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Pacific media leaders virtual summit starts yesterday.

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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MASI president with CEO and Media owners and Media representative from Solomon Isalnds.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

A two-day virtual knowledge sharing session for Pacific Media CEOs and Owners on reporting on integrity and Anti-Corruption in the Pacific officially started yesterday.

The event aims at ensuring Pacific Journalists are more sustainably trained to engage in integrity and anti-corruption reporting.

Prime Minister of Solomon Islands Manasseh Sogavare when delivering his opening remarks congratulated the president Georgina Kekea and the executive of the Media Association of Solomon Islands for hosting this Webinar.

“Allow me to congratulate the president and executive of the Media Association of Solomon Islands. As the patron of MASI I feel deeply humbled that we have been accorded this privilege,” Sogavare said.

He stressed that the media is referred to as the fourth estate and plays a vital and pivotal role in our democracy.

 “They watch over the other three and report sometimes fairly and sometimes unfairly.

“That is why in order to be fair and accurate in reporting and exposing integrity in corruption issues in the areas that are absolutely crucial, you must first understand how these institutions operate and how they relate to other institutions within the government,” Sogavare emphasized.

Pacific Island News Association (PINA) vice president Kathalina Tohi said PINA through funding support from the Pacific Anti-corruption Journalist and Network, in partnership with the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) was able to convene this virtual knowledge sharing session on integrity and anti-corruption for CEOs and Media owners.

“I would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank the MASI president Georgina Kekea and her team, PACJIN coordinator Samasoni Pareti and team and the UN Pacific -Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) for putting all this together,” Tohi said.

MASI president Georgina Kekea in response gave her deepest gratitude to partners for giving MASI the special treatment in this knowledge sharing session.

Kekea said as host to this conference and with the support from PINA, UN-PRAC and PACJIN, MASI hopes the conference will be a success for all.

“We hope the conference will be a success for all of us and that its objectives are met. As mentioned by Prime Minister of Solomon Islands the media plays a vital role in reporting corruption and that the media also understand the institutions established to combat corruption,” she said.

Kekea further thanked the Pacific media family, MASI board and the Media industry in Solomon Islands, CEOs and representatives of the different media organizations for prioritizing this event.

The two-day session is hosted by MASI at Tavanipupu Resort on  Marau, Guadalcanal Province with the support from Pacific Islands News Association (PINA), UN Pacific -Regional Ant-Corruption (UN-PRAC) and Pacific Anti-corruption Journalists Network (PACJIN). 

Onogou Island on Isabel to be conserved

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Onogou Island, an Island also known to those from Malaita as Ramos Island.

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Nomi Teiga Conservation group consisting of Gao speaking people from Isabel Province have established a platform to conserve Onogou Island.

A first step towards conserving Onogou Island and its cultural heritage begun last week following a one-day workshop and conservation awareness held at Poro village in the Gao district.

Both Traditional and tribal Chiefs and women leaders from Ole to Gurumei villages were briefed with the importance of conservation and protection of resources for future generations.

Officials from Isabel Provincial government, the department of Environment and Fisheries played a key role in the awareness program.

Team leader, Willie Eta said conservation is very important given the growing population which stretched the existing resources.

He adds that the threats cause by logging is very high and that the only way to preserve resource is through conservation.

“There are five ways of conserving and protecting our resources, you can choose which one you prefer but make sure an outcome must be achieved which is to protect and rehab nature extinct species,” Eta said.

A Fisheries Officer based at Tatamba said marine resources such as fish have been depleting within the Gao boundary and it is timely to invest on conservation.

Member of Provincial Assembly for Kaloka Ward, Holland Sikou said the establishment is an approach his people wants to undertake to move away from destructive activities to a more ecofriendly development.

He said the conservation initiative not only looks at conservation specifically, but also creating opportunities to boost tourism as resilience towards COVID-19.

According to the Provincial Government Act, Onogou Island lays under the Isabel Provincial waters, however, Sikou said the initiative is open for those who have cultural and traditional ties with Gao people and the Island.

He adds that the initiative not only promotes the protection of ecosystem of the island but also rehabilitate and restore the degraded or threatened species on the Island.

Sikou said resources under protection are; clam shell, trocars, beech-de-mar and fish.

Using of fishing nets will also be prohibited or destroying of tabu sites so as the inhabitation of the island is prohibited.

