George Titiulu, Esther and Dr Kako looking at photos displayed yesterday
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
ENVIRONMENTAL Health Day celebration observed yesterday has successfully raised awareness and brings into the limelight the important work of environmental health in the country.
The theme of the event reads; “Prioritising Environmental Health for Healthier Communities in the Global Recovery”.
Speaking to the official commemoration of the occasion Deputy Secretary of Public Health Dr Nemia Bainivalu said world Environmental Health Day is celebrated to spread awareness about environmental Health that should be strictly given importance especially in the time of the pandemic.
“The day is observed to bring into the limelight the important works of environmental health. This day aims at the possible rebirth in the health field. To face the problems related to world health, especially in the time of the pandemic.
“The world environmental health has proved its power to help the people across the world to demonstrate the strength and inner power to fight back the diseases. For humanity, the world environmental health day celebration is a necessity,” Bainivalu said.
He said the environmental health should be considered as the essential thing necessary to maintain health.
Environmental Health Director Leonard Olivera said this a first time Solomon Islands celebrating this day and with the theme “Prioritising Environmental Health for Healthier Communities in the Global Recovery” for this event it is really fitting.
THERE is positive and encouraging progresses in some of the infrastructure projects in Malaita.
A trip to the northern part of the province by officials from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the Office of the Prime Minister has revealed this.
Under the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) initiatives’ infrastructure component, the Oversight Committee confirmed that the bridge at Taba’a in North East Malaita was successfully completed and has already been utilised.
Some of the workers of Lion Heart Company Limited taking a break from their work for a photo shoot.
Also, the wharf at Malu’u in North Malaita is already in progress with the casting and curing of concrete works already completed in Honiara and was transported for assembling in Malu’u station.
The contractor, Lion Heart Company Limited has already being mobilize to the site and had started work.
Further, the Development of an Economic Growth Centre located in Kwatanaere along the Suava Bay is also progressing well.
Following successive steps to conduct subdivision of the selected land for the project, site back-filing for market, copra and commodity storage warehouse has been progressing on well with 95% completion.
The completed bridge at Taba’a, North East Malaita, funded under the ESP infrastructure initiative
Implemented under the flagship of DCGA’s productive sector priority policy through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, The Suava Bay Economic Growth Centre Project is very vital to decentralize economic infrastructure that stimulates micro-economic investment opportunities to create employment and generate incomes for better rural livelihoods.
A local team of consultants identified by the government for environmental impacts assessment went ahead in site preparation for building constructions next year 2022.
Entrance to the road leading towards the Suava Bay Economic Growth Center site.
The government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration is working closely with the Commissioner of Lands in order to acquire certain sections of the allocated land that still needs to be acquired.
Furthermore, resources owners, tribal chiefs, community leaders and community citizens had recognized the future economic prospective of this Suava Bay Economic Growth Centre Project and this is manifested through their continued support and cooperation to date.
Such economic infrastructure is recognized as the literal backbone of an economy with positive impacts to facilitate trade, industrial growth, commercial marketing value chain, decline unemployed workforce, catalyses rural economic opportunities to decrease influx urban drift, recovery and sustainable long term economic growth through private sector investments for mutual benefits.
The DCGA government acknowledge contractor Exodus Trade Development for the earth works in backfilling of construction site.
The DCGA is fully committed to the successful implementation and delivery of its policy priorities through this economic infrastructure project for economic empowerment and national stability.
Selwyn College has survived the ravages of time to remain one of the important education institutions in the country for the past 50 years.
This was highlighted by Governor General Sir David Vunagi when he officially opened the weeklong 50th Anniversary Jubilee of the school at Lawson Tama yesterday.
He recalls that in 1986 Selwyn College at Najilagu, northeast Guadalcanal, was destroyed by Cyclone Namu, which was a big disaster for the students and teachers.
He said because of that the school have to transfer to Maravovo in 1990.
From left, Archbishop Leonard Dawea, Governor General Sir David Vunagi and lady Vunagi, Minister of Education Lanele Tanangada and PS Dr Franco Rodie salute for the national Anthem
But again, just after eight years the school was once again challenged by the ethnic tension.
He said the situation has confronted the students with questions whether or not they will complete their education.
MASI division members celebrating 50th Aniversary celebration of Selwyn College
He said despite of the challenges there a lot of things has been done and for that he commends the leadership of the past and present teachers and students for the good work,
He said Selwyn College has developed into a premier institution offering form six since 1991 and form 7 since 2005.
Naobu division members celebrating
“As we look back, I would like to acknowledge the good foundation work done by succeeding generation of teachers and students that make the school where it is today.
