THE National government has recently announced an increase of funding for the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) program for provinces by 2022.
That news means there will be more projects implemented in the provinces under this PCDF program which so far has proven itself through measures being put in place and importantly through the benefit it has for rural communities.
Minister for Provincial Government (MPGIS), Rolland Seleso relayed the announcement during his address to hand over a newly built Government funded six-block classroom to Faiako school on Thursday.
“You may be aware that the prime minister has announced good intentions of increasing the PCDF starting from the 2022 budget.
“This is resulting from the tangible impact he has seen as he went round the entire country to attend the second appointed day celebrations of the respective provinces,” he said.
Seleso strengthened the statement saying his ministry will press on behind the intention to ensure it happens.
“On my return to Honiara, I will be submitting a cabinet paper on the policy proposal made by the prime minister for cabinet endorsement.
“My ministry is also available for any technical support that Malaita may require to improve its human capacity to support its service delivery objectives,” he said.
On that note, the minister congratulated Malaita province for meeting the nine minimum conditions in the recent assessment of the PCDF that has qualified the province to receive $5.6 for its capital budget 2021/2022.
“I must inform you that 60 percent of this money has already been transferred by the government into the Malaita provincial government’s account for its projects,” he said.
Seleso said since the inception of PCDF in 2008, the Malaita provincial government has so far delivered 190 projects across the province at a total cost of about $60m
He said most of these projects have gone a long way in improving the living conditions of the people who are benefiting from them.
Seleso commended the Malaita provincial government for the efforts they had rendered to improve the living conditions of its people in Malaita province.
PROVINCIAL Member of Assembly for Ward three (Buma) in Malaita Province, Martin Fini has thanked the national government through the ministry of provincial government (MPGIS) for funding a classroom building to his people in-and around the Faiako School.
Speaking during the handing over of a six-block classroom building facility to Faiako School on Thursday, Fini thanked the national government for the wonderful gift saying it will greatly impact the life of people in his ward.
He said the gift is a sign of working together between all stakeholders involved in the project, especially the MPGIS that resulted in the achievement.
“It is true that through the partnership between the provincial and the national government and our efforts that we have in this project,” Fini said.
On that note, he pleads to the recipients of the project, especially Faiako Community High School to see it as blessing for the nourishment of the education of the children in the ward in generations to come.
Fini said with that, it is important to respect and have a sense of ownership to take care and maintain the facility in a more appropriate manner.
“Such facility is beyond our means and capability to fund, so let’s be thankful to the government through the PCDF program for funding this facility to Faiako CHS.
“I behalf of my people of ward 3 (Buma) must congratulate you Minister Seleso, your PS and the national government for this wonderful achievement.
Group photo with the vaccines at the back following successful decontamination by health team
BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO
THE government of Japan through its embassy has donated 56,000 Astra Zeneca vaccines to the country.
The donation was officially handed over by Ambassador Morimoto Yasuhiro to Pauline McNeil, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services on Friday.
“56,000 thousand more of AstraZeneca vaccines doses have just landed provided by the government of Japan through the COVAX facility,” the statement from Ministry of Health said.
It further adds that the same flight also offloaded 50,000 Astra Zeneca COVID-19 vaccines donated by the Government of Australia.
Ministry of Health and Medial Services said they thanked these two partners for their ongoing support towards the country’s health sector in assisting the country’s effort to fight against the deadly virus.
DMP performing in Australia during their 2019 tour
BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
Solomon Island renowned boy band Doorman’s Projects (DMP) has made it again into the final round of three days online voting in the World’s largest online music competition – Djooky Music Award.
In their first World’s largest online music competition last year they came second with 5,060 votes.
They also won the Best Reggae song and Best Afrobeat song.
In a bid to make it to the top the band need more support from music lovers and followers across the country through online voting which already started yesterday.
DMP’s band manager and promoter DJ Victor Lopez who is instrumental in raising the profile of the local artist calls for support from the public and followers to cast their votes for the band.