“We are open for strategic discussion on this matter for the betterment of our future generations, we are more than willing to strengthen our relationships and connection to those that has history connection to GAO families and tribes.

“We are ocean people and so we need each other’s arm to keep us float us we face global provoking issues,” he said.

“This first step of awareness is the beginning of miles of consultation and steps to come before we find the right category and management principles of conservation to be practised on our island Onogou,” Sikou added.       

Isabel province is known for choosing severely destructive development activities such as logging and mining industries, Isabel province is increasingly reliant on logging and other resources for revenue.

Forest sector alone makes up 59.66% of Isabel provincial budget last year which Isabel likely losses around 80% of natural forest.

Striking a balance for equitable growth important: Gould

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Marovo lagoon. PHOTO: UN PHOTO

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

STRIKING a balance on how to encourage equitable economic growth is paramount in the Pacific says the World Bank’s Lead Economist and Program Leader in the East Asia and Pacific Region.

Dr David Gould said there are five principles that would help local governments achieve more equitable growth.

The first principle is understanding the economic geography. He said policy solutions need to be grounded in each country’s unique economic geography.

The second principle is to make sure interactions between outer islands and the main islands are taken into account.

“Outer islands development should consider interactions with the country’s main island as well as the global economy. So what is the economy’s comparative advantage? These are all issues that will determine what can be developed in outer islands and what should be a main island investment,” Gould said.

The third principle is a balanced approach to investments in urban areas for migration.  This is something that would help mitigate some of the problems with the migration to the urban areas on main islands. 

“So it’s a balanced approach that combines investments for migration with focused support for outer islands,” Gould said 

“I think that you need to have access to a certain level of health and education on the outer islands regardless of how much you decide to invest in the main island to achieve the best outcomes,” he explained.

The fourth principle is balanced opportunity in investment and service delivery. Contrary to expectation this may not mean the same investment on all islands.

“It’s not a matter of dollars and cents being distributed equally but where are the smart investments taking place.

Gould said, the fifth and final principle is prioritizing investment in People. 

“With limited scope to close the gap between outer islands and main islands, investments that promote livelihoods and human development should be given preference because human capital is mobile. 

“It stays with the individual no matter where they are in the country or outside,” he said.

Island Sun understands that Solomon Islands is made up of scattered islands and these principles are key to diversifying development and getting the best value from investment opportunities for the most isolated communities.

Ote Clinic, South Malaita nears completion

Written by
Samie Waikori
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A PCDF funded two story classroom building at Kakara Community High School in west Kwara’ae constituency.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) funded clinic project at Ote (ward 22) in the Small Malaita constituency is nearing completion.

The project is amongst six other PCDF projects funded by the national government through the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening to Malaita province under it 2020/2021 financial year.

MPA for Ward 22, Martin Mae told Sun Auki that the project has reached its final stage and is expected to complete by mid next month.

“Construction has reached the interior of the building and this is the final work to be carried out on the project prior to its completion.

“Recently, the contractor of the project has received the final payment of the project that will cover its completion,” he said.

Mae said since the national government through the MPGIS had incepted the PCDF program to all provinces in 2008, ward 22 has just received its first PCDF project.

He said the people of ward 22 acknowledged the national government through MPG for the project and they look forward for the service it will provide to them.

Recently, a six block two story classroom building was handed over by minister of MPGIS, Hon Rolland Seleso to the communities of Faiako School near Auki.

The minister said Malaita province is amongst other provinces that continue to benefit from the PCDF program across the country. 

He said since the inception of PCDF in 2008, Malaita provincial government has so far delivered 190 projects across the province at a total cost of about $60m

Solomon Airlines makes online bookings easier

Written by
Press Release
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Solomon Airlines Finance team member Vanessa Pongi supports the online shift for domestic flight sales on www.flysolomons.com through improving flight search and payment capabilities

SOLOMON Airlines has made adjustments to the airline’s website to make it easier for people to book multi-sector travel within the Solomon Islands.

Effective immediately, passengers booking between any two destinations for travel via Honiara will be able to book online, including when an overnight is required.

“We want to encourage more people to use our website as it is the most convenient way to book flights for those who have access to book and pay by credit card, ”Colin Sigimanu, Manager Commercial for Solomon Airlines said.

