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Suidani calls building “new kid on the block”

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Premier Daniel Suidani and SINPF Board acting Chairman,Mr David Rupokets cut the ribbon to officially open the newly Auki SINPF building on tuesday as witnessed by members of SINPF directors (left) and

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

PREMIER of Malaita province, Daniel Suidani has described the newly opened Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) Auki building as a ‘new kid on the block’ in Auki.

The building was described a facelift to Auki town, one that not only SINPF and Our Telekom would be proud of, but the government and people of Malaita province for hosting and having the building.

Speaking during the official ceremony to officially open the building on Tuesday, Premier Suidani thanked SINPF and Solomon Telekom for their efforts to ensure Malaita province has the building.

He thanked them for the confidence invested in such a new infrastructure in the province, one he said would be the beginning of others to come.

Deputy Chief of Party for Winrock, Dr Morgan Wairiu (left) meets with the SINPF CEO and GM, Mr Michael Wate during a visit in the building.

“I believe your confidence in investing in Malaita will provide a pivotal message to other major business houses in the country that Malaita is ready to welcome any worthy investors.

“It is the fact that Malaita has a big population that any investors should be able to rely on when it comes to trade and doing business.

“And the key to any striving economy be it national or sub-national is a growing private sector investment.

“My MARA government welcomes and encourages the private sector to continue increase its participation in the local economy of Malaita province,” Suidani said.

On that note, he stressed that public sector intervention in business enterprises must not be done to crowd private sector participation.

Part of the guests that attended the ceremony yesterday in Auki.

“We must continue to allow conducive partnerships of business houses and even private public sectors partnerships,” Suidani said.

He thanked Our telekom on behalf of the people and government of Malaita for their foresight in investing in the building and SINPF for funding the building.

Suidani said MPG looks forward for futuristic thinking of SINPF to continue support the tangible investments on Malaita province.

SINPF opens new building in Auki

Written by
Samie Waikori
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The SINPF newly opened property investment, the SINPF Our Telekom Haus in Auki

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) officially opened its new property investment in the Malaita capital, Auki on Tuesday.

The magnificent ‘our telekom haus’ building was built by Tropical Glass Builders and has gone a step further in contributing to the facelift of Auki as the provincial town of Malaita and marks the first SINPF investment in the province.

Speaking during the ceremony yesterday, SINPF Chairman (acting), David Rupokets said the completion of the building marks the investment journey of the SINPF Board on the first substantial investment of its members in the province for their retirement and old age.

“This is now the 3rd provincial capital outside of Honiara that we have invested our members fund in. The province centres include, Solomon Tuna cannery at Noro, and property investments in Tulagi.

Director of Tropical Glass Builders, Mr Justin Fu’oo hands over the key of the building to the SINPF Board Chairman (acting), Mr David Rupokets during the ceremony on tuesday.

“The investment in this new building is part of a previous strategic decision that the Solomon Telekom Board took that the cash flow they have will be used only for the core business of the company and office buildings to be built by its shareholders,” he said.

Rupokets said with the completion of the building the board has invested up to $15 million from the acquisition of the land to the designing and construction of the SINPF Auki, Our Telekom Haus.

He said Malaita is the largest province in terms of population and SINPF is now positioning the funds in terms of improving its ability to consider potential future investment in the province.

“I would like to inform you that following this investment we will be looking at the feasibility of developing our second commercial property, the former Auki Plaza into our new commercial flagship of the province.

“This will be an exciting investment as the Malaita province economy continues to grow and the potential to expand further with various infrastructure investments that are planned for the province,” Rupokets said.

He said SINPF thanked the Director of Tropical Glass Builders, Justin Fu’oo for constructing the building, MPG through its Town Planning Board for guidance during construction and every stakeholders who have contributed towards the successful completion of the building.

MOTION WITHDRAWN

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Banners are pasted in the street of Auki calling for the withdraw of the Motion against Suidani.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

THE Motion of No-confidence against Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani has been withdrawn this morning as groups of people marched through Auki demanding MARA remains in power.

The events leading to the withdrawal of the motion started yesterday, when angry crowds blocked and locked the Provincial Assembly Chamber in protest against the no-confidence vote scheduled to be tabled against Premier Daniel Suidani today.

Around mid-day they gathered at the provincial chamber and demanded everyone in the building to leave and to lock-down the facility.

