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Premier Maka’a’s government will support National Gov’t’s moves

Written by
Brian Lezutuni
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PM-and-Premier-Makaa

The Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Julian Maka’a has assured the Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare of his Government’s support for whatever programs his National Government will launch to address problems being faced in Solomon Islands.

He made the assurance at a dinner being hosted at Seaview Guest House for Prime Minister Sogavare who was the Province’s Guest of Honour on its 38th Second Appointed Day celebrations on August 5, 2021 in Kira Kira.

Mr Maka’a said Solomon Islands is “our beautiful and peaceful country, so together we must revisit our problems and support government programs to improve them”.

Prime Minister Sogavare earlier addressed the guests who included his Minister of Lands and Housing, Ishmael Avui; Minister of Mines and Energy, Bradley Tovosia; Minister of Provincial Governments and Institutional Strengthening, Rollen Seleso; Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources and Central Makira MP, Nestor Ghiro; their Permanent Secretaries and the Commissioner of Lands; two MP backbenchers and officials of the Prime Minister’s Office; the Deputy Premier of Malaita Province; Executive Members of the Makira Ulawa Provincial Assembly and some Province’s Traditional Chiefs.

In his address, Mr Sogavare said since the Ethnic Tension decades ago, Solomon Islands including Makira Ulawa Province continued to be facing difficult years and as things were just improving, the Corona Virus – COVID-19 Pandemic hit “us in 2019 and not only us but the whole World including our international traditional donor partners organizations that have been supporting us with both technical and financial assistance”.

But he said public servants including those serving the Provincial Governments must ensure they are committed with their jobs to ensure services are delivered, adding people too must show commitment with whatever they do so that “our country can get up again”.

Mr Sogavare said as Provincial Governments are agents of the National Government, “I call on the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government to support the Re-Direction and Revitalization Programs the Government has launched in our efforts to resurrect the National Economy”.

He said the call applies to seconded public servants and direct employees of the Makira Ulawa Provincial Government.

By George Atkin – Kira Kira Correspondent

AstraZeneca vaccines to be used on Malaita, but no politics involved: Dr Danitofea

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Deputy Premier, Hon Randol Sifoni (left) and Supervising provincial health director, Dr David Danitofea (right) are cutting the launching ribbon to officially open the roll-out of

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

SUPERVISING Director of Malaita provincial health, Dr David Danitofea says that only AstraZeneca vaccine will be used in the vaccination roll-out program for Malaita province.

He confirmed this during the launching of the vaccination program in Auki on Friday.

Dr Danitofea said there are two vaccines; sinopharm and AstraZeneca which are administered on the current covid-19 vaccination roll-out program in the country.

He said AstraZeneca will be used in the roll out program for Malaita province and this is the vaccine health workers will go around with during the course of the program.

Dr Danitofea said reason for vaccine is not because Malaita province saying no to China, they had been given with the vaccine, so “no, it’s not politics.”

He explained that there is no political rationale associated to the use of AstraZeneca in the province; rather it’s basically due to logistic reason.

Dr Danitofea furthered that the two vaccines have different timeframe of picking-up the second doze and that must be clear.

He said for Sinopharm; if a person vaccinates today, it will take only a few weeks to take his/her second doze unlike AstraZeneca where it can take longer period before their second doze.

Dr Danitofea said considering that they have decided on AstraZeneca so that it gives a thorough time for the successful roll-out of the vaccination program.

He said the other main motive was due to logistic challenges that the provincial health face as they will be slow to catch-up with the second doze if they are to apply sinopharm.

Dr Danitofea clarified that there is no politics or whatsoever behind the use of AstraZeneca in the province if queries are raised on that.

Solomon Islands and Australia join together to promote women in business

Written by
Press Release
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The event allowed women in business and supporters of women in business to network

Solomon Islands Government Ministers joined Australian High Commission officials to promote women in business at a Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) networking breakfast on Friday.

The businesswomen’s networking breakfast celebrated the Australian Government’s partnership with SIWIBA, via its initiative, Strongim Bisnis.

This Australian-funded partnership aims to improve SIWIBA’s capacity to deliver business development services for women and increase SIWIBA’s membership of women entrepreneurs.

The Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Hon. Freda Rotutafi Rangirei gave the keynote address at the networking breakfast.

Among the guests attending the event are Minister for Education and Human Resource Development, Hon. Lanelle Tanangada and Australian High Commissioner, Dr Lachlan Strahan.

The breakfast was attended by women leaders in business

Dr Strahan said, “Empowering women to take leadership roles in business and participate fully in the workforce is not only the right thing to do, it is also good for the economy.

