Home Blog Page 686

India ready to provide assistance: Sundaramurthi

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
India's Ambassador designates to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Inbasekar Sundaramurthi.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

INDIA’S Ambassador designate to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Inbasekar Sundaramurthi says India is ready to provide assistance to Solomon Islands.

Mr Sundaramurthi confirmed this in his recent visit earlier this week.

“India is ready to provide assistance in capacity building, technical expertise and projects to mitigate the impact of climate change, natural disasters renewable energy.

“We are ready to do that under grants and aid that is why I came to request foreign Minister and line Ministers education and health,” he said.

Sundaramurthi stressed in the education sector India is willing to build classrooms and help out in the revising of school curriculums. 

“In education, I told the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development that India is willing to build classrooms, revised school curriculum and India can send experts here who can print school text books on education and we can send teachers for a short period,” he said.

He said there is also scholarships for India called the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (known as ITEC in short) is a capacity building program. Sundaramurthi said India has been offering assistance to Solomon Islands in capacity building by allocating four training slots per year in diverse fields under the ITEC programme

Tourism going well: PM

Written by
Ofani Eremae
-
0
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands tourism is recovering much better than expected.

The industry employs thousands across the country, and was brought to its knees during the covid-19 border restrictions across the globe, and more so, during covid-19 transmission last year within the country.

But, kicking off 2023, tourism in Solomon Islands is announced as making a huge comeback, even for the Pacific region.

Yesterday the major event, Tourism In Focus, was successfully staged by Tourism Solomons, bringing together the industry’s authorities, operators and stakeholders.

Testimonies shared by speakers in the event reflected an industry recovered and ready for growth in the new year – 2023.

In his speech, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the local tourism industry is performing quite well with an average growth rate of seven percent.

Using pre-covid statistics, Mr Sogavare pointed out the peak which the industry is aiming to retake.

In 2019, visitor arrivals reached more than thirty thousand, Sogavare said.

“The industry has contributed an estimated $500 million in the local economy.

“Provide 3.1 percent of total employment in the country.

“This is how significant this very important sector is.

 “And so much untapped potential and so the theme repositioning the brand therefore means we ought to unlock this potential,” Sogavare said.

More than a hundred attended the Tourism In Focus which is said to be the most significant gathering where tourism stakeholders met, discuss, dialogue and share ideas to drive the industry forward.

Tenelle to visit schools today before show

Written by
Ofani Eremae
-
0
Tenelle poses for the cameras at yesterday’s press conference. She’s excited to be in the Solomons and is looking forward to woo fans tonight with her beautiful voice and music at the Coral Sea Casino and Resort. The show starts at 7pm. Photo credit - Elton Lonaratha Jnr

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

A lot of kids and fans will today have one of their dreams come true – meeting a mega star in person.

Tenelle will be visiting schools today before her show tonight.

American Samoan singer-songwriter from Carson, California, USA, Tenelle Christine Luafalemana also known by her stage name Tenelle is currently on tour in Honiara for a one night Love and  Reggae live show tonight at Coral Sea Resort and Casino.

The Samoan, Tokelau and Africa-American and Portuguese original will be touring the Solomon Islands as her final tour until July. She will end her tour at the Western Province, Double A club-Noro tomorrow night (Feb 11).

Speaking to the media yesterday she confirmed kicking off her tour in Honiara by visiting schools before the show tonight, adding her expectations for the show tonight.

“In every Island every tour I took, I always make an appointment to visit schools and talk to the kids.

“Yes we supposed to visit couple of schools tomorrow before the show. Visiting schools is also one of my passions because I love children. It’s just the kids. I’m a huge fan of the children because they don’t know who I am even their parents. It’s not about allowing them to know who I am but I just want to be with the children and share the same space with them and just spend the time with the kids with prayers and to hear their stories and their upbringing and stuff like that,” she said.

She requests public to come and enjoy the show and be responsible, saying 10 songs will be delivered tonight.

