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Mala youths to mark big day this Saturday

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Auki provincial town of Malaita.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

THE Malaita Provincial Youth Council will hold celebrations this Saturday to mark International Youth Day which falls annually on 12th August.

President of the Malaita Provincial Youth Council (MPYC), Philip Subu said the event will be held at the Auki Market car park in Auki town.

He said the celebration is to recognize the efforts and important roles played by youths which contributed one way or the other to Malaita province

He said the celebration is also important for youths in the province to join the international youth community in marking this important day.

Subu said the event will be graced by Premier Daniel Suidani, who will be key speaker and speeches from MPYC and other stakeholders.

He said talks will also be presented during the event from stakeholders working with youths on youth related programmes in the province.

Subu said the celebration will happen on behalf of youths of Malaita province to mark this International Youth Day, 2022.

Wairiu is new Pro Chancellor and chair of SINU

Written by
Press Release
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New SINU Pro Chancellor and Chair, Dr Morgan Wairiu.

DR MORGAN Wairiu is the new Pro Chancellor and Chairperson of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Council

Hailed from Marau Sound, East Guadalcanal, Wairiu has been formally appointed as Pro Chancellor and Chairperson of the 4th SINU Council by the Minster of Education and Human Resources Development.

“Wairiu is a respectable person of high standing in the academic circle and has wide experience in teaching, research and publication and managing an education institution,” a statement from SINU said.

“He is currently the Chief of Party of SCALE-NRM Project, implemented by Winrock International and funded by USAID,” it added. 

Prior to joining the SCALE-NRM Project, Wairiu was the Acting Director of the Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (PACE-SD) at the University of the South Pacific, Fiji.  

He also served as the Deputy Director, Programme Manager and Research Fellow at the Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development.

Wauriu also served as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock in 2001.

A Fulbright Scholar, Wairiu obtained Doctor of Philosophy at the University of Ohio, United States of America in 2001; Master of Science in Soil Science at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland; Postgraduate Certificate in Agriculture and Rural Development at Wye College at the University of London in the United Kingdom and Bachelor of Agriculture at the University of Papua New Guinea.

At the Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development (PACE-SD), Wairiu was the Lead Author of the IPCC 1.5 Special Report on Climate Change and the Coordinating Lead Author of the Small Islands Chapter in the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report.

His research interest is in climate change and resilient development. He has also supervised over 20 research students (both Masters and Ph.D.) in this research area.

Wairiu has published several publications in some leading and reputable journals.

He has been awarded Best Paper Award in 2017 in the International Journal of Climate Change Impacts and Responses.

Wairiu also serves as member of renowned Committees, Advisory Working Groups, Councils, Taskforces, Conference of Parties, Trusts, Institutes and Forums.

$5m for youth hub on Malaita

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE National Government through the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs has put forward $SBD5 million to build a youth hub (multipurpose hall) for Malaita province.

This was announced by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women (MWYCFA), Dr Cedric Alepedava to youth bodies in the province during his visit to Auki last week.

Malaita Provincial Youth Coordinator, Francis Samo also relayed the funding support in an interview with this paper yesterday.

“The $5 million support grant was relayed to us by PS Alepedava during a dinner at Auki Lodge last week, and soon it will officially be announced.

“My office is liaising with other responsible offices within Malaita to prepare for the funding,” he said.

“One of the areas we are looking at is a suitable site for the hub which will also a government owned land and must be within the vicinity of Auki town.

“Aligegeo futsal court is one, there is another government land we applied for behind the Women Resource Centre in Auki town, we are yet to get a response,” he said. 

Mr Samo said the Malaita Youth Desk has a plan to have a youth hub in the province for a long time, and the funding support will be a fulfillment of the plan.

He said the plan is to have a 50×50 metres multi-purpose hall that will also house a sporting arena for activities and accommodation.

“The plan is there and we’ll see if the fund is enough, if not we will push for additional assistance by the Malaita Provincial Government through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF),” Samo said.

He said the Malaita provincial government through its Youth Desk is happy to learn of the support and they will ensure it materializes to support youth programs and activities in the province.

Samo said his office will provide whatever support required from them and other relevant offices and stakeholders to successfully implement the fund for the benefit of youths in the province.

Madam Sogavare assist widowed market vendors

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Some of the many widows posing for a photo opportunity with Madam Emmy Sogavare and Hon Ethel Vokia.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO 

THE Wife of the Prime Minister, Emmy Sogavare has hosted another fellowship for widows who are market vendors at the Fisheries Market.

The Prime Minister’s wife said this not the first time she has hosted such a programme for these special group of mothers.

