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Gizo inter-faith hosts youth programme

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Peace - Officials and Organising Committee with youths pose for a photo after the programme.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

GIZO Inter-Faith Committee has successfully hosted a special event for youths at Gizo.

The event themed “connecting youths for peace building” brought together youths from every church in Gizo together to share messages of peace.

The programme kicked off with a parade beginning at PT109 to the MSG Building for the official opening of the programme.

Youths and officials stood in silence for a minute as they paid respect and tribute to the late Head of State, Queen Elizabeth.

The event was funded by the government through the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs and in partnership with the Gizo Inter-Faith Committee.

George and Greg from St Luke Youths holding the banner during the parade

In his opening remarks, Director of the Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs, Bruno Manele told youths that the growth and prosperity of the country is rested upon their (youths) hand.

“Every citizen of our country is responsible for strengthening the foundation of our society. Any society is incomplete without participation of young blood.

“Similarly, youths have important responsibilities to shape the country’s future.

“It is up to you to decide what future you want to live,” he told youths.

United Church Youth Group

He said his Ministry is very proud to have hosted the first ever event in Gizo.

Manele acknowledged church leaders who have been very instrumental in mapping out the programme.

He also acknowledged the provincial government and other stakeholders who were part of the programme.

“Lastly, I acknowledge all of you, our youths for your time today.

“May God continues to bless you, bless our province and bless Solomon Islands,” Manele said.

International Day of Democracy celebrated

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Students listening to a speech made during the day.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

INTERNATIONAL Democracy Day was celebrated in Honiara yesterday with the theme ‘Using the power of democracy to bring about the change we want’

Guest of honour at the event was the Member of Parliament for East Makira, Lily Maefai.

 In her speech to mark the occasion Mrs Maefai said the democratic ideal in itself seeks to guarantee equality and basic freedoms, to empower ordinary people, to resolve disagreements through peaceful dialogue, to respect differences and to bring about political and social renewal.

She said democracy is realized not as direct popular control over public decision making, but as control over the decision makers who act in ordinary citizen’s place.

“Democracy is based on the belief that in a government, the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by the people directly or indirectly through a system of democratic representation”, Ms Maefai said.

She said as citizens of a democratic country, democratic powers are vested in us, citizen participation in government.

“Participation is the key role of citizens in democracy, it is not only right but it is our duty, the rights of the minority must be protected, people who are not in power must be allowed to organize and speak out.

“One goal of democracy is to make the best possible decision for the society, to achieve this, respect for all people and their points of view is needed.

“Decisions are more likely to be accepted, even by those who oppose them if all citizens have been allowed to discuss, debate and question”, Maefai said.

International World Democracy Day is celebrated around the world on September 15 each year purposely to uphold and promote democracy.

This year, Solomon Islands through the Political Parties Commission and the Office of the Registrar of Political Parties collaborated with the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission and the Solomon Islands National Parliament in taking the initiative to commemorate international Democracy Day.

Ms Maefai also acknowledge those partners and stakeholders for their continuous support  

Persons with disability launches EU-funded project

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Cutting of the cake to officially mark the launching event. From left to right PWDSI President Mr Dolaiano, PS McNeil and EU Ambassador Seam

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Disable People Association of Solomon Islands have launched an European funded project aimed at producing sustainable and meaningful change for the rights of People with disabilities.  

President of People with Disability Solomon Islands Simon Dolaiano said “The funding provided by the EU and the partnership aims to produce sustainable and meaningful change for the rights of people with disabilities.”

“We do appreciate the support of the European Union, and be rest assured that my Board and Management Team will implement to the best of our capabilities in the project for the maximum benefit of DPASI as an organisation, our affiliates and disability members.”

European Union Ambassador to the Pacific Sujiro Seam urged the Disable People Association of Solomon Islands not to celebrate to long but to quickly move into the implement part.

Guests and participants who were part of the launching event at PWDSI yesterday

“Remember the motto of the Navy seals, the motto is the only easy day was yesterday. So if you think what we have done so far was hard, wait for tomorrow,” He said.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Pauline McNeil said the EU presence in the country came at the right time as the country has just recovered from covid-19 in the last two years.

McNeil said in terms of Universal rights it means the services regardless of the status of the person.

“We must all continue to advocate for health services, social services and employment opportunities are not restricted but available for our disable people.”

“My Ministry is happy to partner with DPASI. Hopefully this partnership will set a new chapter of our partnership going forward. It’s time for all of us to rise up from our challenges and advocate for our disable people because it is our call and our duty assist them to access services,” she said.

The launching event was held at the PWDSI office in Honiara yesterday.