“They have played a leading role to build the school and we thankful for their example and work,” he said.
SOSA members and students parade from Honiara City Council to Lawson Tama
Sir Vunagi emphasize that the church schools including other sisters church schools are established not only to pass on intellectual knowledge to students but shaping them to become better person.
He said the church schools existed for thorough and dynamic purposes to promote holistic approach for three aspects of person which are spiritual, intellectual and physical.
Tahula division members celebrating
“These are the principals of true religion as we heard for the founder of the school Selwyn who advocated it for many years ago.”
He said former and current students celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the school it is also a time to look forward for the next 50 years.
He also thanked the premier of Guadalcanal and landowners for allowing their land to establish the school.
Noabu division during a march past
“I must pay tribute to the landowners and surrounding communities for being true partnership in providing education,” he said.
He also acknowledges the national government for its ongoing support to the school as well the Selwyn Old Scholars Association (SOSA) for providing support when things are tough for the school.
He urges SOSA members to remain active and establish a functional network to accommodate students coming out of the school does not go astray and established a scholarship funds to support struggling students.
Bishop Quity delivers his short remarks during the welcome ceremony
BY BEN BILUA Gizo
SAINT Luke Anglican Church welcomed the visiting Isabel Diocesan Bishop Reverend Elision Quity and his delegate upon arrival at Gizo over the weekend.
Parishioners from Satellite Churches from Fishing Village, Rarumana, Ringi, Poitete and Kolokolo also travelled to Gizo to be part of the program.
Bishop Quity and his delegate are on a mission to visit Anglican Communities in Western province.
In his speech during the welcome ceremony, he acknowledged St Luke Parishioners and also Christian people at Gizo for the warm welcome.
Bishop Quity said the mission to Gizo is a blessing for the church and also parishioners to share the moment available preaching and sharing the word of Christ.
He told those present that the church is an institution that brings people together to learn and live with Christian values.
“Church is not a museum or a market where people visit or buy things that is of personal interest
“Church is like a hospital where people seek assistance for health issues. Church is a place we as Christian can seek God’s healing through repentance,” Bishop Quity said.
He said the existence of Churches encourages people to live a good life sharing and spreading love and kindness within the society.
Governor General Sir David Vunagi and Archbishop Leonard Dawea leading the walk back to Selwyn College
Hundreds of Selwyn College Old Scholars Association (SOSA) members walked nearly two kilometers to their old school on west Guadalcanal to witness the unveiling of the college’s Golden Jubilee Monument by the Governor-General, Sir David Vunagi on Saturday.
Dotted along the road in their traditional school colours of their popular divisions Kirio, Masi, Noabu and Tahula, former students along with the current ones walked down memory lane as a mark of respect and to witness the unveiling and blessing of the Monument by Sir David and Archbishop Leonard Dawea respectively.
The march which started after 9am begun at the Vaturanga bridge to Selwyn College and was led by Sir David, a former school teacher and principal and the head of the Anglican Church in Melanesia, Dawea is also the chairman of the college.
Kirio division members took part in the walk back event
The unveiling of the monument was the beginning of a one-week celebration.
At Selwyn College, both the young and old generation came together to mark the landmark point in the history of one of the country’s leading national secondary schools.
Noabu division members excited to be part of the walk back to Selwyn College.
School Principal Fr. Davidson Nwaeramo said the event was significant as the college now marks its 50 years as one of the leading schools in the country.
Chairman of the Selwyn College Golden Jubilee Committee, Robert Iroga said the events brought so much joy to SOSA members.
From left, SOSA Chairman Robert Iroga, Governor General Sir David Vunagi, School Principal Davidson Nwaeramo and Archbishop Dawea infront of the Golden Jubilee monument
He said it was satisfying to see all professionals from all sectors in the country joining the march.
“This shows the contribution that the school has made to the country,” he said.
He said the celebrations are a reminder that “we must not forget our past which helped to shape our presence.”
Iroga said SOSA members are basically celebrating an institution that has contributed significantly to their lives and in helping to shape what they are today.
Tahula division members chanting their division as they walk back to Selwyn College from Vaturanga.
Selwyn College pride its uniqueness in its four divisions. The four divisions Kirio, Masi, Tahula and Noabu have come to the fore again this golden jubilee celebrations.
SOSA members have been divided into the four divisions since the beginning of the year and have been raising funds to the rehabilitation of the school’s classrooms.
Over the next week, SOSA members hold celebrations and climaxing in the handover of the money they raised to the school on October 1 at the St Barnabas Cathedral.
Meanwhile the Saturday event will now be an annual event with the introduction of SOSA day on September 25th.