“I’m looking forward for the people to see how they receive me. One thing about me on stage is I’m the same person both on and off stage. So I just pray that they receive me, see me as themselves, as a family. It’s really exciting and I won’t go into things with expectations and I’m ready to have a good time

“My advice for people that will be coming over to the show is, I would just say let’s all drink responsibly, let’s have some fun and its nothing but good vibes and a good time and that is what we are here for. I want to make people feel happy if I can help them escape something in their lives because all of us are going through things that nobody knows about

“I know that music is something that allows people to escape. So come to the show and just escape with me.

“I just like the people to look at me on the stage and say Yeah that’s my sis so that they can relate to me and I think this is one of my very important things in how I pursue. One thing I always say in any band is just play like yourself,” she added.

WANETA vs FINI

Written by
Samie Waikori
-
0
Chairman of PAC , Glen Waneta.

Election for new premier for Malaita province today in Auki

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Glen Waneta or Martin Fini could be Malaita province’s next premier, today.

Mr Waneta (MPA for ward 8, Maluu, North Malaita constituency) is the former executives’ nominee, and Mr Fini (MPA for ward 3, Buma, West Kwara’ae constituency) is the candidate for the former non-executives.

MPA for ward 3 (Buma), Martin Fini.

Fini was the mover of the motion that successfully dethroned former premier Daniel Suidani on Tuesday this week.

The election for new premier today will be held by way of secret ballot in the provincial chamber in Auki at 9.30am.

Speaker Ronnie Butala told SunAuki that as of 4pm yesterday, his office has received two nominees for the election.

Waneta is nominated by MPA for ward 21 of Small Malaita constituency, Dickson Pola and MPA for ward 24 of West Are Are, Peter Clay Taraumae.

Fini is nominated by MPA for ward 14 of Fataleka constituency, David Solo Baerara and MPA for ward 22 of Small Malaita constituency, Martin Mae.

Butala said his office has accepted the nominations.

He said the election is expected to take an hour, after that the new premier will be announced.

Both candidates have served up to three terms each in the Malaita provincial assembly and have experience in the province’s politics.

Fini’s camp reportedly has the majority of the house with 17 MPAs, while Waneta’s 16 MPAs.

A great blessing for Nusa Roviana & Baeni Communities: Vana

Written by
Ben Bilua
-
0

BY BEN BILUA

Health Inspector of Western Province has described the recently launched water supply project at Nusa Roviana and Baeni communities as a great blessing.

Speaking to Island Sun Merilyn Vana said both communities were without proper water supply for decays.

She said both communities rely on rain water and dug-out walls to get water for cooking, swimming and also drinking.

“A total of 20 hand pumps and four cement tanks with the capacity to store 5000 gallons of water were installed in Nusa Roviana while 20 water standpipes set up at Baeni village.

“Now enabling community members to access water with greater ease,” Vana said.

She said four to five households are enjoying one water-pump at Nusa Roviana.

Vana adds that similar arrangements was also established at Baeni community.

She acknowledged the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, through the R-Wash Project for funding and successfully implementing the project.

Gaena’alu movement demands government pass fed bill, March

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Special Secretary to the Prime Minister Albert Kabui. Photo supplied

By EDDIE OSIFELO

The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) needs to pass the Federal Constitution Bill in this March’s sitting to prepare each province for State government.

President of Gaena’alu Movement Jerry Sabino expressed this after Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui said it is not simple since the Government has the number.

Kabui said this would not mean just simply amending the Constitution, rather it would mean repealing the full Constitution.

“So, the draft Federal Constitution, when you repeal the Constitution, technically speaking, when you repeal the whole constitution, it means all the existing structures don’t have legal effects.

“Which means automatically all the new structures in the Constitution need to take effect,” he said.

“So, the question is, are we ready for this to happen?

“Because once we repeal the current constitution and we like new constitution to automatically take place or automatically take effect,” he said.

Kabui said what it means is Guadalcanal Province must have a High Court, Director of Public Prosecution, own police force, own medical authority to pay its own nurses and own education authority.

“Do we have that in place or not?” he asked.

Kabui said it’s not a matter about number, there are steps in place.