Even the premier and members of his executive were in the building during that time and were forced to leave the chamber.

Premier Daniel Suidani confirmed to the local media in Auki yesterday what transpired, saying they were told to leave the chamber and they did so as the people had demanded.

He said the building belongs to the people and they respect their rights and the power they have to decide on what is good for the property they own.

Suidani said his government is prepared and ready to face the motion if it is tabled today.

Deputy Premier, Glen Waneta also concurred with the premier’s statement saying there is a provision under the provincial Standing Order (S.O) that provides for the recognition of people.

He said it was on this notion that they respect people’s request and left the building as demanded.

Clerk to the provincial assembly, Matthew Maefai also told the local media what had happened, saying his office respect the people’s demand for this is their power.

He said locking the chamber or blocking access to the facility means the motion of no-confidence against Suidani may not be moved today.

Maefai said in addition to that order papers for the motion supposed to be prepared by the office of the speaker and his office was not prepared and ready yesterday.

He said the speaker called him yesterday so that they could prepare the order papers, but they never met due to some issues that seems not right to his office.

“The speaker called me and I told him to come down to the provincial chamber to prepare the order paper.

“Instead, he told me to go down to the police station to prepare the paper there.

“His request for me to meet him at the police station is for security purposes in which I consulted the premier and his deputy premier and they turned down the request.

“They told me that the provincial chamber is the right place to prepare the order paper and not the police station.

“And if he wants us to do the work, it must be done at the chamber and not anywhere else,” Maefai said.

Auki Police Operation Manager, Eddie Koto when speaking on the arrangement made by the speaker to prepare the order paper at the Auki police station, said he will not allow such work to be carried out at the station.

He shared similar statements to the premier that the provincial chamber is the right place to do the work and not at the Auki police station.

Koto stressed that the police must remain neutral in the current situation and they are only there to provide security and ensure the motion takes place peacefully if it is carried out.

He said the reactions of people towards the motion are being witnessed in Auki and in order to mitigate any risk to the public of Auki, the movers of the motion must rethink their decision.

Koto said they are leaders themselves and when faced with such situation, they must think about the welfare of the people they are mandated to lead not for the bad but for the good.  

In Auki, vehicles carrying banners pasted on them and even a flotilla with banners in support of the MARA government and calls to withdraw the motion.

People claimed the motion is not in their interest and must be withdrawn.

Also, an influx of people from parts of the province, as well as from Honiara, converged at Auki ahead of today’s proposed date.

Island Sun understands that the 33 MPAs are already in Auki.

541 reported with vaccine side effects

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

A total of 541 additional individuals reportedly experienced COVID-19 vaccine side effects relating to the administration of the vaccines, says Dr Yogesh Choudhri.

Choudhri, senior Advisor to Ministry of Health and Medical Services, revealed in a recent radio talk back show on COVID-19 update.

“We received a total of 541 reports of adverse events related to the administration of the vaccines,” he said.

Choudhri added these side effects mostly involved pain in the arm, headache, muscle ache, body ache, and joint ache.

But he said these are over within two days.

“We have also received four reports of serious events which was also related to the vaccination but when the detailed reports were analysed, they were not associated with the vaccination,” he said.

Choudhri also thanked Australia for the donation of 100,000 doses of AstraZeneca, which he said was so far the largest consignment of the vaccines.

He said with that, the country currently has 145,000 doses of vaccine currently in stock.

Court officials accused of receiving illegal pay

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

By EDDIE OSIFELO

HIGH Court officials have been accused of requesting and illegally receiving payments worth around $83,300 from a party in a case.

Those reportedly benefitted include Jeff Hou, Registrar Myonnie Tutua and and a Sherriff officer, Moses Inomae.

According to records produced by economist George Kosui, who has investigated the issue, Inomae allegedly received a total of $65,500 in his name.

The Registrar was accused of receiving a total of $15,000 while Sheriff Jeff Hou allegedly got $5,000.

Kosui said Solomon Security Services has been requested by these officers to pay them fees whenever they discuss issues relating to the court case.

“Although the payments are small, which might be the reason for losing the case, the actions by these officers are deemed corrupt, unethical and have contributed to compromising the independence of the Judiciary system of Solomon Islands,” Kosui said.

“Payments to High Court Officers totaling $83,000 have been recorded,” he added.

