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Youth groups end successful tour in Western province.

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Two youth-driven campaigns Side By Side Movement and U-REPORT successfully completed a joint weeklong learning exchange in the Western Province marking the start of a mash-up learning event for young leaders of Honiara and three provinces.

The inaugural Western Province tour was led by 27 young leaders and involved an engagement of over 60 youths from communities across Munda, Noro, Kolombangara, Gizo and surrounding areas of the Western capital.

In a statement yesterday, Side By Side and U-REPORT says the “Provincial Youth Exchange and Learning Program (PYELP)” will roll out over Western, Malaita and Guadalcanal in the coming weeks.

The PYELP is delivered with the support of Oxfam in the Pacific to communities with keen youth and gender-based interests in the form of awareness visits, music engagement, sharing photography/theatre/filmmaking skills, storytelling initiatives and an empathy building process.

Oxfam’s Side By Side Campaign Coordinator Neil Nuia who also manages the U-REPORT program in partnership with the National Government and UNICEF, says the weeklong exchange program in the Western province was an exciting achievement that was well received by the communities they had visited.

The Side By Side Campaign is a gender-based and youth-centred movement equivalent to Oxfam’s global ENOUGH Campaign while the U-REPORT is a recently designed digital program that aims to engage youths in national dialogues using mobile-based approaches and social media platforms.

“The outcome and support we received in the Western province was beyond our expectation. We want to thank all the youths that joined us, the Western Youth Council, Western Provincial Council of Women and the communities who hosted us with great hospitality,” Nuia says.

Neil added that PYELP also brings economic benefits to local women in the communities who hosted the accommodations of the 60 plus participants in the duration of the programme.

The PYELP closed on Sunday with a moving public theatre performance in Gizo, a rendition of Dreamcast Theatre’s “Freedom” play.

“Everybody loved the Freedom act and seeing it coming from youths of Western Province was a great feeling. They too must be applauded for taking leading roles in all these activities,” Nuia says.

“Our U-REPORT youth ambassadors promoted the free mobile-based text-messaging tool in Munda and surrounding areas of Gizo, including Titiana community,” Nuia explains for the U-REPORT component.

“Six registration drives have been conducted in these areas. The team was received with much excitement and curiosity following the service and it’s potential to collectively amplify nationwide youth issues.”

Documented activities including the Freedom play from the PYELP tour in Western will be highlighted this week in Honiara during an arts event at the MSG Building this Sunday. The public are welcomed to attend the event.

The PYELP will travel to Malaita later this month and wrap with a third tour in Guadalcanal.

–OXFAM PRESS

Construction to expand Hibiscus Apartment commence soon.

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

CONSTRUCTION is expected to commence in November or December this year on the $120 million expansion of the Hibiscus Executive Apartments and Residence for Australia’s DFAT.

Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) General Manager stated this during the declaration of the 6 percent crediting rate for members at Heritage Park Hotel last Thursday.

Wate said tenders were issued and opened for contractors to build this property investment project.

Furthermore, he said the Board with the support of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) of the World Bank Group commenced the feasibility of developing its 90 hectares land bank at Panatina for the development of homes for members.

Wate said a business case will be presented to the Board in this new financial year.

Further to that, Water said the IFC also provided support to the Board for its derisking options in South Pacific Oil Limited during the year and they will also expect a completion of that work in this financial year.

In the meantime, SINPF has completed major refurbishments of the Anthony Saru Building (ASB) and NPF buildings during the year with ASB almost fully tenanted.

The Auki, Malaita Province Solomon Telekom Sales Office building construction was completed towards the end of the financial year.

Wate said additional specific requirements by the two new tenants extended the completion of the building.

“The two tenants are expected to move in from 1 November 2021.

“The property is the first SINPF formal investment in Malaita Province,” Wate said.

Furthermore, Solomon Finance Limited trading as Our Finance is now fully resourced with its own Board and General Manager appointed in November 2020 and early 2021 respectively.