“But we realise that it can take some getting used to, to book flights yourself online, and we are looking at ways to make it even easier,” he said.

“Particularly at this time of COVID-19 related international border closures, our team have been actively working on improvements to our website, stepping through procedures looking through the eyes of our customers.

“We have the opportunity to do this now in a quieter time and to prepare for the future when more people are confident to travel, and when international visitors are again permitted,” he added.

“Previously if travel plans required two flights, but travel in a single day was not possible, the two sectors of that journey needed to be searched and two bookings made and paid for as separate flights, “ Mr Sigimanu said.

“Now, it is possible to book the entire itinerary in a single booking and transaction.  A passenger travelling for example from Munda to Kirakira on a Thursday, when we don’t have a same day connection, would overnight in Honiara.  That used to require several steps and separate bookings.

“The whole process has been streamlined and can be booked easily, no different to Mondays when it is possible to book same day connecting flights in one transaction”

Mr Sigimanu confirmed the airline is also planning to introduce changes to enable payment online in additional currencies early next year.  Currently online bookings can only be paid for in Australian dollars AUD.

“In the second quarter of 2021, our online domestic flight transaction volume was 53% higher than the first quarter. Only two months into the third quarter that has already been surpassed,” he said.

“It is a case of continual improvement and for now, the shift to online sales is very positive,” he added.

“We have also introduced an interim feature on the booking screen which displays the equivalent total in SBD underneath the AUD amount. This will make it easier for our local population to understand the total price of their domestic flight in our own currency until payment in SBD is also possible through our website,” he said.

Solomon Airlines advises that all domestic scheduled flights can now be booked online with a credit card via the airline’s website www.flysolomons.com 

Solomon Airlines Press Release

PM opens virtual regional media anti-corruption summit.

Written by
Press Release
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PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has officially opened the second Pacific Anti-Corruption Journalists Network summit.

The two days summit which kicked off yesterday in Tavanipupu, East Guadalcanal is hosted by the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI).

Speaking via virtual conferencing, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare congratulated the MASI executive for hosting the event.

The Prime Minister said media plays an important role in anti-corruption reporting.

“The media which was often referred to as the fourth estate plays a vital and pivotal role in our democracy. They watch over the other three estates and report, sometimes fairly but sometimes unfairly too,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that is why in order to be fair and accurate when reporting and exposing integrity and corruption issues, it is absolutely crucial that journalist must first understand how these institutions operate and how they relate to other institutions within the government.

Prime Minister Sogavare said understanding their functions and powers is extremely important, especially within the international, regional and national frameworks.

The Prime Minister adds that the decision by the Pacific Islands Forum to endorse the Teieniwa Vision in February this year is an important step by Pacific Islands Countries in combatting corruption.

“I would like to reiterate what Mr. Levan Bouadze, UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Resident Representative and that is the highest political leadership in the Pacific is committing to Pacific integrity, along with the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and Sustainable Development Goals, including to address implementation gaps in relation to SDG 16 on peace, justice and strong institutions,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare said the recent United Nations General Assembly Special Session against corruption (UNGASS) is a reflection of this regional commitment at the international level.

The virtual Anti-Corruption Journalists Network summit aims to enable Pacific media CEOs and owners to:

  • Understand the role of UNCAC, UNGASS and SDG 16 in boosting Pacific anti-corruption co-operation and promoting the Teieniwa Vision;
  • Share experiences and challenges reporting on corruption;
  • Discuss ways for further co-operation including with support from United Nation Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption Project (UN-PRAC), Pacific Anti-Corruption Journalist Network (PACJN) and PINA in reporting on corruption prevention, along with UNCAC and Teieniwa Vision Implementation;
  • Provide leadership in promoting and delivering anti-corruption reporting in the Pacific; and
  • Increase the capacity of media to monitor and report on corruption.

The expected results at the end of the workshop is for journalists to have a better understanding of:

  • The roles of anti-corruption bodies and instruments, and how these can assist journalists to report on corruption;
  • How to increase reporting on UNCAC and anti-corruption by Pacific Island journalists and a transfer of knowledge on corruption awareness to other media in-country as trainers and through partnership;
  • And specifically, the participants will have clarity and understanding on how to assist their journalists to access more information and resources on UNGASS, Teieniwa Vision and UNCAC and the UN agencies working on supporting the anti-corruption agenda in the Pacific.