She gave them encouragement and stressed that they are powerful and are the windows of love and windows of hope.

“As a madam and a mother of this nation, you are always in my prayers. I don’t know the pain and hardships you faced, but I want you to keep seeking the lord in all that you do,” Mrs Sogavare said.

She also presented gifts to the windows donated by the Peoples Republic of China.

“I want to thank PRC and the Chinese Women Association in Solomon Islands for supporting this programme,” she said.

A representative from the Chinese Women Association in Solomon Islands, a newly formed cooperative association, Ms Lan stated her admiration for women at all levels of this nation, calling them very hardworking and loving.

“When you go to the market, half of the market is dominated by women, and you are so diligent to run from early in the morning up until late at night and sometimes they have no rest days over the weekend.

“So that is why I said Solomon Islands is a place full of love, because women are half of the sky and but women hold more than half of the sky because you are very responsible for your families,” she said.

President of the Honiara Market Vendors Association moreen Sariki thanked Sogavare for recognising the difficulties women vendors face in their daily lives.

“We thank you madam for inviting us to your home. We are all here with broken hearts. No one can read the tears we share with you, only God can,” Sariki said.

The fellowship was held over the weekend at Sogavare’s private residence at Tasahe, west Honiara. 

Malu’u wharf nears completion

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Current construction work on Malu’u Wharf.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

CONSTRUCTION on a wharf project for the Malu’u provincial sub-centre is nearing completion.

The project is funded by the National government through the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development (MID) and its completion is expected to boost economic activities in the northern region of Malaita province.

Recently, this paper visited the project and witnessed that the wharf structure is already complete with only a few remaining works to be done.

In a recent statement on the wharf project and other proposed projects for Malu’u sub-centre, MP for North Malaita, Senley Filualea called on resource owners for cooperation to accomplish the projects.

He said one of the projects for Malu’u is the wharf which will soon be completed.

Filualea said another project is the Malu’u fisheries project, co-supported by the national government and donor partners. The project is already completed.

He further stressed that CEMA will soon reopen at Malu’u as it only awaits minor works to be carried-out before beginning its operation.

He said another project is the construction of the new Malu’u market facility to be funded by the Australian government.

Filualea said this series of projects has portrayed the government’s commitment and support to its people in north Malaita and the northern region of the province.

He said services provided by these projects when completed will have huge benefit on people and will contribute to enhancing economic activities in the province.

Isabel government supports Tubi conservation initiative

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Parties showing the signed document after the signing

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

ISABEL Provincial government has entered into a partnership with the Hageulu Community and Network for the Indigenous Peoples Solomons (NIPS) to support conservation of Tubi forests on Isabel Province.

A memorandum of understanding was signed on Friday 26th August at Buala, Isabel Province.

The partnership will fall within NIPS’s Women4Biodiversity Project which is aimed at building resilience and weaving gender responsive approaches to biodiversity governance.

The programme promotes and showcase contributions of women as agents of change in the ecosystem restoration of local communities.

The programme to strengthen gender responsive initiatives on ecosystems restoration and conservation in Hageulu, especially Tubi trees and to identify priorities and gender gaps in biodiversity policies in Solomon Island.

In her speech after the signing of the MoU, Premier of Isabel Province Rhoda Sikalabu welcomes the partnership saying that NIPS has set a historical partnership that will encourage community based conservation initiatives so as gender participation in conservation activities.

He said IPG has technical staff, however establishing networks and partnership to encourage community participation has been challenging.

 “The MOU we signed will not be done behind closed doors. It is time for IPG, its new partner NIPS and Hageulu Community to come out to the media and promote this partnership.

“We have seen a brand new partnership that will definitely preserve unique tree species and other conservation activities going forward.

“This partnership is unique as women are empowered to participate and will lead in decision making, Sikalabu said.

She said the integration of women and men in the programme best described inclusiveness and greater collaboration in the implementation of the partnership.  

Sikalabu said IPG fully support the partnership and she acknowledged the Network for the Indigenous Peoples Solomons (NIPS) for down-streaming practical and technical expertise in conservation to communities.

She also acknowledged Hageulu Community for driving the restoration and preservation of Tubi tree.

Network for the Indigenous Peoples Solomons (NIPS) and the Hageulu Community are cooperating to implement restoration of Tubi trees in the burnt site as part of the Women4Biodiversity Project entitled “Building resilience and weaving gender responsive approaches to biodiversity governance.

The programme promotes and showcase the contribution of women as agents of change in ecosystem restoration in local communities.