Wate said a new interim license was issued to SFL by the CBSI in December 2020.

He said SFL Board will apply for the conversion of the interim license in October 2021, with the new nonbank financial institution expected to commence its members leading business in early 2022.

NPF membership drop

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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General Manager for SINPF Mr Mike Wate

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) has witnessed a drop in membership this year.

Speaking at the declaration of the 6 percent crediting rate for members at Heritage Park Hotel last Thursday, General Manager, Mike Wate said 5,967 new members were registered during the year, down from previous year’s level of 6,182.

Wate said the total membership (with credit balance) increased to 144,198 million up from 143,950 recorded in the previous year.

He said contributions received from employers and members increased to $344.2 million up from $333.0 million in 2020.

“Total member contributions balance therefore increased to $3.3 billion from $3.1 billion in 2020,” he said.

Furthermore, Wate said active contributing members slightly declined to 57,530 from 59,330 recorded in the previous year.

He said active members hold a total contribution balance of $2.6 billion.

Fiji repatriation flight proposed for this month

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

A planned repatriation flight to bring home Solomon Island students in Fiji is proposed for 26th October 2021 if approval is given by the cabinet.

This was confirmed by Dr Jimmie Rodgers Secretary to Prime Minister in a radio talk back show on Sunday.

“We will be going back to cabinet next week for a proposal on how Solomon Islands can slowly re-open its flights. I’ve mentioned this one because we are going to be recommending first repatriation flight from Fiji to be on the 26th of October.” Rodgers said.

He said this flight if approved will only bring in smaller number of people to enter the country.

“We will be finalising a discussion paper to go through cabinet for their consideration for re-opening of flights.

“But for us to completely open our borders it’s a tough call,” Rodgers said.    

Acting High Commissioner for Solomon Islands in Fiji Ellison Mason confirmed that in term of the proposed repatriation flight his office is now working with the Fiji government to ensure clearance is given.  

SOSA gives back $645,000 to Selwyn College

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Chairman of Kirio Solomon Kalu and his comittee member present the money they raise to Principal Davidson Ngwaeramo and Arch Bishop Reverend Dawea.

Selwyn Old Scholars Association (SOSA) and students have raised $645,000 through its fundraising activities coincide with the 50th Golden Jubilee celebration of their school.

As part of celebrating the 50th Golden Jubilee the school body (SOSA) through its four divisions Kirio, MASI, Tahula and Noabu have organized fundraising activities for the past 6 months with a target of $150,000 each.

The funds will go towards schools’ renovation project set to kick start this week.

On Friday the four divisions presented the money they raised in style which brought great joy and satisfaction to former students, parents, families, students and the church.

Chairman of SOSA Robert Iroga commends each division for meeting their target adding nothing is impossible through hard work and commitment.

SOSA Chairman Robert Iroga, right, escorting the Governor General Sir David Vunagi during the presentation night on Friday.

“We are the living testimony to the success story of Selwyn College, without the school we would end up somewhere else or part of the problem but Selwyn College has transformed us to where we are today,” he said.

Iroga explains that SOSA family have the heart to support the school because they want to see future generation have access to quality education.

Kirio members showcasing school uniforms used by Selwyn College

He said with the money raised the committee will look at ways to utilize the funds.

He said the priorities areas are school sanitation and classrooms.

Tahulu division members procession to perform their presentation

He urges the new generation of SOSA to carry on the leadership so that the spirit of Unity and Faith live on forever.

School Principal Davidson Ngwaeramo confirmed the renovation of academic facilities will start this week.

The academy facilities include Science laboratory, chemistry, physics, biology and Home Economic.

He assured SOSA families that the school administration will use the funds in transparent and accountable in accordance with the ACOM and Ministry of Education.

He said if things go according to plan the school should have a new facelift by 2021.

He hopes the new facelift will serve the up coming generation for the next 50 years.