The two days virtual summit ends in Tavanipupu, East Guadalcanal today.

Makira Launches COVID-19 Immunization Program

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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L-R PDOC Chair PPC (spg) Jerry Muaki, Premier Hon. Julian Makaa and Provincial Health Director John Selwyn Harara cutting ribbon to mark launch of the COVID-19 vaccination roll out

The Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Julian Maka’a has officially launched the Province’s COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout Program in Kira Kira, the Provincial Capital.

In his special official opening remarks September 9, 2021, Mr Maka’a said COVID-19 pandemic which is increasing every day has become a great concern for “my Province and our Solomon Islands”.

He said the World Health Organisation has reported that World-wide a total of 221, 134,742 confirmed cases and 4,574,089 deaths, adding the data has already changed.

And Mr Maka’a said in the Pacific Region, “Our neighboring countries, especially Fiji is facing a problem with combating the disease as COVID-19 Delta Variant has gone into community transmission, with cases increasing daily”.

Text Box: Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Hon Julian Makaa deliver Key Note Address He said according to WHO Fiji has recorded a total of 47,993 confirmed cases and 520 deaths and the report has raised a great worry and the need to vaccinate “our people aged 18 years and above is of high priority.

“I, as a father of Makira Ulawa Province appeal to the eligible people to come forward to get your vaccination injections.

“For people to get their COVID-19 immunization vaccination is the way forward to protect themselves, your families, communities, the Province and the nation as a whole.

“Let us not worry about the rumors that discourage people from coming forward to get vaccinated, because the COVID-19 vaccine is safe, effective and can protect us to prevent the severe form of COVID-19 infection and from hospitalization, death from the deadly disease”.

Mr Maka’a then called on his people to support the health workers who tirelessly give their time to carry out the rollout vaccine program in the Province, adding people must not miss their doses but take them when their turns come.

And he also thanked the Provincial Disaster Operation Centre, the Provincial Health Emergency Operation Committee, the Provincial Health Team and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for their continuing support in ensuring the country is safe and free from COVID-19.

Mr Maka’a assures his people that his Government fully supports the program and is committed to ensure that eligible people are fully immunized against COVID-19.

However, Premier Maka’a accused residents of Kira Kira of disobeying COVID-19 measures his provincial government had set up as efforts to stop the deadly corona virus from arriving here.

He said one of the measures was for players of the mobile game known as “ludo” not to play it because it attracted people to gather.

He said despite the measure being in place, ludo players continued to gather at the   Kira Kira Market and in various sites to play the game for financial gains.

But Mr Maka’a who was the first to be vaccinated that day said it is important for people to be vaccinated against the deadly virus, adding it is the people’s moral responsibility to support the program in the fight against COVID-19.

He said public participation in the vaccination against the deadly pandemic program is not only important to “you my people but also to Solomon Islands, but it is also important to donors whose governments have spent millions of dollars to secure the vaccine”.

Meanwhile, the Makira Ulawa Provincial Health Director, John Harara said the roll out vaccination program against COVID-19 in the Province aims to actively vaccinate the 27,000 eligible population of the Province.

He attributed a statement made by the National Minister of Health and Medical Services that there is no time to waste, but health workers should expedite all preparations for the mass COVID-10 vaccination roll out.

Mr Harara said one million doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be used in the immunization of Solomon Islanders, with 3,400 doses now in Kira Kira for the initial roll out, and more batches are being prepared by the National Medical Store in Honiara for deployment to Makira Ulawa Province.

He said therefore, the health roll-out teams are now rolling out the AstraZeneca vaccination.

Mr Harara then reiterated that the Provincial Health systems, capacity and capability are no way near being able to respond to a community outbreak, let alone the National Health system.

He said, “We do not need to look far beyond our region to understand the magnitude of COVID-19 impacts, our Melanesian neighbor Fiji with advanced health systems is suffering from the devastation of the deadly pandemic with the Delta Variant”.

Mr Harara said to date Fiji and Papua New Guinea with better facilities have large scale community outbreaks of COVID-19 Delta Variant.

How much more will the deadly Delta Variant impacts have on the Province with inadequate health facilities in the event of community outbreaks?, he asked.

Mr Harara said the vaccine therefore offers “us a wonderful opportunity to stay protected against COVID-19”.