The uncertainty about how and when the Solomon Islands will reopen to international tourists is causing great concern about the future of dive operators, and tourism in general.
In a statement, the President of the Dive Operators Solomon Islands, Grant Kelly said the Solomon Islands Government has to be highly commended for its handling of the COVID crisis and they fully appreciate and support the closing of borders until acceptable levels of vaccination are achieved, both in the Solomons and also in other major tourism markets such as Australia, New Zealand and the United States.
But it said a recent statement issued by the SIG is that a vaccination target level of 90% is required.
The target has members of DOSI worried.
“Whilst a highly justifiable target this seems a long way off. My members are getting the definite impression 90% of the population are not going to agree to get vaccinated, so we are not sure where this is going. It is hard to see how the border closure issue ends unless there is a shift in peoples’ attitudes or in government policy, neither of which seems likely right now.
Mr Kelly said the question DOSI members would like answered is ‘What is the plan if people won’t get vaccinated?’
“I am not sure how many DOSI members are going to survive another year of reschedules and border closures, especially when the rest of the world like Australia and Fiji open up.
The dive industry has been the backbone of the tourism industry in the Solomon Islands and is based on bringing in international divers and subsequently foreign capital to the Solomon Islands economy.
“It is the best tourism prospect for strong trading once borders reopen. But dive operators have had no income or very minor income since March 2020 and very minimal ESP support.
“Frankly I am amazed that so many operators have survived to this point in time as overheads and maintenance require ongoing monetary input. I know everyone is struggling right now and with a 90% vaccination target even reopening in late 2022 may be optimistic expectation,” Mr Kelly added.
However, DOSI states that in no way that it wants to undermine the resolution of the SIG’s handling of the COVID situation but wants some reassurance that they will be flexible as the situation progresses and bear in mind the plight of dive operators, and the tourism sector in general.
By Grant Kelly The President of Dive Operators Solomon Island (DOSI)
Nickson Hanahunu during his pre-graduation ceremony.
By BEN BILUA Gizo
We watch them on movies, read them in books and most of us sympathized for them, yet never felt it as a person who had gone through such a tough journey in life.
This is the story of 31- year- old Nickson Hanahunu from Sa’a village, Small Malaita, Malaita Province who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Law at the Fiji National University (FNU).
Raised by a single parent, he showed perseverance and commitment to change not only his life but also his mother’s who had been through thick and thin fought to raise him.
“Life without a father is not easy. There were bullying, hunger at times, I felt poor at times, but what can I do”, Hanahunu said.
“Growing up in such a family is hard because as a child, I don’t have a choice,” he added.
Hanahunu’s mother might be cheering from Heaven seeing her son achieved his dream but looking back at his mother’s struggle to put food on the table every day is so painful for Hanahunu.
Hanahunu reminisced the struggles his late mother had to face playing both roles of a father and a mother for him and his other siblings.
Mr Hanahunu making his presentation during class at the Fiji National University.
Hanahunu’s humble beginning started in 1999 at the Charles Elliot Fox Memorial Primary School (Sa’a) South Malaita where he did grade one to grade six.
“I remember my schooling days as if it was just last month, not because I was one of the top students, but because I was an average student in the class.
The ambition comes with lots of challenges, criticism and bullying while he was at primary school. The worst nightmare for his mother is how to pay school fees.
“I received a lot of criticism and was belittled by children in the village when I grow up. One of the greatest challenge my mother faced is when it comes to paying school fees. My mother had to bear with it.
“I have to repeat grade six twice and my teachers told me, I was a slow learner and needed to repeat my grade six.
“Many students looked down on me, some made demeaning comments saying that I would never get anywhere in life but my commitment and focus on study remain unchanged.
“I used kerosene lamps for study in those years. Sometimes, I have to skip study time as we ran out of kerosene,” he said.
Like other youths, the influence of societal lifestyle presents a hectic challenge for Hanahunu to remain guided by his determination for a greater education purpose. Listening and Paying attention to the existences of different young people isn’t simple since every one of them has various stories which are emotional and happy at the same time. However, choosing the right peer group was the greatest decision he has ever made.
“I love to learn from individuals who empower me, which causes me to feel certain to move forward and do things that will benefit and help me. As the saying goes; in every pain never give up for not being recognized but strive to be worthy of recognition, this powerful quote kept my determination and perseverance alive.” He added.
“I know many young people out there are facing so much that some decide to just quit. They take alcohol and marijuana as a solution to their problems. Some even take their own lives. But as Dr. Ben Carson and I quote; ‘’the noise of the sea will never disturb the fish from sleeping, therefore, don’t let anything disturb you, stay focused and determined to be on track on whatever you are pursuing in life, turn a deaf ear to every noise that distracts your attention” he said.