He said the online voting will be done online via the Djooky App. The voting window will last for 96 hours.
“My message to fans, family and friends in the Solomon Island is to support DMP in this season Djooky Music award by voting 10 points everyday towards the song entitled “Like it”.
“Last year season the band made a breakthrough as the first Solomon Islands band to be named among the top 3 of the international music competitions jamming it on to 2nd position representing the country. With the support of the nation, we can definitely have a shot at winning this season music competition.” The Promoter DJ Victor Lopez said.
Lopez added that the current version of Djooky online Music competition saw DMP, Mossa, and Small Jam are qualified for the Global Voting Rounds after successfully passed both national and continental rounds of voting with flying colors.
“The band was named the best Reggae Artist while Mossa with his song – Kanigho booked a third place in last session’s Global Voting Round and he scooped the award for the best ‘Afrobeat’ genre. DMP, Mossa & Small Jam placed Top 3 of the National Round, and moved onto the Continental round having topped that round which moved all three ‘Solomon Island’ artists into the Global Voting Round that has currently open yesterday” he said.
Meanwhile Lopez stated that this is the world’s biggest online song contest –and for the first season we didn’t win the main prize but we came close too close. Launched last year, the Djooky Music Awards (DMA) was designed to nurture the musical talent of songwriters on all levels and promote global excellence.
“The contest involves the National Voting Round which takes place to find the top three Entries of each country who will qualify for the Continental Voting Round which includes countries in North America, Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and Oceania.
“The top three Entries from each continent will then compete for the main prize in the Global Voting Round, and thereafter winners will be announced and awarded,” he said.
“I AM the eldest in the family and I feel a sense of responsibility to make something of my life so that I can be able to support my family.”
The sentiment shared by Mike Toni from Veramogho village in South Guadalcanal is not far from what most Solomon Islanders are also thinking of when hoping to get into the Labor Mobility Scheme.
The Labor Mobility Scheme is an objective of Pacific Island political leaders to increase access for Pacific Island country workers to Australia and New Zealand.
With this employment opportunity in higher economies, Solomon Islanders are looking into this scheme as an opportunity to improve their living standards and productivity.
But the process to get into the system is not as rosy as it sounds.
“I have been here since last week trying to get a passport,” says Toni.
Most of those trying to get into the Labor Mobility Scheme are those trying to get a passport for the first time.
The process to acquire a passport is one that is not easy.
With the influx of people seeking new passports, the passport section is now trying to cope with the high demand.
“I submitted my documents in May this year. Because I reside in Auki, I have to go back to the province while waiting for the process to complete.
“I arrived last week with the hope that my passport will be ready for collection but this was not the case,” another passport applicant said.
“The reason given was that the system was down since then, which was why I am not able to get my passport yet,” he added.
Meanwhile Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Commerce, Riley Mesepitu says the system for passports has been down since May.
“Work to fix this issue has to be done remotely from a company in Malaysia.
“They were not able to get it done till recently. So unfortunately, we have to start the process again for some whose names were lost from the system.
“However, they should be in the priority list,” Mesepitu says.
Edmond Wasi comes from Malaita province and was not able to get through the process yet, let alone the first stage.
“I reside at Burnscreek with relatives. I am the second last child in a family of seven.
“My parents are in Malaita. I went to school mostly in Malaita.
“I finished school at form 6 and went on to do plumbing at a vocational school at Henderson.
“I did my practical session at the National Referral Hospital and when the call for applicants into the Labor Mobility Scheme came out I decided to try my luck,” Wasi says.
Talks of nepotism and corruption seemed to be rife among those congregating in front of the Commerce Ministry’s gates.
Claims were made that security and government officers are bribing applicants to pay extra to get their application through above the rest.
The allegations did not go unnoticed by the Ministry.
“We have lodged an investigation into the claims and currently we are on it to see if the allegations are true,” the Commerce PS says.
He says this is gross misconduct by his staff if this is true.