“Around the world, including in Solomon Islands, women remain under-represented in the workforce and leadership roles.

“The Australian Government is supporting SIWIBA to help shift this reality, by developing female businesswomen to deliver change in Solomon Islands.

“The Australian High Commission looks forward to continuing to support women’s economic empowerment, through Strongim Bisnis and directly through the gender program.

Minister for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Hon. Freda Rotutafi Rangirei gave the keynote address.

“The private sector is an important driver of change, but we also strongly encourage government to play its role creating the right enabling environment to allow women take the lead. Men also have to be prepared to give ground. Events like this networking breakfast allow us to do this”, he said.

SIWIBA President, Pamela Zoleveke, opened the breakfast and said “As a non-profit organisation, we exist to serve the interests of businesswomen throughout Solomon Islands. We have over 900 members and encourage all women in business, be it formal or informal, to contact us and benefit from the training and business services we can provide to help their businesses grow.”

Strongim Bisnis partnered with SIWIBA as part of its focus on creating better economic opportunities for women, youth and people living with disabilities. Strongim Bisnis works in the cocoa, coconut, tourism, financial services, timber, horticulture and waste management sectors.

Australia supports SIWIBA to create better economic opportunities for women

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Australian High Commissioner, Dr Lachlan Strahan delivers his speech.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Australian government through the Strongim Bisnis program has established a partnership with the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association to support women create better economic opportunities.

Speaking at a breakfast on Friday, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Dr Lachlan Strahan said Australian Government is proud to support SIWIBA in achieving its goal to help women in business.

He said the Australian High Commission remains committed to women’s economic empowerment.

“We have a Gender Team specifically focused on this task, our team along with Strongim Bisnis, continue to champion inclusive workplaces, we know that improved economic opportunities for Solomon Islands women help support a strong Solomon Islands economy”, High Commissioner Strahan said.

Meanwhile SIWIBA President Pamela Zoleveke said SIWIBA exist to serve the interests of business women throughout the Solomon Islands and currently they have a total of 900 registered members.

Mrs Zoleveke also encourage women informal or formal to always contact them for training and other business activities to help them in growing their business forward.

The businesswomen’s networking breakfast celebrated the Australian Government’s partnership with SIWIBA, via its initiative, Strongim Bisnis. This Australian-funded partnership aims to improve SIWIBA’s capacity to deliver business development services for women and increase SIWIBA’s membership of women entrepreneurs.

Solomon Islands celebrates World Youth Day

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Three female youths from HCC

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

YOUTHS residing in Honiara this week gathered to celebrate the International Youth Day with the theme “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.”

Speaking at the occasion Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs Dr Cendrick Alependava said this year’s them is relevant to all global communities and citizens.

New Zealand High Commission youth Ambassador chatting with PS Dr Alependava

“Healthy Youth, Health Population needs a good food system –with availability healthy food.

Because processed food, sugary food, tin foods are full of additives colouring, flavours, and preservatives and as such second hand and not good for our body.

What our Youths need are fresh fruits, nuts vegetables from our own garden to make them healthier,” Alependava said.

He said the above mentioned statements are in line with the Solomon Islands Youth Policy on six priority areas education empowerment, Economic empowerment, health and well-being Sustainable Development , Leadership, Governance, peace building , Social inclusion and Citizen, Evidence base approaches, access to information and Provincial implementations strategies.

On the same note City Mayor Eddie Siapu said “Young people have always been a group that have the energy, creativity and talent to be more proactive citizens of Honiara and our country when it comes to development.

City Mayor Eddie Siapu

The celebration of the International Youth Day 2021 is to acknowledge the contributions of young people to our families, communities and our city’s economy as a whole.”

Siapu said the International Youth day 2021 is time for all stakeholders in the Youth space to reflect on our respective approaches towards involving our said populations the youths in our work.   

Lio Creek youths with NZ High commissioner

Harry James on behalf of the Youths said the theme of the occasion “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health” with the aim of highlighting that the success of such a global effort not be achieved without the meaningful participation g young people.”

PROTECT MALAITA

Written by
Samie Waikori
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An overwhelmng turn-out for the vaccination launch in Auki.

Deputy premier urges Malaitans to get their jabs

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

SUPERVISING Premier of Malaita Province Randol Sifoni has appealed to Malaitans both in the province and outside to get their jabs.

Sifoni made the call yesterday during the launche of covid-19 vaccination roll-out program for Malaita.