Noabu division Chairman Collin Dywane and PS Maesiola presenting amount they raise to School Principal Davidson Ngaeramo and Arch Bishop Reverend Leonard Dawea

He also stated that the renovation of boys and girls’ dormitories is the next priority area that the school administration will attain to after completing all classroom facilities.

“This means there is still a long work ahead of us,” he said.

Mr Ngwaeramo said the drama of SOSA fundraising for the past months have enacted the fundraising drive by Reverend Canon Bindon made to various part of the world to raise funds for the school after the cyclone Namu in 1986.

He said it is important that the true spirit of SOSA must keep alive at all times to ensure each generation take turn to ensure the learning environment is clean and safe for future scholars to enjoy.

He commends students from 1970-2021 for the good work they have done to raise the much-needed fund and give back to the school.

Only 4 Mala MPAs retire 20k

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA provincial members are called to submit their retirement of $20,000 budget spent during the 38th Malaita Second Appointed Day.

This year Malaita provincial government have allocated $660,000 budget to celebrate the second appointed day across the 33 Wards.

Out of the 33 provincial members only four have submitted the retirement of $20,000 budget.

According to information gathered from the Malaita Provincial Government its almost two months and majority of them are yet to submit their retirement of the $20,000.

So far only four MPAs have retired how they utilize their budget allocation. They are Timeas Waledala MPA for Ward 1, Felix Bosokuru MPA for Ward 29, Benjamin Baetalua MPA for Ward 2 and Glen Waneta MPA for Ward 8.

This means 29 MPAs are yet to retire their allocation and MPG calls on them to do as soon as possible. Failure to retire their fund will result in non-issuing of ward grants to them.

The next provincial ward grant is expecting to be released later this month and only wards that retired their 20k will receive their grant.

The budget was agreed to by the executive of MARA since the $100,000 budget passed by assembly for celebration this year was not enough to mark the provincial day in ward level.

AJ Mall conducts preparatory training ahead of grand opening

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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The participants of the AJ Enterprise Ltd one week training.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

ABOUT 77 people representing Janitors, Gardeners and Security of the multi-million-dollar AJ City Building at Lunga, East Honiara have successfully completed their one-week training on Friday.

The training aimed to equip them ahead of the grand opening of the classic building proposed for 18th October 2021.

Absolute Company Limited organized the training program in collaboration with Triple Brothers Security Firm.

A female participant received her certificate.

The AJ Enterprise Limited funded the training program.

CEO of AJ Enterprises Limited, Ellen Inahia Maruarofa said they have achieved the aim of the workshop and urged to put what learned into practice.

Director AJ Enterprise Ltd, Aron Dawen ZHENG encouraged everyone to work together to make the place safe and clean so that the people can enjoy.

AJ Enterprise Ltd CEO, Ellen Maruarofa hands over the certificate to one of the security officers.

One of the participants, Nerolyn Tuita, who works as a gardener, said the training has really helped her because she learned new things.

She thanked AJ Company for initiated the workshop for them.

AJ Enterprise Ltd officials, Gwen, Milford and Ellen after the closing of the workshop on Friday.

The aim of the workshop was to prepare and equip the Gardeners, Janitors and Security Guards of AJ City Mall to perform their roles as expected.

The objectives are for them to:

Be informed of AJ Enterprise Limited business vision, mission, its business activities and working relationship with its partners.

  1. Know their roles as Gardeners, Janitors and Security Guards.
  2. Identify the bad behaviours and practices at work place.
  3. Know their way in and around the AJ City Building.
  4. Learn of AJ City Mall basic building rules and policies.

It was also for them to:

  1. learn how to use the escalator and lifter;
  2. learn about the basic work place communication skills;
  3. engage in preparedness sessions on emergency responses during earthquake, fire and self-awareness on racism, assistance to customers, handling & hazards.
  4. Learn about the AJ City Mall Building Emergency Plan.
  5. Learn how to use appropriate equipment at workplace.