“Applicants should not be paying any fees to the staff.
“All fees for the passport including a fee for fast service should all be paid to the IRD unit and not directly to any staff here,” Mesepitu says.
However, he says because of the high number of passport applicants, even for the fast fee service will not work.
He says applicants should report any staff trying to seek payments from them to push their applications forward.
The Ministry of Commerce has since made an announcement that the passport ‘fast fee’ service is suspended for the time being.
The Ministry says applicants should only be paying $1000 for their passport.
“Spending a whole week here just to even fill in the form to get a passport is not good enough.
“The process needs to be reviewed so that it is a win-win situation for all,” an applicant says.
He says as applicants under the labor mobility scheme, it is a sacrifice they are willing to take for the sake of their children.
“There is a saying that for you to enjoy tomorrow you have to sweat today,” he added.
For Mike Toni, most days spent in front of the Commerce office are without food.
He resides at Henderson and usually only has his bus fare in his pocket.
“I was a nursing student at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU). I did my Diploma in Nursing studies but was not able to complete my education because I did not have the money to pay for my tuition,” Toni says.
He says the only hope he has now is to get into the Labor Mobility Scheme so that he can be able to support his parents and siblings in the village as well as himself.
For Ambrose Wasi he also shared the same sentiments.
Ambrose Wasi keeping his fingers crossed
“My aim to find employment under the Labor Mobility Scheme is so that I can support my family and myself,” he said.
Both Wasi and Toni are in their early 20s and are keeping their fingers crossed to be selected for the Labor Mobility Scheme
The other applicant used to work for the European Union. He says now, it is quite difficult for him to secure formal employment.
“I fully commend the government for this initiative. However, these setbacks in the processes are the frustrating part for us,” he says.
Applications for the Labor Mobility Scheme closed on Friday 20 August 2021. It is believed that about 7000 to 8000 Solomon Islanders have submitted their applications.
Australia has since decided to double the number of Pacific workers in their country.
An additional 12,500 Pacific workers are expected to take up jobs between now and March 2022 in agriculture, aged care, accommodation and hospitality.
The Australian High Commissioner in Solomon Islands, Dr Lachlan Strahn tweeted that at the rate in which workers are being deployed, by the end of the year, there will be 2,500 Solomon Island workers in Australia.
(L-R) Actiung Premier of Malaita province, Hon Lenty, Minister, Hon Seleso, Faiako School Princpal, Mr Jones and MPA for ward 3, Hon Martin Fini are cutting the ribbon to officially open and hand over a project at Faiako, Malaita this year.
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
Faiako Community High School on West Kwara’ae , Malaita province took ownership of a double story classroom building worth SBD$2 million on Thursday.
The project was officially handed over by Minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS), Hon Rolland Seleso and Acting Premier of Malaita province, Nelson Lenty to the communities of Faiako.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony Minister Seleso said the project was funded under the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) to the province implemented by MPGIS and the national government.
He said the project costs $2, 167,210 and was designed to accommodate more than 240 students where 50 percent of whom would be girls.
(L-R) Actiung Premier of Malaita province, Hon Lenty, Minister, Hon Seleso, Faiako School Princpal, Mr Jones and MPA for ward 3, Hon Martin Fini are cutting the ribbon to officially open and hand over the project Faiako
Seleso said the new six classroom block will accommodate a population of about 6,747 and therefore, it expects that the school enrollment for Faiako will increase as a direct result of the new project.
He said the DCGA government has always placed great emphasis on primary and higher education amongst its top policy priorities.
“The government believes that creating a comfortable learning environment such as Faiako CHS will not only encourage parents to enroll their children, but also motivate the students to pass their exams,” Seleso said.
Minister Seleso hands over the key of the building to the acting premier of Malaita province, Hon Nelson Lenty.
He said the impacts of constructing the classroom will only be realized when pass rates for the school have increased, and this will depend on the combined efforts of teachers, parents and students themselves.