He acknowledged the support and commitment of national government for recognizing Malaita as one of the priority provinces to run the vaccination roll-out program.

Deputy Premier of Malaita province, Hon Randol Sifoni thumps up as he took his first covid-19 jab on Friday during the vaccination roll-out in Malaita.

Sifoni said Malaita has a maritime border with PNG that indicate the importance of the vaccination program to the province. Also the province is one of the largest and highly populated.

“That means the entry of corona virus through ports of entries could mean a very high risk to the people of Malaita,” Sifoni said.

“We all know that health system in our country and in this province is very weak and the only possible way to prevent you and your family from being killed by the virus is through vaccination,” he added.

“My good people of Malaita province, I would like to inform you that there is no cure for covid-19. However, getting a vaccine will protect us and our families.

NDMO provincial branch officer, Mr Pearson Simi is going through some checks before taking his jab.

“The impact of covid-19 in our neighboring countries like Fiji and PNG is overwhelming. It is beyond the capacity of their health system even though they have a lot stronger health system than ours.

“Therefore, we must get our jabs,” he said.

Sifoni said the delta variant is more severe and can be easily transferrable that capable of infecting mass population in a very small time.

“Because of the extreme danger of this virus to our people, the government in its wisdom had seen the significance of bringing the vaccination program to the province.

“You will not be travelling across the ocean to get your jab in Honiara. You’ll have it right here.

“I call on all Malaitans to come forward.”

Catholic Dominicans Celebrate Feast Day

Written by
Press Release
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Priests presiding over the service

The Dominican order of the Catholic Church, with church communities from three different parishes have celebrated Saint Dominic’s Day at the Mass center Henderson East Honiara.

The feast day which falls on Sunday 8th of August was held on Saturday 7th with the attendance of over 300 people from local churches under the Holy Cross, Kukum and Good Shepherd Parish, including guests from various religious orders.

Dominican Father, Peter Lalaiagalo who led the feast day’s service was assisted by Vicar General Fr John Galvin representing the Archbishop Chris Cardone and 10 other priests from the Diocesan and Marist religious order. 

The Dominican Sisters, Brothers, Mass center’s youth ministry and the Rurete Gilbertese community brought life into the service with their beautiful lively singing.

Young girl dancing to a Tuvaluan song during the Dominican Feast Day [photo by Indy]

During the sermon Fr Carter Tanaboe reminded the congregation that despite their different walks of life, all are called to preach the Gospel just like Saint Dominic who founded the order 800 years ago.

He also encouraged everyone that though “we live in a world where the Gospel values are continuously challenged, we should not be afraid to preach the Gospel.

Representing the Dominicans Fr Superior, Stephen Kamoa acknowledged the presence of other orders and communities and those who were part of the feast’s preparation

Fr Superior Stephen Kamoa delivering his speech. [photo by Indy Maelasia]

“Congratulations to those who worked so hard for many weeks to prepare the liturgy. My dear People without you, we are nothing the feast will have no meaning so I would like to say thank you very much everyone who come from different places and different communities to come and join us in this day of Joy”

Chairman of the Mass Center Community, Stanley Maealasia also shared his appreciation for the efforts the Mass Center community has put in prior to the feast day.

Fr Lalaiagalo during the Mass

“I also would like to thank the mass center community, it has been a difficult year this year but nevertheless we have tried our very best to work along with the Dominicans and we are very pleased indeed to have this society with us to help us in our journey as laities” he said

Mass Center women swaying to the beat

Mr Maealasia also thanked the different orders and the communities to come as a universal family to mark this special day.

The celebration continued with a feast and entertainments from the order, various youth groups, Sunday school groups, men and women groups.

The Dominican Order is made up of priests, brothers and nuns and is one of the many religious order within the Roman Catholic Church.

By: CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION

Gov’t serious with no jab, no job policy: PM

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Press Release
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

COVID-19 does not care about our individual beliefs, our freedoms nor our individual rights.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stated during his nationwide address last week.

The Prime Minister said in many countries it is the individual rights and freedoms that has allowed COVID-19 to spread and has killed many people.

“COVID-19 does not discriminate – it affects all and if you are not vaccinated, you will become the weak link that can provide an entry point for the virus to enter and infect those close to you,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Sogavare said unrelenting resistance to common sense public health measures such as vaccination has been the major cause of spread in many countries.

He said the sad thing is the selfish attitude of a few that results in the spread of illness causing death to others.

The Prime Minister says liberty does not mean you have the freedom to do whatever you want wherever you want.

