyce and Don are also writers and contributors to this newspaper on many occasions. 

Joyce has also written 35 informational books for her NGO and Don has written a novel and book of poetry. 

Leaving after 29 years means selling everything and giving away other things. 

From 17 – 21 October Joyce is selling books for children through adults from $2 – $5.

She is offering teaching materials for $2 each. 

“These funds will go back to READ SI for the new co-directors to carry on the projects,” Joyce said. 

So, come to the Public Library and the building next to it. 

Starting Monday from 10 – 5:00 the book sale will go on. 

The following week, Don will be selling and giving away many different types of materials for learning and teaching.

“We wanted to leave this beautiful island we’ve called home for 29 years with just two suitcases plus a heart and mind full of memories and loving feelings,” Joyce said.

High Court orders Police to leave Hells Point

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Hells point

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) property at the Hell’s Point, Alligator creek east of Honiara is given until 14th November 2022 to vacate the land.

The Sheriff office of the High Court posted the notice at Hell’s Point last Thursday after the Government had only paid $20 million of the presumed $55.9 million ordered by High Court Deputy Chief Justice, Rex Foukona.

Island Sun has cited the eviction notice posted at the site.

Foukona delivered his judgement on 16th August 2022, ordering the Government to pay Levers Solomon Limited $11.5 million interest.

He also ordered the Government to pay $32.4 million, the balance after tax levy of $17.6 million from the amount $50 million, payable by 13th September 2022, 4.30pm.

It is also revealed that the Government must also pay a rent of $12 million to LSL according to people on the know-how.

However, after negotiations between LSL and the Solomon Islands Government after the court order, SIG have made a proposal, which Island Sun understands is yet to be accepted by LSL.

Logically why would LSL accept, when the court has already made orders in its favour.

This has resulted in Government paying a part payment of $20 million to LSL.

However, it was alleged the government still has an outstanding of $35.9 million to pay LSL by next month.

Failure to do so will result in the eviction of the RSIPF manning the Hell’s Point area.

The RSIPF Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team is looking after the Hell’s Point because of a number of UXOs from the World War two is kept there.

The site was also used by the RSIPF EOD team to dispose the old WW2 bombs collected around the country.

PlasticWise Gizo makes scary discovery

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Madam Rendy and her team distribute the waste they collect

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

Solid waste Audit carried out by PlasticWise Gizo at Naru Island outside Gizo found that single used plastics have polluted the island.

A total of 130 different types of solid wastes weighted 40,000 grams were collected within an area of 100 meters by 20 meters.

The team briefed with the survey guideline before the clean up

Solid wastes were collected, distributed to different categories based on Intelligence Liter Challenge Category guide then entered into specific scientific materials content of the wastes.

“Out of the collection we did today, the highest item recorded was single used plastics, second on the list is foam, different types of foams from eskies, floaters, cup noodles and disposal cups followed by aluminum canes and tins,” President of PlasticWise Gizo, Rendy Solomon said.

She said solid wastes collected during the survey includes plastic bottles, foams, glass bottles, peak bottles, single use plastic bags, tooth brass, pens, straws, toys, aluminum canes and tins.

Team collecting waste samples

Rendy said PlasticWise Gizo have underwent special training to carry out the survey and audit the waste samples.

“I believe the survey and data we came up today will give us a better understanding on the average rate of solid wastes passing through our islands.

“This survey will help us upscale environment awareness and capacity building on waste Management within Western Province,” she said.

Prime Minister and delegation trip costs $2.5M

Written by
Admin
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DPM Maelanga escorts PM Sogavare on arrival

THE Prime Minister’s 19-member delegation on a three-legged overseas tour has cost taxpayers $2.5 million, documents Island Sun cited have revealed.

The delegation arrived last week following their recent overseas trip to New York (UNGA), Washington, Singapore and Australia.

The documents obtained by this paper also revealed that the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet (OPMC) has pleaded with the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) to meet the total costs for airfares and per diems for the delegates.

Honiara-based FFA is a regional organisation also funded by taxpayers.

“The contribution by the FFA has reduced the cost to SIG from an estimated $2.5 million to $934, 265.60 – a savings of $1.56 million,” a letter by SPM Dr Jimmie Rodgers to the Finance Ministry stated.

The 19-member delagation are as follows;

·         Manasseh Sogavare – Prime Minister

·         Emmy Sogavare – Prime Minister’s spouse

·         Lily Maefai              – MP for East Makira

·         Dr Jimmie Rodgers –   Secretary to Prime Minister

·         John Osmond Muria – Attorney General

·         Albert Kabui – Special Secretary to Prime Minister

·         Leni Dalavera – Press Secretary

·         Suzie Wale – EPS

·         Walter Diamana – Chief Protocol

·         Ipo Kabwere – CPP 1

·         Fred Toliliu – CPP 2

·         Hollingsworth Avui – Liasion Officer

·         Jerry Manele – Foreign Affairs Minister

·         Collin Beck – PS Foreign Affairs

·         Fiona Indu – Assistant Secretary, UN & Americas

·         Rex Ramofafia – Minister of Planning

·         Susan Sulu – PS Planning

·         Ishmael Avui – Minister Lands & Housing

·         Tagini Makario – Minister of Public Service

Documents have also shown that the total budget for hotel accommodations and other charges have also amounted to $1,040,926.96 (these charges exclude airfares and per diems).

A total of $410,041.84 was paid directly to the SI New York Mission and $630,885.12 was carried as special imprest by a PMO officer.

Sources said the total Budget exceeding $2 million is questionable given that airfares and accommodations by the Prime Minister and part of the delegation is usually met by the UNGA or the other host countries given that official tours to Singapore and Australia were also requests for the Prime Minister to visit.

“The taxpayers money spent on this trip is just too much and the makeup of the delegation and the roles they play these official outings are also a total waste of time and money,” one source said.

Documents further showed that in New York, the SPM has requested an additional cost of USD$20,000 (SBD$160,000) to top up additional costs for the delegation there.

Information sighted from the documents stated that costs were needed because the accommodation costs for the 19-member delegation was not enough and that the Prime Minister and other delegates were threatened to be kicked out of their rooms.

NO LIMIT

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0
Part of a group of Solomon Islanders who went under the Australian Seasonal Workers Programme and Labour Mobility Scheme. PHOTO AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION OFFICE

MFAET assures no restrictions in number of seasonal workers

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Solomon Islands is not putting any limit on the number of workers to Australia and New Zealand after some Pacific Islands countries plan to do so to avoid gaps in employment domestically.

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade permanent secretary, Collin Beck said all the countries in the Pacific have different levels of development.

“In our case we have 20,000 youths looking for jobs every year. In our situation, we are still a thirsty country that is looking for employment— both domestically and externally,” he said.

“While we keep trying and create job within, in the meantime, where there is opportunity, we will continue to embrace, utilize and take advantage of – we will try to ensure those that seek employment will always try to find space for them,” he said.

Beck said our population growth is another issue compared to other Pacific countries.

“We are basically one of the fastest. So, we are basically fertile ground to harvest opportunities out.

“Wherever there is employment, we will try to take advantage of it,” he said.

“It just that our growth is not keeping up with our developments needs and we just need to keep on working on creating more jobs within.

“Until that happens, until we reach that stage, we will continue to take advantage of that. We will move in an uncap way on this. We will not put some limits,” he added.

Island Sun understands Samoa and Vanuatu are considering regulating the number of their workers living their shores to work under the season labour programmes.

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