New BRED ATM at AJ mall

Written by
Press Release
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: Kukum Branch Manager, Rose Abana, and Senior Relationship Manager, Crayford Laura, with Aron Dawen Zheng, Sole Director/Shareholder of AJ Enterprises Limited

BRED Bank Solomon has installed an ATM at the AJ City Mall at Lunga, east Honiara.

A statement from the bank says the ATM will provide needed service to BRED customers and non-customers at the eastern side of Honiara.

“BRED Bank Solomon currently has one other ATM servicing east Honiara residents, which is situated at GTL Service Station,” it said.

Owen Thomson, CEO of BRED Bank Solomon, said BRED Bank Solomon is committed to ensuring customers have access to essential basic banking service such as withdrawals.

“We do not only want to provide ATM access; we also ensure that our ATMs have sufficient funds at all times. If an ATM is down, our customers are usually informed via our Facebook page,” Thomson said.

Staff of Bred Bank with the new ATM machine at AJ Mall.

“The new ATM is open for the public during the day when the mall is open. It is located right next to the escalator on the first floor,” he added.

“The daily ATM withdrawal limit is SBD8000 in multiples of SBD2000. BRED ATMs also accept VISA, MasterCard, and other International Cards.”

Other BRED ATMs are located at GTL (Lunga), BRED Bank Haus (Kukum), Pacific Casino (Kukum), Honiara City Council (Point Cruz), Point Cruz Branch (Commonwealth Street), LEL (Point Cruz), Solomon Post (Point Cruz), Coral Sea Casino, and Gaoming Building (Rove).

“For a modern, friendly, and comfortable environment for all your banking needs, visit BRED Bank Solomon at Kukum or Point Cruz.

“BRED Bank offers a full range of quality products including Mobile and Internet banking, with the highest level of professional service. From individual clients to large corporations, BRED has a banking service to suit everyone.”

SIPA donates furniture to Burns Creek community

Written by
Press Release
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Solomon Ports’ Chief Information and systems management Officer Mr. Ellison Pade hands over the furnitures to Burns Creek Health Care center

Solomon Ports handed over furnitures to the Burns Creek Health Care centre and the people of Burns creek yesterday.

A total of 35 chairs, two office tables/cabinets, and kitchen sinks were donated to the health care center.

The furniture’s were handed over today by Solomon Ports’ Chief Information and systems management Officer Ellison Pade, to the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) Cori Mada Company Sergeant Major, Mika Koroi, and Burns creek Development Committee representatives.

The health care centre is currently being renovated and further improved by the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Cori Mada Company, who are the ones taking the leading role in rebuilding the health care centre.

Solomon Ports also took the initiative to recognize the need of Burns Creek Community, and to help improve the community’s access to health care services.

Speaking during the handover yesterday, Solomon Ports’ Chief Information and systems management Officer Ellison Pade was happy in providing the assistance to Burns Creek Community.

He said the furniture and sinks will be beneficial to the services that the centre will provide.

“The Management and Staff of SIPA are so happy in helping this healthcare centre and especially to the people of Burns Creek, who will benefit from this building in the future,” he said.

In response, RFMF Cori Mada Company Sergeant Major, Mika Koroi thanked Solomon Ports for the kind donation.

He said the donation was a boost to their efforts in completing the health care centre and to the people of the community who will benefit from the new building.

“To us it’s a big donation, especially on behalf of the Taskforce Cori Mada, the Burns Creek Development Committee and the people of Burns creek community, we want to say a big Vinaka vakalevu to you for this kind donation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Burns Creek Development Committee representative Julian Kete’e said Burns Creek people are thankful for the donation from Solomon Ports, as it will contribute to the improvement of health care services and overall development of the community.

“We want to thank Solomon Ports for visiting us and recognizing our needs, especially this health care centre is a big improvement to our community, and I want to thank Solomon Ports on behalf of the Burns Creek Development Committee for recognizing our need and helping us with this kind assistance, “she said.

Laundry items donated to NRH

Written by
Press Release
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President of PNG/SI Community Carson Korowa, third from left, handing over the items to NRH CEO Dr George Malefoasi in the presence of health officials and association members.

THE Papua New Guinea (PNG) community donated laundry items to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) this week.

The items include 100-bed sheets or linens and pillowcases, 20 door mats, and two cartons of bleach and other washing detergents.

Chairman of the PNG-Solomon Islands Community Association Carson Korowa said funds used to purchase the items were from their recent fundraising efforts.

“The donation is by way of sharing the joy of our country’s important national event with the people of Solomon Islands,” Korowa said.

He also acknowledged the deep ties that exist between the people of PNG and Solomon Islands, describing it as “transcending beyond the diplomatic relationship”.

NRH’s Chief Executive Officer Dr George Malefoasi expressed sincere appreciation to the PNG community for the donation.