Responding to the allegation, Registrar of High Court, Tutua said this is the first time that such allegation has been brought to our attention.

“We will require as usual that whoever has the allegation to do the right thing and lodge a formal complaint to us with all the necessary details.

“We will in turn instigate our own enquiry into the matter and decide what appropriate action needs to be taken,” she said.

Wale questions riot police deployment to Malaita

Written by
Press Release
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Leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale

Matthew Wale, member for Aoke/Langalanga and Leader of the Opposition has come out questioning the deployment of riot police to Auki.

Social media has shown the deployment of riot police to Auki and their public demonstration of violent riot tactics in Auki school field, with many Auki dwellers expressing confusion over the appearance of the armed and threatening look on the Police.

“Twenty thousand Malaitans gathered two weeks ago in Auki to welcome Suidani without any incident, and without any arrests. Why is there a deployment to Auki now?” questioned Wale in a statement over the weekend.

Wale, recalling this recent peaceful occasion organised by the people of Malaita in one of the largest masses of people Auki has ever witnessed, queried the real intention of this reported police build up in Auki.

“Given this peaceful record, one cannot help but see this deployment as a provocation. I urge the Commissioner of Police to withdraw these forces and cease the intimidation tactics being practiced in public now,” Wale added.

The Leader of Opposition also observed the recent string of events, including public statements and even legal advice, that has pitched the DCGA government against the MARA government. 

In this regard, Wale said, “It is known that the DCGA has been actively undermining the MARA government and no doubt they would be happy to see the upcoming Motion of No Confidence succeed. The deployment of riot police is easily seen as politicisation of the police force, and an example of political warfare against MARA government.

“As Member for the Aoke-Langalanga constituency where Auki town is located, I condemn this abuse of Police presence in the peaceful and peace-loving town of Auki, Malaita. My people have hosted the biggest ever gathering of Malaitans in Auki with complete safety and joyful peace.

“We do not want to see violence created by the unnecessary provocation which is this “All Blacks” deployment. If there is any trouble in the coming week, we all know that this unnecessary show of force was part of its beginning. Commissioner, please stop hurting the people of Auki.”

—OPPOSITION PRESS

Accused fined $4000 over traffic offences

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A MAN found guilty of five counts of traffic offences has been fined $4,000.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea imposed the fine on Kaieti Manute yesterday over the incident, which occurred on 4 February this year.

Iomea said the court will not only impose a sentence as punishment but one that will deter you and other like-minded people from breaking the traffic rules and to remind the public that the courts will not tolerate those who decide to put the safety of road users at risk by driving in similar circumstance in the future.

The court was earlier told Manute drove a Toyota hilux and made a u-turn at the Kukum junction in front of the Kukum police station and headed west-direction.

At that time traffic officers followed the accused and intercepted him at the Commonwealth Street.

The officers then breathalyzed him and the result showed that there was presence of alcohol in his blood.

Iomea told the accused during sentencing that “you were under the influence of drink and the manner in which you were driving at the material time was careless and dangerous to other users; you deliberately ignored and disrespected direction from Police who were enforcing the law”.

“You were driving whilst you were not a holder of a valid driver’s licence and the vehicle you were driving had an expired license.

“Those were the offences you committed. The facts as agreed constitute your offending.”

Iomea said the aim of the Traffic Act is to ensure road safety.

“Our duty as road users is to observe and obey the traffic laws, you as the owner and driver of the vehicle you have a responsibility to get proper licence or renew the relevant license when they are due for renewal.

“It is also your duty as a driver to consider the safety of the public and road users when driving a vehicle on the road.

“Police officers are responsible for enforcing the law and it is our duty to support them and respect them.

“You have failed these duties and consequently, you are now facing punishment before this court.”

Sogavare must take responsibility for nation’s tragic economic state: Wale

Written by
Press Release
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Leader of Opposition Matthew Wale has urged the Prime Minister to take responsibility for the nation’s current economic state.

Wale made this call following the Prime Minister’s recent budget announcement, where he outlined the uncertainties and risks that could negatively impact the fiscal outlook for 2022.

The Prime Minister his speech pointed out that the negative impacts of covid-19, along with any decline in logging would adversely affect this Country’s economy.  