It also to strengthen the gender responsive initiatives on ecosystems restoration and conservation in Hageulu, especially Tubi trees and to identify priorities and gender gaps in biodiversity policies in Solomon Island.

Building resilience and weaving gender responsive approaches to biodiversity governance project is funded by the FARN/Women4Biodiversity under a contract partnership programme. 

The tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) outlines the roles and responsibilities assigned to Hageulu Community, Isabel Provincial Government and Network for the Indigenous Peoples Solomons.

Each party to the MoU has a role to play in driving the partnership.

Roles and responsibilities are as follows;

Hageulu Community will lead and conduct the restoration activities as per the work plan and calendar agreed on workshop and training.

Attend Women4Biodiversity projects meetings as requested by Network for the Indigenous Peoples Solomons (NIPS).

Update completed project activities to NIPS and report to the NIPS coordinator and Isabel Provincial Government on needs and issues as they arise.

Inform the Isabel Provincial Government and Network for the Indigenous peoples Solomons of any conflict of interest.

Fully understand and sign the MoU according to the project work plan and calendar and uphold the good reputation of the Hageulu community and Network for the Indigenous peoples Solomons at all times.

As a party to the partnership, the Isabel Provincial Government must support and observe the Women4biodiversity activities according to the agreed work plan and calendar and observe the ongoing programme of the project.

Provide feedback on the project performance to Network for the indigenous Peoples Solomons and report any performance issues that arise and provide technical officers to engage during the course of the project upon request.

As the funding agency, Network for the indigenous peoples Solomons (NIPS) is responsible to oversee the Women4Biodiversity project and its management according to the agreed work plan and calendar. 

Provide training and technical support to Hageulu community, Provide updated reports to donor partner, Hageulu community and Isabel Provincial Government and highlight the ongoing activities of the project through Social media and print media.

Government reject Sasako’s $5m payout claims

Written by
Press Release
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The Office of the Prime Minister

Government has dismissed and rubbished the news article by Alfred Sasako who claimed that government Members of Parliament have been paid $5 million each to carryout constituency consultation regarding the deferment of the dissolution of the 11th parliament.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) said that claim of $5m each paid to government MPs is baseless, unfounded and ridiculous.

The OPMC statement, however, stated that all MPs were given $100,000 each purposely for consultations in their respective constituencies on the matter of the delaying of election or deferral of the dissolution of parliament.

“In total a sum of $5 million was paid out to MPs, each MP was allocated the budget of $100,000 for that specific purpose,” the OPMC explained.

The OPMC statement further added that if Sasako was to pay attention, he would have noted that the funding was budgeted for and had he paid attention to government’s press releases he would have learnt of it.

OPMC calls on Sasako to attend the weekly press conferences organized and managed by the OPMC Press Secretariat, so that he is kept abreast of issues.

OPMC also reminded Sasako that the OPMC is open to phone calls and emails.

LSL closes in on government

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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The High Court of Solomon Islands. Photo by SIBC.

SIG given until Friday to settle $32.4M

By EDDIE OSIFELO

LEVERS Solomon Limited (LSL) has given the Government until Friday to comply with its High Court order.

This followed negotiations with the Government officials in Honiara yesterday.

LSL also agreed to delay the repossession of its property at Hell’s Point, east Honiara, until Friday following.

High Court Deputy Chief Justice, Rex Foukona on16th August 2022 made an order for the Government to pay LSL $32.4 million plus interests by yesterday’s deadline.

The company’s Barrister, Geoffrey McDonald told the media the negotiation is friendly and positive.

“We remain hopeful but at 6pm tonight (last night) we are undecided whether to accept the proposal put by SIG,” McDonald said.

“It was not unreasonable but not yet accepted,” he added.

McDonald said SIG agreed they will comply with the High Court order.

“They were very kind to say they will comply with High Court order.

“My thoughts are they should unreservedly comply with a Hight court, it’s not been negotiable, it just happens,” he said.

However, McDonald said the order got several components, including interests and rents.

“His Lordship calculated the interests but didn’t calculate the rents.

“So, there is a number of rents, but there is a calculation of rents,” he said.

“There is a principle, augmented on tax. So, it’s not absolutely clear what is to be done to comply with the order.

“For example, I think interests are $6000 per day, that is another $20,000 by Friday, that is serious money,” he said.

At the negotiations, the LSL representatives were Director Patrick Wong, Alice Willy (lawyer), Geoffrey McDonald, Barrister at law and landowners.

SIG was represented by Ministry of Finance and Treasury Permanent Secretary, Dentana Mckini, Solicitor General, Accountant General, Investment Cooperation of Solomon Islands (ICSI) Director, Tukana Bovoro and Commissioner of Lands, Alan McNeil.