Furthermore, for them to:

  1. Learn about health & safety rules at workplace.
  2. Learn basic knowledge and skills on larceny and its elements.
  3. Learn the importance of appropriate dressing and grooming to workplace.
  4. Learn basic awareness on COVID 19 responses at work place.
  5. Learn about the importance of efficiency & effectiveness at workplace.
  6. Learn about Team Work and why it is important.

Other facilitators of the workshop were National Disaster Management Office and Royal Solomon Islands Police.

Triple Brothers Security Firm members

6% NPF GIFT

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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SINPF Building in Honiara

Members get increased interest credit rating

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MEMBERS of Solomon Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) were gifted with a crediting rate of 6 percent for the financial year ending 30 June 2021.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare made the declaration at Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.

Witnessed by SINPF Board, Governor of Central Bank, Dr Luke Forau, Permanent Secretary of Finance, Mckinnie Dentana, Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, chairperson of SINPF subsidiary companies and media.

Sogavare saida  total interest of $168,612,861 will be credited to your accounts as from 30 September 2021.

He said a total of $90,964,922 has been paid into the Fund’s reserve.

Sogavare said this year’s Members’ rate is higher than the 3.7% paid out to member in 2020.

“It shows that our Fund has been investing and managing our funds well despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

“I am also happy to inform this August gathering that the full $168,612,861 is paid from the Funds operational performance in the past year, as compared to last year’s members rate where the Board had to use parts of the reserve to meet the payment,” he said.

In relation to the ‘Members Special Death Benefit’, Sogavare said the Board has decided to keep the rate at $7,500 noting that this was only increased to this new level last year.

Sogavare said as you all know that the past 15 months to 30 June 2021 had been a challenging time for the global economy including our own in Solomon Islands, and the SIPNF had not been spared the negative impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“Despite these challenges I have been advised that the Fund has a rewarding year with gross incomes expected to settle just over $400 million for the year.

“After adjusting for direct investment costs, impairment costs, and operational costs, the Board is confident that up to $340 million will be available for crediting,” he said.

Sogavare said in considering the crediting rate award Board is extremely conscious current economic volatility driven by the ongoing impacts of the global pandemic.

He said the Board is also guided by my government’s continued efforts to manage the pandemic for a successful outcome to a new normal.

“In this regard, I am reassured that the Board has set aside adequate reserves based on its due diligence of current and future volatilities that may arise from ongoing economic downturns resulting from the pandemic, market movements, and movements in individual assets of the Fund’s investments portfolio,” he said.

Furthermore, Sogavare said the Fund is an important player in the government’s securities market investing in the government treasury bills and long dated development bonds.

“During the year, the Fund purchased a total of $240 million long term development bonds providing funds for my government to invest in necessary infrastructure and to support my government’s economic stimulus package to keep our economy going.

“My government recognises the vital role that the Fund plays in our financial sector.

“In that regard it is vitally important my government continue to ensure the Fund is well managed and protected,” he said.

Sogavare would also like to announce that in due course his government will bring to Parliament the new SINPF bill.

“I am also encouraged that positive movements in the Fund’s investments portfolio have contributed to the government’s improved sovereign risk rating – which is one of the key criteria in the independent fair value valuations of the Fund’s unlisted equities,” he said.

In addition, Sogavare use this opportunity to encourage all staff, and members of the SINPF to go for your vaccination as soon as possible.

“In order for us to reopen our borders, we must vaccinate up to 90% of the total eligible population in our country of 414,327 people which is 372,895 people.

“If all members of the SNPF were to be vaccinated, we will be able to reach our vaccination target much quicker and reopen our borders much earlier,” he said.

NPF grosses $400m in profit

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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General Manager for SINPF Mr Mike Wate

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands National Provident Fund (SINPF) has achieved a very strong above budget income for the year with an expected unaudited gross income of just over $400 million.

This is based on the Fund’s financial performance and key activities undertaken during the financial year ending 30 June 2021.

The outcome is based on an unaudited number, as their 2021 audit is still in progress.

General Manager, Mike Wate highlighted this during the declaration of the crediting rate for NPF members at Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.