“It is the question of putting the right institutions in place so that transition period is smooth,” he added.

However, Sabino said Schedule 13 of the Federal Constitution talks about general provisions on transition and transformation.

He said if Parliament passes the Federal Constitution, the country will operate on an interim Constitution that provides for the transition and transformation programme, to happen on each state.

“For example, Malaita has a 10 years transition period to prepare it for State Government.

“Once Malaita is ready after 10 years, it will be declared a State Government,” he said.

Sabino said under the current British’s unitary system adopted by Solomon Islands in Independence, it cannot prepare any province to become states, until Parliament passes the Federal Constitution.

Apart from that, Kabui said the draft Federal Constitution needs to go through a cost analysis and peer review before the Government can proceed with it.

He told media on Tuesday, a consultant was supposed to come and do a cost analysis, but was deferred due to Covid 19.

He said Constitutional Reform Unit is also suggesting to get lawyers to have a second look on the bill.

The draft Federal Constitution was handed over to the Government in October 2018 after 10 years of consultation throughout the country.

It aims to change the British’s unitary system to a Republic system.

Tourism focus today

Written by
Ofani Eremae
-
0

BY NED GAGAHE

The day-long tourism focus event is set to commence today 11.30 at the Heritage Park Hotel.

The annual Tourism in Focus gathering will be hosted by Tourism Solomons, and Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare is expected to deliver the keynote address.

The event is also expected to bring together distinguished officials, heads of diplomatic missions, government officials and key tourism stakeholders with the theme ‘repositioning the Solomon Islands Tourism Brand’.

The event is by far the most significant gathering where Solomon Islands tourism industry leaders to meet and discuss matters of interests in advancing the tourism sector after the covid-19 that severely impacted the industry.

The previous summit was held in February 2021 during the tenure of late CEO Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto.

Last year the event was cancelled due to covid-19 pandemic.

SEASONAL WORK OPENS

Written by
Ofani Eremae
-
0
MFAET Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck

Two-week window starts Feb 27

THE Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade is opening the new recruitment drive for workers to work in New Zealand and Australia, from February 27 to March 10.

Solomon Islanders between 21 to 50 years old are eligible to apply for the programme.

However, this year, LMU is introducing online and email submissions and not hand delivery of applications to the office.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck said they have learnt some lessons from 2021 when LMU received nearly 8,000 applicants.

He said when they used the manual approach, it took them nearly two years just to keep interviewing, processing and data and at the same time mobilising workers.

“For this submission, next round of recruitment, we are asking everyone to do digitally to allow data come and go straight to data base,” he said.

Beck said there will be demonstration on this.

There will be a video demonstration on how to make submission.

The online submission can be done online via this link: https://solomon.pacificlabour.org/register

While email submissions can be sent through to this email address: [email protected]

All applicants must meet the following criteria:

  1. Have a valid passport.
  2. Applicants must be fit and healthy / not colour blind.
  3. Able to consistently lift 30kg from the floor.
  4. Able to work standing for extended periods of time.
  5. Applicants must be of good character with a strong work ethic.
  6. Have no Criminal Convictions or police records (or any ongoing criminal /court cases)
  7. Not consume alcohol
  8. Must be able to work on Weekends (Saturdays and/or Sundays)
  9. Applicants are encouraged to get vaccinated for Covid-19.

All applications must include:

  1. A cover letter (Expression of interest) outlining why you are interested to join the WRP to work in Australia. (Required)
  2. Applicants must include a CV that includes education and work experience including relevant dates. (required)
  3. Reference letters from previous employer/educational institutions/church leaders/community leaders are accepted. (required)
  4. Academic certificates (optional but encouraged)
  5. A copy of your passport bio-page, copy of receipt from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) is accepted (required)
  6. Valid Driving license (optional but encouraged)
  7. A full body length photo of yourself. (required)
  8. A copy of your Vaccine Card. (required)
  9. Include a recent Police Clearance certificate, copy of receipt from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT) is accepted.  (required)

In the meantime, the LMU team will make an outreach to underrepresented provinces to do recruitment in order to spread the wealth from the Labour Mobility nationwide.