Japanese Ambassador pays visit to Arnon Atomea School

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Arnon Atomea School Principal Mr Henry Bare (left) chatting with H.E Miwa Yoshiaki during the visit to the school on Thursday last week.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

ARNON Atomea Provincial Secondary School on Malaita was graced with the visit of Japan’s Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, Miwa Yoshiaki last Thursday.

The visit was purposely to hand over a Japanese funded classroom building to the St John Dala Primary School where he also met and discussed areas of cooperation with the head of Arnon Atomea PSS.

Speaking during his visit Mr Yoshiaki highlighted Japan’s commitment and cooperation with the government of Solomon Islands in the field of education.

Ambasador of Japan to Solomon Islands, His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki delivering his remark at Malu’u – Anorn Atomea PSS.

He said apart from education, there are different areas like infrastructure, agriculture, fisheries and many other fields.

The Ambassador said he is pleased to visit Malaita province, particularly Arnon Atomea PSS to have this conversation with the school and see where they can go.

On the same note, he emphasized the importance of education and what it means to the people and government of Japan.

A traditional dancing group leading the delegation during their visit to Arnon Adomea PSS at Malu’u provincial subcentre this week.

He said the modernization and industrialization of Japan started in the mid-19th century. And during that time the only resource Japan had was its people.

“That is why education is important to us to educate our people to grow the industries, economy, society, academic and development of Japan.

“And my encouragement to students is to study hard, read more books that will set a good basis for further studies,” Yoshiaki said.

His Excellency, Miwa Yoshiaki and Premier Daniel Suidani are presented with shell money gifts from members of Arnon Atomea School during their visit to the school on Thursday last week.

Premier Daniel Suidani thanked the Ambassador for visiting and discussing with them on some potential areas of cooperation.

He said Malaita Provincial Government owns the school and it has served the education needs of people within the region together with other Community High Schools.’

“Your visit is an opportunity to see where we can cooperate and develop to improve the education sector in the province and build the human resources of the country.  

Premier Suidani and H.E Yoshiaki with members of MARA government executive during their visit to Arnon Atomea PSS last week.

School Principal of Arnon Atomea PSS, Henry Bare also thanked His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki for the visit and discussions and they look forward for more cooperation with his office.

Malaita government pushes for Suava Bay development

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Premier-Daniel-Suidani-delivering-his-remark-during-a-breif-visit-to-Manaabu-village-in-Suava-Bay-last-week.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

THE Malaita Provincial Government has given its support to working closely with landowners and partners in the development pursuit of Suava Bay.

And as part of its efforts, MARA has contributed towards reconciliation between rival tribes within the Suava Bay, as well as the signing of a MOU to allow tribes to work together in developing the area.

Speaking during a recent visit by the Japanese Ambassador, His Excellency Miwa Yoshiaki to Mana’abu village on Suava Bay, Premier Daniel Suidani said he is eager to cooperate with landowners of Suava to develop a mega project for Malaita province and Solomon Islands.

He highlighted that apart from Suava Bay, other mega projects that are unfolding in the province are; Bina Harbour Tuna Processing Plant, SCALE NRM project and soon the New Kilu’ufi hospital project.

Suidani said for 20 over years, the national government has been trying to develop Suava and there were gaps needing connection that has resulted in the slow maneuver of the project.

He told landowners this is a new beginning, one that needs simplicity to collaborate with the government and development partners to make things done.

Suidani said his government believes in the spirit of inclusiveness and to leave no-one behind on the project.

“MARA government cannot do anything with you landowners. Though we signed whatever agreements, we must come back to you, we dearly need your cooperation.

“My government is also willing to hear the cries of every single tribe within the Suava Bay. And so, you must willingly come forward so that we can talk and work together,” he said.

According to Premier Suidani, 70 percent of development is all about talking whilst 30 percent is the actual work.

He said no major development happens overnight, there are processes to submit to and they require talking/discussions to make it happen as people expect.

On that note, Suidani acknowledged the Ambassador of Japan to Solomon Islands for accepting a site visit to the Suava Bay areato meet and hear from landowners.

“We want to convey our gratitude to the people and government of Japan.

“This is the moment we have been waiting for. We are waiting for a development partner that has similar principles to ours to willingly come forward and look into our cries.

“We have also been trying to develop Suava Bay for sometimes, however, there are shortfalls and nothing much has materialized on the ground as per development.

“Now, it’s a new beginning with different approaches being sought and we are committed to let no space for error in the pursuit of the Suava Bay project,” he said.

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