Seleso said the 240 students who will occupy these six classroom blocks belong to a generation that is the future leaders of not only Malaita, but also the entire country.
“It is therefore, clear that by investing in education, we are investing in the future of Solomon Islands. It is only through education that we can prepare the next generation of leaders of this country.
Students of Faiako prepare to present gifts on behalf of the school to the guests attending the handing over ceremony.
“We cannot move this country forward without high quality education that may only facilitated in a comfortable environment as demonstrated by MPG.
“I wish to appeal to the school authorities and the communities whose children would utilize this infrastructure to take great care of it.
“It is an expensive investment that many communities are requesting, but could not get.
“I therefore expect the communities of ward 3 (Buma) and the school authorities to help the province to maintain this valuable asset for many more generations to come,” he said.
A fundraising dinner was successfully held by the Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands Association.as part of a major activity to raise fund to commemorate PNG’s 46th independence on September next month.
The dinner was a dine and dance buffet style with onstage entertainment by PIVA and group and a PNG dance group.
It was held on Saturday 21st August at the Heritage Park Hotel (Car Park).
Papua New Guinea High Commissioner, His Excellency Moses Kual speaking during the event said the common cause of this activity is to commemorate our forthcoming independence.
“It is unequivocal that the challenges that confront us now in the face of Covid19 is daunting but to organize such event of this magnitude deserves to be commended.
“It reflects our true spirit of unity and our resilient nature”.
“PNG Solomon Islands fundraising committee, you have done a marvellous job. Thank You President Freeman Podarua and Team for your tireless effort,” His Excellency said.
“To our Sponsors, Mustard Seed, SP oil, NPF, Solbrew, BSP, National Fisheries, Development Limisted, George Company, Moses & Associates, Neo Horizon, Fmaily Medical Clinic, Capital Insurance Limited, Yumi Kabang and Delite, thank you all for making this event a success’.
“And to our host, Sanjay Bhargava, General Manager of Heritage Park Hotel, we are grateful for your gesture in hosting us at this exotic place, thank you”.
Former Prime Minster, Danny Philip and Member of Parliament for South New Georgia/ Rendova Tetepare was among the distinguished guest at the event, others include the General Manager for South Pacific Oil, Carson Koroa, Ronald Junimbo, General Manger for Hasting Deering, Gao Goumea, of Capital Insurance, Papua New Guinean Nationals, Families, Friends Guests and the Sponsors came for the event.
They said the Fundraising was great and the dinner was amazing, and everyone enjoyed it.
The organising Committee states that this fundraising dinner was a highlight of the preparation and there will be one or two more to go.
Much smaller activity includes coffee night and etc. and the money raised will go towards the independence Celebrations which is in weeks’ time.
The program then concluded with some best prize awards for the night.
PREPARATIONS toward the Education Authority Conference is progressing well in the Western Provincial Capital, Gizo,
Some changes include; upgrading of Gizo Road and evacuation of betel nut vendors from MSG Building to newly opened Banana Valley Market.
On Thursday, students of Gizo Community high School both primary and secondary sector took part in a trial parade from the Western side of Gizo to the MSG Building.
In an interview with Island Sun Gizo, Principal Education Officer of Western Province, Freedom Tozaka said the Conference will take place from the 6th to 10th next month at the Gizo Outback Packer Conference room.
“So, on Monday 6th September, there will be a parade from West Gizo to the MSG Building where the opening ceremony will take place,” he said.
Tozaka said delegates are expected to arrive at Gizo from the 4th to 5th September ahead of the important event on the Education Calendar.
He adds that delegates from donor partners such as DFAT, MFAT and UNICEF will also attend the conference.
“We are expecting teachers and school leaders from Temotu in the east to Shortlands in the west. We have been preparing for this important event and we hope our preparation will make sure the conference will run smoothly,” Tozaka said.