He then said, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services would like to thank those who have already received the COVID-19 vaccine, and at the same time, request them to support its promotion by spreading the good news that it is safe for people to use and it can protect them against COVID-19.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Makira Ulawa Provincial Disaster Operations Centre and Acting Provincial Police Commander, Jerry Muaki said the launch of the COVID-19 Immunization Program Sept 9, 2021 began the Province’s fight against the deadly global pandemic.

He said the vaccination rollout is a blessing to the people of the Province because they can still do what they have to do as they are protected from COVID-19, which does not have borders, neither the care about anyone and everyone.

Mr Muaki said the front-liners in the fight against the global pandemic will surely have confidence in their task to fight COVID-19.

He said the increasing COVID-19 cases globally and regionally shows the Province is not safe from the killer once it is transmitted to communities.

But Mr Muaki said the immunization vaccine against COVID-19 is the way forward for the country and the province because infection, hospitalization and death will be reduced.

He added as Chairman of PDOC, he would not hide the Province does not have the health sector manpower and facilities to handle an outbreak of the deadly corona virus in the province.

And Mr Muaki said, if the target group of 18 years old and above in the province are fully immunized, they can still take part in whatever they want to do even if COVID-19 is around.

He added, COVID-19 is the work of evil, but he commended the foreign countries whose medical scientists have worked tirelessly to develop the vaccine, therefore he pleaded people to turn up for the immunization injection.

More than one thousand people within and surround Kirakira came to witness the launching.  155 doses were given in the afternoon during the launching while 205 were given prior the launching total to 363 japs given altogether.

NOT WITH SUIDANI

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Premier of Malaita province Daniel Suidani

….Newly appointed MARA MPA backs out from offer

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Political maneuvering within the Malaita Provincial Executive is set for another test as Member of Provincial Assembly for ward 20, Jimmy Rerehe wants no part in Daniel Suidani’s regime.

This is despite being picked to fill one of the six positions vacant following the resignation of six MPAs earlier this week.

 And in doing so, Mr Rerehe reject statements by Premier Suidani claiming him as part of the six joining the MARA government.

In an interview with this paper yesterday, Rerehe said what Premier Suidani announced was misleading.

 “I was never consulted to join MARA by any his supporters or by the Premier.

He said the Premier is still in Australia and at no time has he been invited or approached to join MARA.

“I still remain on the opposition side of the government and I am surprised to see my name printed in the media that I was part of the six replacing those six who resigned from MARA.

“I don’t want Premier Suidani’s leadership style as all decisions made were not collective decisions from the executive, but from himself and his advisor”, Mr Rerehe said.

Premier Daniel Suidani on Tuesday this week announced picking six MPAs from the non-executive side to replace the six executive members who had resigned early this week.

He claimed that Jimmy Rerehe (Ward 20) was to replace Hon Alick Ofo’Ofo Jnr as new minister for climate change.

Rerehe also said Premier Suidani should not mislead the people with his statements as there were no consultations done with him to join his executive.

Catholic Priests and Seminarians reunite for HNMS 25th Anniversary.

Written by
Press Release
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Bishop, Priests and Seminarians cutting the cake marking the 25th Anniversary and Feast of the Blessed Mother Mary

The Catholic Bishop, Priests and local Seminarian brothers from 3 dioceses in Solomon Islands celebrated the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary and 25th Anniversary of the Holy Name of Mary Seminary (HNMS) at HNMS, Tenaru over the weekend.

The celebration began with a procession of the Blessed Mary’s Statue, followed with the Holy Eucharistic Mass lively animated by the Seminarian students, and representatives from the 3 dioceses.

The celebration was officiated by Catholic first local Bishop, His Lordship Peter Hou Hou of Auki Diocese representing the two Bishops His Grace Archbishop Chris Cardone OP and Bishop Luciano Capelli.

In his Homily, he reflects on the formation of Seminary in Solomon Islands. The challenges and sacrifices the Bishops made to start this Seminary.

Joined His Lordship Bishop Peter Houhou(center) of Auki was priests from the 3 Dioceses

He acknowledges the Vincentian Fathers who agrees to look after the Seminary and the students who are willing to join the Priestly vocation.

He also reflected on the story of the Blessed mother Mary, and told the Christians about the Holy Name of Mary.