However, while acknowledging the impacts the pandemic is having on the economy, the Leader of Opposition strongly rejected the PM’s presentation, pointing out that it is not the cause for the country’s dire economic state.

Wale asserted that the poor state of the economy, is due to Government’s heavy reliance on logging.

The Opposition Leader stressed that, “our tragic economic state is a direct result of Government heavily relying on this exploitive, unjust and corrupt industry”.

According to Wale, Government and key leaders have been at best grossly negligent or even complicit in allowing this disaster-generating industry to carry on over the years.

“Sogavare as Prime Minister for the fourth time,” Wale emphasized, “bears more responsibility for the exploitative logging practices and the lack of reforms to this sector”.

This, the Opposition Leader stressed, is the main reason for our dire economic situation.

“If this continues, then I am afraid the Prime Minister is setting up this nation and its people for further exploitation,” Wale added.

The Leader of Opposition concluded that it is therefore a matter of great urgency and importance that the Prime Minister takes responsibility for this nation’s grim state by putting a stop to exploitative logging practices. 

–OPPOSITION PRESS

Public servants graduate from 2021 IPAM courses

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Press Release
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NSO Officers, Florence Walekwate and Grace Perakana with their certificates.

More than two hundred public servants on Friday 22nd October received certificates after completing various courses offered by the Institute of Public Administration and Management, IPAM this year.

The 260 officers from 20 ministries within the Public service have been attending the courses provided in the third and fourth quarter of this year.

Included are four officers from the National Statistics Office, NSO.

The graduation ceremony was held at the Saint Barnabas Cathedral Hall on Friday morning with the Permanent Secretary for Public Service Nego Sisiolo as guest of honor.

Mr Sisilo spoke on the theme of building public service capabilities for quality service delivery.

He stressed that training public servants is a key role of the Public service and IPAM is mandated to carry out the training as specified in CAP92 of the Public Service Act.

“The role based trainings are unique because they deal with the actual practice and it has to be frequent to ensure that public officers stay relevant in executing their roles.

Left to right; VSA Country Manager Solomon Islands; Shupayi Mpunga Direen, PS Public Service Nego Sisiolo, and IPAM Director Solomon Mane.

“While the trainings are on certain areas of practice like Microsoft and Excel, Information and Communications Technology and Knowing Your Public service, the general expectation is to also be ethical and to improve competence.” 

Mr Sisilo made the assurance that while training impact may not be evident, IPAM and the Ministry of Public Service will be working on a framework to ensure the trainings that were delivered will be monitored for impact.

He said the Public Service will try to ensure that the trainings are not mere knowledge and intellect but are practiced to ensure that the service they provide is of quality standard.

Meanwhile NSO’s Grace Perakana, a statistician within the Social section says, the course she took was an eye opener for her and very informative. Ms. Perakana participated in the course ‘Knowing Your Public Service.’

“I started working in the Public Service under NSO with very limited knowledge of the system, procedures and policies put in place. 

Attending this Course has given me a broader view and understanding on Government operations, roles and functions of certain institutions, the processes and procedures of implementing the government policies. ”

“It has also provided me an understanding about the responsibilities of government officers who deliver services to the public sector.

Mrs Perakana says with the knowledge she has acquired, she now knows who to go to when addressing certain concerns or issues and which institution or ministries to go to according to their specific roles and responsibilities.

She stressed the very simple things such as work ethics, standards and values are very important because they contribute to how people will see the Public Service and have confidence in the public servants.

The graduation ceremony on Friday concludes the IPAM trainings for this year.

Education is the way forward: Dr Aqorau

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Dr Transform Aqorau.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

LEADING scholar Dr Transform Aqorau says education is the way forward for the country to achieve better transformation.

Speaking to students during Goldie College’s graduation last week, he said Solomon Islands needs scholars in different professions to drive the country’s ambitions.

“We can be able to put this country in a better position by doing well in education,” Aqorau said.

He adds that education is one of the best weapons that can protect the country’s sovereignty from bad influence coming from the outside world.

Aqorau said the world is changing at a rapid pace with many challenges some of which are threatening the core existence of the country.

He urged students to take education seriously by putting commitments towards their studies.

“I’ve paved the way to show pacific countries that we can do whatever other developed countries can do.

“I strongly believe that you are capable of going further in your studies and I must encourage you to be serious in your education,” Aqorau said.

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