The scheduled provinces are:

– Makira: week of 27th February

– Temotu: Week of 6th March

– Isabel: Week of 13th March

Govt recommends federal constitution bill undergo cost analysis first: SSPM

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Special Secretary to the Prime Minister Albert Kabui. Photo supplied

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE draft Federal Constitution needs to go through a cost analysis and peer review before the Government can proceed with it.

This after the draft Bill is still with the Constitutional Review Unit under the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui told media yesterday, a consultant was supposed to come and do a cost analysis, but was deferred due to Covid 19.

He said CRU also is suggesting to get lawyers to have a second look on the bill.

However, the Guadalcanal Post-Conflict, Reconciliation Rehabilitation and Restoration Association (GPCRRRA) petitions to see new Federal Constitution of Solomon Islands tables in Parliament, in the March’s sitting.

This after the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) led by Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, has deferred the tabling of the Bill twice, last year.

Instead, Sogavare promised Guadalcanal people a timeline of 2026 to finalize all arrangements and see the system fully implemented.

Speaking during their meeting at Kakabona, West Honiara recently, President of Gaena’alu Movement and Member of Provincial Assembly for Moli ward (10), Jerry Sabino, said time for talking is over, they want to see action now.

Sabino said this Government has the two thirds majority to change the Constitution in Parliament.

“We cannot wait for 2026 because of Solomon Islands political history of seeing coalition government formed after elections.

“Our hope is with this government because they have the number now to do anything,” he said.

Sabino said they do not want to see the tabling of the Federal Constitution drags on like the Townsville Peace Agreement, that never being implemented after the signing in 2000.

However, SSPM Kabui said it is not as simple as the Government has the number.

He said this would not mean you amend the Constitution, but you repeal full Constitution.

“So, the draft Federal Constitution, when you repeal the Constitution, technically speaking, when you repeal the whole constitution, it means all the existing structures don’t have legal effects.

“Which means automatically all the new structures in the Constitution need to take effect,” he said.

“So, the question is, are we ready for this to happen?

“Because once we repeal the current constitution and we like new constitution to automatically take place or automatically take effect,” he said.

“What it means is Guadalcanal Province must have a High Court, Director of Public Prosecution, own police force, own medical authority to pay its own nurses and own education authority.

“Do we have that in place or not?” he asked.

Kabui said it’s not a matter about number, there are steps in place.

“It is the question of putting the right institutions in place so that transition period is smooth,” he added.

The draft Federal Constitution was handed over to the Government in 2019 after 10 years of consultation throughout the country.

It aims to change the British’s unitary system to a Republic system.

PEC holds consultations on MP salary increase

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Parliament Entitlements Commission (PAC) has begun its consultation with relevant stakeholders last month to increase the salaries of Members of Parliament.

PEC has met with Solomon Islands Council of Trade Union recently following threat of demonstration after the proposal was leaked in the social media.

The Commission will also meet with Budget Unit in the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and expects submission from Central Bank of Solomon Islands.

They plan to meet with the Parliamentary House Committee when all there members are available.

Chairman of PEC, Johnson Siapu told media yesterday the decision taken by the Commission is because the current salary taken out of context in media, is a proposal since 2017 and 2019.

He said it is to do with Cost of Living Adjustment that was given to Public Servants in 2017 and 2019.

“When Public Servants received increase, the Commission must look into Members of Parliament.

“It is still a proposal,” he said.

Furthermore, Siapua said they started consultation in 2017 and planned to implement in 2019 but the Covid 19 disrupted it.

He said under Section 69B of the Constitution, it talks about their role to look into:

(i) the state of the national economy and the financial position of the Government;

(ii) movements in the level of the pay and other entitlements admissible to other persons in employment; and

(iii) changes in the retail price index and other relevant indicator showing the cost of maintaining the standard of living that Parliamentarians might reasonably be expected to enjoy.

The regulation shall come into effect on April 1.

1...685686687...1,726Page 686 of 1,726