Part of a group of Solomon Islanders who went under the Australian Seasonal Workers Programme and Labour Mobility Scheme. PHOTO AUSTRALIAN HIGH COMMISSION OFFICE
By EDDIE OSIFELO
MINISTRY of Foreign Affairs and External Trade is willing to send up to 5000 people to work under the Labour Mobility Scheme in Australia.
This despite few incidents of workers involving in a brawl and a fatal car accident in Queensland.
However Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck said they have to be mindful because the employers are those who are registered.
Beck said those workers who participate are registered under the Australia system and can benefit from their health care system.
However, he said attitude problem is an issue the ministry is working on to address.
But Beck said compared to other country, the behaviour of Solomon Islands workers is very good.
“It is the confidence and trust the employers have on our workers,” he said.
So far between 7000 to 8000 applications are before the Labour Mobility Unit.
Beck said there are two flights going to Australia next months which should increase the number past 2000.
Island Sun understands Australia has offered 12,500 spaces for Pacific Island Countries to apply for to work in their farms.
The family of the Late High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Barnabas Anga travelling back to the Solomon Islands recently.
MINISTRY of Foreign Affairs and External Trade has asked the media and people to allow the Government to deal with the issues relating to the family of the late Barnabas Anga.
This after the wife of the long and dedicated Solomon Islands diplomat, who was the High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, expressed her disagreement on how their unapproved arrival was administered.
Mrs Joyce Anga described the handling of the unapproved arrival as ‘failed them big time.’
Permanent Secretary, Collin Beck told the media in a press conference on Wednesday that the Government is already looking into the issue.
“We ask cooperation from the media family to allow the Government to deal with this,” he said.
Attorney General John Muria Jnr added that due to the issue’s investigative nature, they will not comment on it.
“Government will not comment on it until the investigation is completed, whether it is illegal or not is a matter for the courts to determine,” Mr Muria Jnr said.
Speaking to SIBC News, Madam Anga said the public has been misled that they have not complied with COVID-19 pre-departure testing requirements for Solomon Islands.
“Our dad passed away nearly two months now. After his passing on, we have been quarantined for nearly two months in Port Moresby and we have gone through three COVID-19 tests. I have already taken my first COVID-19 Vaccine while in Port Moresby.
“If they refuse us to enter the country, what else do they need? If three tests were done, does that mean I still do not meet the COVID-19 protocol in Solomon Islands?” she questioned.
Madam Anga said they are not stranded, they followed all the government’s advice on all the necessary requirements to enter the country but when they checked-in at Jackson’s International Airport in Port Moresby, the Government called them and advised them not to board the flight.
“Losing a dad in a foreign land with a boarding pass in my hand on that night, I decided not to listen to them. Why do you call at the last minute when we are about to board the flight?” she says.
Madam Anga said it took a week for the Government to communicate with them including the head of mission in Port Moresby on the necessary COVID-19 protocols and pre-departure COVID-19 tests to return to the country.
“I cannot understand why they do not allow us to board the flight. I would say the Ministry of Foreign Affairs failed us big time, you do not know your job. I am not happy with how they handled our case,” she said.
She added that the Office of the Prime Minister that the media statement released does not take into account what is going on between them and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“There must be a lack of communication between them.”
Please respect the late Anga’s family because we have been through a lot while in PNG and now we are here, please give us some form of respect because we are still mourning the loss of our dad,” she said.
Madam Anga has written to the Government demanding the Government to clarify the actions done towards her family.
“The Solomon Islands Government (SIG) needs to clarify the actions done towards my family as this is not only a matter of the hands of law but a sensitive situation due to the fact that children are involved.
“Please observe the psychological effects of the situation towards the children and show some respect for your long and loyal servant my Late husband Barnabas Lauia Anga and treat his children the way they should be treated.
“Family of late H.E Barnabas Lauia Anga are Solomon Islands citizens and so we have every right to step into our own country. If SIG has any different agenda behind the treatment my family is receiving, please, my family deserves a clarification,” she wrote.