Looking back, Hanahunu is forever thankful for the sacrifice of his late mother who has been a key figure in his life.
He also acknowledged the support received from his uncles, aunties, cousins for never giving up on him in his education journey.
“First and foremost, I want to thank God for his Knowledge wisdom and understanding in enabling me to complete my studies despite challenges posed by the global pandemic which affects all the countries in the world including Fiji.
“Secondly, I want to thank the Solomon Islands Government for offering me a scholarship to study law and not forgetting Fiji National University for accepting me to do my Legal studies at FNU.
Nickson Hanahunu at the Sukuna Park in Suva
“My message to all young people out there who might find them in such a situation that I found myself in is, that never give up, always have faith in God in everything you do.
“Always strive to push forward and never listen to the negative words others might say to you. You are born to make your dream come to reality, no one will make it happen for you.
“No matter how old we are we are never too young or too old for success or going after what we want. When you accept yourself and take ownership and accept the consequences of your own decisions, you will overcome all odds in life.
“God has a plan for you. We may not know it. We may seem lost at times, but remember He is in control. Everything will work out for the good of those who love him. We just need to learn to fully trust and surrender ourselves to God,” he said.
TWO more newly appointed members of the Malaita executive government have denied accepting to be part of the MARA government.
The two MPAs are George Lomo and Simon Ke’ebo who reject claims made by the Premier Daniel Suidani of their appointment.
A statement published in this paper yesterday saw Suidani appointing the two MPAs, the MPA for Ward 27 (Kebo’o) as Minister for Climate Change and the MPA ward 12 (Lomo) as Minister for Southern regional Affairs on Monday this week to replace the ones that have resigned.
However, speaking to this paper yesterday the two said they have not been consulted over the appointment and what Suidani claimed is not true.
The two MPAs said when made aware of Suidani’s appointment, they made a response revoking the appointment.
The MPAs said they had already written to the Minister for Provincial Government Rollen Seleso and copied their revocation letter to the Speaker of Malaita Provincial Assembly, Deputy Provincial Secretary Malaita Province, the Attorney General, Permanent Secretary MPGIS and to the Premier as well.
“We do not want to join MARA as we do not have trust in Suidani’s leadership”, the MPAs claimed.
One of the MPA Geroge Lomo also revealed that he was with Suidani previously but was sacked by Suidani and now would not be possible for him to re-join the government.
PREMIER Daniel Suidani on Monday this week appointed two MPAs to replace the two MPAs who last week refused to join his government.
They are MPA for ward 27, Simon Ke’ebo and MPA for ward 12, George Lomo who are waiting to take their oath as new ministers within MARA government.
Provincial speaker Ronnie Butala confirmed to this paper on Tuesday after receiving the letters of appointment of the two MPAs from Premier Suidani early this week.
He said as appointed by Suidani, Ke’ebo will be the new minister for climate change and Lomo as new minister for southern regional affairs.
Butala said his office has prepared for the swearing-in of the newly appointed ministers and will do so as long as he receives advice from the minister of MPGIS.
He said at the moment his office has at its disposal seven MPAs who will take their oath to perform ministerial portfolios within MARA government.
Butala said they are;
1, David Osuria, MPA for ward 6 as the new minister for forestry
2, Meshack Maukera, MPA for ward 19 as the new minister for tourism and commerce
3, Eric Daoni, MPA for ward 9 as the minister for women, youth and sport
4, Simon Ke’ebo, MPA for ward 27, as the minister for climate change
5, Benjamin Baetalua, MPA for ward 2 as the minister for MOI regional affairs
6, George Lomo, MPA for ward 12 as the minister for southern regional affairs
7, Glen Waneta, MPA for ward 8 as the minister for fisheries and education and deputy premier.
POLICE Commissioner Mostyn Mangau confirmed yesterday that the case file of the $300k missing exhibit money is with the Office of the Director Public Prosecution for vetting before returning back to the police for further actions.
Mangau said the case file has been compiled and forwarded to the DPP’s office last Friday for viewing and advice on what will be the next action to take regarding the file.
“We will be waiting on the DPP’s advice and as soon we received back the file police will act on the advice by the DPP”, Mangau said.
Currently the exhibit officer is under suspension and on half pay.
This is the missing $300,000 cash money that were recovered from the so-called Director of One-link Pacifica during the police investigations early last year.
Those monies that were recovered are supposed to be kept as exhibit into the one-link case, that is currently ongoing before the court, however that money went missing while under the care of trusted officers of the RSIPF.
A police officer has been suspended following the missing of the exhibit money, while investigation was carried out.