Wate said the strong drivers to this strong positive outcome are from the following:

  1. Our offshore equity investments through managed funds Vanguard and UBS Australia share Fund in USA, Europe and Australia;
  2. Cash dividends from South Pacific Oil Limited, Solomon Telekom Company Limited and Bank of South Pacific;
  3. Interest from our subsidiary companies Heritage Park Hotel, Soltuna Ltd, Solomon Telekom Company Limited and Solomon Housing Limited;
  4. Interest from our long-dated Government development bonds;
  5. Commencement of rental for the recently completed refurbished Anthony Saru building, and
  6. Improved fair values of our key unlisted domestic equities South Pacific Oil Limited and Solomon Telekom Ltd.

Wate said as a result of their strong financial performance against their budgets during the year, potential business growth and with the government’s improved sovereign risk rating by rating agency Moddys, SPO recovered its declined 2020 fair value prices with STCL extending further its values.

He said Soltuna Ltd business prospects improved with the Government signing the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement (IEPA) with European Union in May 2020.

“Under the IEPA Soltuna has secured a derogation to secure fish from other fishing jurisdictions when inadequate fish are caught in our waters in October 2020.

“This has greatly improved the cannery’s throughput and productivity and financial performance as fish supply consistency is assured,” he said.

Wate said their investments that relied on international travel and tourism did not achieve their potential as the domestic market is limited and hence are performing below their pre-covid 19 levels.

These include the Heritage Park Ltd, Loloata Island Resort Ltd and Hibiscus Executive Apartments.

“Our other unlisted equity exposures Solomon Housing Ltd and Solomon Islands Submarine Cable Company Ltd fair values declined during the year,” he said.

Wate said Solomon Islands premium resort Tavanipupu island resort was leased to Private Islands Investments Limited for a 5-year lease whilst discussions are ongoing for the sale of the Fund’s shipyard to Sasape International Shipyard Limited.

He said direct investment cost of $19.9 million declined in 2021 from 2020 amount of $26.2 million during the year as the refurbishment of the 2 major buildings were completed during the year.

Wate said operational costs declined to $48.6 million in 2021 down from 2020 amount of $53.1 million as the Board deals with the uncertainties of the pandemic by cutting back on certain expenditures.

“With the adoption of new standards for additional investment classes, the Board has set aside more than $5.3 million for potential impairment losses up from $3.1 million in 2020.

“Adjusting for direct investment costs, impairment cost, and operations cost the Board will have around $300 million to consider to distribute for members crediting,” he said.

Kira Kira Police probe death of student, 14

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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Kirakira station, in Makira/Ulawa Province

Kira Kira Police crime investigators are investigating the sudden death of a 14-year-old Standard-5 student of FM Campbell School in Kira Kira, the Provincial Capital of Makira Ulawa Province.

Acting Provincial Police Commander, Jerry Muaki says the student, Joseph Karani of Star Harbour in East Makira was found dead in a bedroom he shared with another teenage relative soon after he and other students watched a soccer game around 6’oclck in the evening of September 23, 2021.

He says reports his crime investigators had been given so far claim Joseph Karani had a wound on the back of his neck and a piece of cloth stuck on his mouth.

Mr Muaki says young Karani’s death happened so fast because he was found dead soon after he left his friends with whom they had been watching the soccer game together.

Meanwhile, some standard five classmates had claimed young Joseph Karani had appeared to be a lonely student with whom they had shared soft drinks and food because they had felt sorry for him.

Mr Muaki says his crime investigators have also been trying to confirm whether or not young Karani had been subjected to bullying by other students at school and relatives at home as one major reason for taking his own life.

He says as crime investigators dig deeper in their investigations to ascertain the cause of young Karani’s death, they are yet to question the last people who had seen him alive that early evening of September 23, 2021 to help them with their investigations.

And Mr Muaki says Police has yet to conclude the cause of Karani’s death whose body was taken to Star Harbour for burial in his village last weekend.

By George Atkin

Kira Kira

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