“The donation came at a time when demand for these items have increased due to increasing number of patients,” Malefoasi said.

He added that with every patient, there is at the most one to two caregivers, so the exact number of people the hospital is taking care of doubles the total admissions.

 “So thank you very much for the donation which we truly appreciate and receive with hearts that are filled with thanks.”

The PNG-SI community comprised of Papua New Guinea nationals living and working in Solomon Islands, including those married here and their children and Solomon Islanders born and raised in Papua New Guinea.

Chinese police teach martial arts to locals

Written by
Press Release
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CPLT instructor coach a young female on martial art training

A total of 50 women and children were taught martial arts during a Public Order Management (POM) training at Tulagi, Central Islands Province (CIP) for officers of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF).

The China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) conducted martial art training for local women in the afternoon after Official Police programme finishes each day.

CPLT spent an hour and thirty minutes after its sessions with the RSIPF and engage with local women and children on self-defence martial arts.

Deputy Commissioner (DC) National Security and Operation Support (NSOS) Ian Vaevaso said this is a good initiative for women and children to learn basic self-defence to protect them.

“As we know, Central Province has a few rape incident in the past and this training is relevant to equip our women and children.

DC Vaevaso said these women and children came to the training ground to watch the training and have expressed their appreciation for the professionalism and friendship of the Chinese police.

Mr Vaevaso said, some women who came and watched liked the Chinese culture and Chinese Kungfu very much and have asked for the police to provide martial art training for these local women and children.

 “The enthusiasm of the women and children participating in the training is high every day in the afternoon. They wait at the training ground for the Chinese instructors to leave work.”

A local participant said the Chinese instructors are enthusiastic and sincere.

He said through training, they feel they have enhanced their self-confidence and have mastered a certain degree of safety protection capable ability, and their sense of security in life has also been enhanced.

Police to probe vehicle abuse claim in Temotu

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE have confirmed they have received a report alleging Police officers at Lata were drinking kwaso and abusing police vehicle.

Deputy Police Commissioner National Security and Operation Support Ian Vaevaso said the allegations are serious and there are directives from the Commissioner to investigate the allegation.

He said such actions and attitudes of Police officers are condemned.

“RSIPF is a disciplined organization and such actions by police officers should be condemned, and I call on the public that any allegation against police officers must be reported to the Professional Standards Internal Investigation for investigations”, Vaevaso said.

A Chief from Venga village Chief Thomas Menaba in Temotu had made a call to the Police Executive Authority to investigate such manner concerning police officers at Lata.

He said the province is extremely concerned on the conduct of Police officers in Lata.

He said such attitudes by Lata Police Officers undermine the professionalism of the organization.

“We expect professionalism from RSIPF, instead the actions and attitudes displayed by Lata police officers undermines security and law and order in our communities.

“We are calling for investigations as certain officers at Lata were engaging in Kwaso consumption, selling of Marijuana and also selling of Police OBM”, Chief Menaba said.

Vaevaso said officers should behave and act in a good manner in uphold law and order of this country.

Sogavare to attend UN meeting

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare will attend the UN meeting in New York.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare will attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States of America.

The 77th session of the UNGA has commenced on 13 September 2022.

The first day of the high-level General Debate will be on Tuesday, 20 September 2022.

Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui confirmed to the media yesterday that the Prime Minister will lead five officials from his office.

He said officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade are already there plus other ministries will attend the meeting as well.

In New York, Kabui said the government will engage in bilateral meetings with 10 countries.

However, he said the number will increase in the coming days but is yet to be finanlised.

After UNGA, Kabui said the Prime Minister will also be visiting Washington DC with other Pacific Islands countries to hold talks with US President Biden and his administration.

He said returning home, Sogavare will stop over in Australia to hold a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.

Bill to delay election set for gazette

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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National Parliament of Solomon Islands

EDDIE OSIFELO

GOVERNOR General, Sir David Vunagi should assent the Constitutional Amendment Act at the Government House yesterday.

The Act is to defer the National General Elections until after the Pacific Games 2023 hosted by Solomon Islands.

Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui confirmed to media yesterday they are waiting for the Act to come down to Prime Minister Office to be published in the gazette.

Furthermore, Attorney General John Muria Junior said upon gazette, there is a provision in the Act for the Prime Minister to choose for it to commence.

He said when commencement is made, it will be gazetted and the Constitutional Amendment Act to be enforced.

Parliament passed the Bill on 8th September 2022 after 37 of the 49 Members of Parliament voted for the Bill in the second reading and third reading to pass the bill.

Initially, the term of the 11th Parliament commenced on 15th May 2019 and ends on 19th May 2023.

However, Parliament will dissolve on December 31st 2023.

As such, elections will be held around April 2024.

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