Mary was true daughter of Joachim and Anna, a true Mother of Jesus Christ. She has to make decisions every minute in her life. And the hardest decision was to accept the challenge to become the mother of the Savior.     

‘The Angel came to her and said; “Peace be with you! The Lord is with you and had greatly blessed you!” Mary was deeply troubled by the angels’ message, and wondered what his words meant. The angel then said to her. “Don’t be afraid Mary; God has been gracious to you. You will become pregnant and gave birth to a son and you will name him Jesus” (LK 1:26-30)

Blessing of the Eucharist

Bishop Peter continued challenged the seminarians the parents and guidance of the seminarians on the way Mary followed Jesus in all his suffering and died on the cross.

“We honor Mary the way showed courage, humility and faith in God from the time her acceptance in the message of the angel to the last moment of Christ on the cross”.

“She was there with John when Jesus said; Woman this is your son, and to John; this is your mother. (Jn 19: 25-27) We honor Mary because she said; “I am the Lord’s servant, may it happen to me as you said.”(LK 1:38.) Because of the name MARY, her many hard challenges humility and faith in God, we have the Savior”.  

Procession o f the word by St. Vincent Burnscreek community

“Therefore, the church see the important role of Mary’s life because it is through her faithfulness, undying faith and humility of saying yes to God has given us a Savior who died for our sins”

He added that the priests and Christians must be servants and are here to serve Gods people.

The Celebration ended with the Cutting of the Anniversary Cake, Feasting and entertainments.

Catholic Communication

Voters accuse MP of inhuman treatment

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Lanelle Tanangada former Minister for MEHRD

By EDDIE OSIFELO

FIVE voters of Gizo Kolombangara have accused their Member of Parliament, Lanelle Tanangada, over what they described as “inhuman treatment” towards them while in Honiara.

This after Tanangada reportedly refused to meet them on five occasions at her home and office to discuss their issues.

Spokesperson for the group, Ishmael Ropu said they came to Honiara in August to seek assistance from their MP to assist 14 boys in the constituency to get passports in order to travel and work in Australia under the Seasonal Labour Scheme.

He said it is important to help the boys engaged in useful activities than leaving them in engage in anti-social behaviour in the village.

“When we went to her home, she refused to meet us but instead sent her cleaner to talk to us,” Ropu claimed.

“She even did not give us water to drink at her home,” he added.

Ropu said this is very disrespectful because Tanangada, who is also the Minister of Education and Human Resources, should at least come out and hear their request.

“The MP is our in-law.

“The attitude she displays is not respectful because some of us come from the line of chiefs and leaders,” he said.

Ropu said the MP only gave them $400 to pay things during the lockdown period.

He said how can someone survive with $400 in the town.

“Some of us borrowed money to come to town,” he said.

Ropu said it is very shameful because the MP for South New Georgia, Rendova Tetepare, Danny Philip, and MP West New Georgia-Vona Vona, Silas Tausinga have assisted them during their stay in town.

In addition, Ropu, who owns Pine Metal Work that make iron, cooking platform, cloth line and coconut husk, said he sought assistance from their MP to compensate the costs of his business.

“I spent about $17, 470 to make the products and share to some friends in Gizo for free.

“I sent a proposal to our Constituency Development Officer for an assistance of $18,000 to support me in my business because I do it for the people,” he said.

However, Ropu said the CDO told him that there was no application received by the office.

As such, Ropu said in the coming election, the MP is likely to expect an unpleasant reception if she ever turns up at Kena, Hunda and Pine villages.

“We are ready to confront her in the upcoming election campaign,” he said.

Ropu claimed during her term, there was no development like sanitations and others in the three villages.

He said most of the developments were made by the people in the villages without the support of their MP.

“What our MP said during the last election campaign are just empty promises.

“So, this election we are thinking of shifting our votes to another candidate,” he said.

Island Sun sent a text to Minister Tanangada but has not receive any reply from her yesterday.

She also rejected a call we made to her mobile phone.

However, CDO for Gizo Kolombangara, Harold Amiki said there is no money from the Government receive by his office to assist the people.

He said they are still waiting for Government grants.

Amiki said they only received education grant, which was already distributed to recipients.

Island Sun understand MP Tanangada has arrived back in Honiara after attending the sixth National Education Conference in Gizo last week.

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