“It means whatever you do to please yourself must not put others in harm’s way so you must respect their liberties as well. That is our moral, ethical, spiritual, and civic responsibility,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare said the Government respects individuals’ rights and religious beliefs.

However, he said these beliefs must not jeopardize the rights of others, nor put them at risk.

“In this regard, the Government policy starts with those that it employs through its two tiers of government – the central and provincial governments and those employed in government institutions and State-owner enterprises,” he said.

Prime Minister Sogavare strongly emphasized that it is the Government’s policy that every government employee and members of their families, must be protected from COVID-19.

He said the best way to achieve this is to get fully vaccinated.

“It is therefore a requirement that every employee of the government at the central and provincial levels and employees of government institutions and SOEs must get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine either by end of this month, or within two months of the vaccination rollout in the provinces where they work, and they must receive their 2nd dose of the vaccine by 30th November 2021,” he said.

The Prime Minister said whilst these dates will be reviewed depending on what is realistically achievable, any person that is employed by the Government who chooses not to get vaccinated will not be allowed to enter their work premises by the due date of the first dose.

Prime Minister Sogavare adds that if they still choose not to be vaccinated by the due date of the second dose, they will have self-terminated their employment.

He said the choice by public servants to get vaccinated or not belongs to individual public servants.

The Prime Minister said the choice on who the Government continues to employ under its mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy rests with the government.

Prime Minister Sogavare said the Government also requires all private sector companies whose workers undertake frontline work to ensure their frontline workers are vaccinated.

The dues dates for the 1st dose and 2nd dose for Honiara, Western province, Choiseul province, Guadalcanal province and Malaita outer Islands is 31 August for the 1st dose and 30th November 2021 for the 2nd dose.

“As a responsible Government, our focus is to achieve at least an 80% coverage of our total eligible population fully vaccinated to ensure we can provide some level of protection to all those below 18 years of age who cannot be vaccinated. This is about 331,462 people,” he said.

The Prime Minister said that is the objective of the Government.

“It is our ethical and moral duty to ensure we can protect the people of this country,” Prime Minister Sogavare said.

—-OPMC

Government outlines ESP’s success stories

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Press Release
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New Culvert installed with Gabion Protection works at the Kwarea bridge

The Oversight committee responsible for the implementation of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) Initiative has announced some of the major and positive milestones reached with projects under the infrastructure sector.

This includes, the Malu’u wharf, the Makira ramp, Taba’a, Fiu and Kwarea bridges and Seghe Airport.

The Oversight Committee says it is pleased to announce that the ramp in Makira and the bridge at Taba’a in North East Malaita have successfully completed.


Casted and cured deck slabs for the Malu’u wharf.



According to the ESP Oversight Committee, the wharf at Malu’u in North Malaita is already in progress with the casting and curing of concrete works underway in Honiara and will be transported for assembling in Malu’u.

“The contractor is expected to mobilize to the site later this month,” the contractor said in a statement.

“Further, works on bridge protection and culvert has been installed for the Kwarea Bridge,” it added.


 
Fenders installed, Concrete armour blocks installed at the ramp in Kira Kira, Makira Province.


“This is a jointly funded project by the ESP and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.”

The Committee also announces that contract negotiation is currently ongoing with a prospective contractor towards the work on the Seghe Airport.

“The contract is expected to sign later this year.”

It is also revealed that World Bank will proceed with the tender process to design the Fiu bridge.

“The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) through the ESP Oversight Committee is fully committed to the successful and accountable implementation of its policy priorities in the interest of economic empowerment, national stability and the wellbeing of its citizens.” —GCU

Gizo Youths celebrate International Youth Day

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Youths who attended the event

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

YOUTHS in Gizo, Western Province gathered at Assemblies of God (AOG) church on Friday evening to mark the International Youth Day.

The celebration kicked off with a combined prayer followed by a short sermon and presentation from Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association.

In his sermon Pastor John Tuafai reminds youths about the important of God’s principles and values in life.

Jehovah Witness Youths

He urge youths to build their life on the truth and not false pretenses with worldly beliefs.

“Use God’s commandments as your guide as you journey through life.

“You need the word of God more than anything in the world to become success in life.

“Decision making can be make right when you know God’s commandments.

“Knowledge alone can lead youths to foolishness but with God’s commandments knowledge can be used in the right way.

“Our knowledge and skill we get from Universities or higher education can lead us astray at times. But if we multiply our knowhow with God’s word, we will become good citizen of this country and also a perfect member of our family,” Tuafai said.

He said youths are in a critical time facing issues that easy carry youth away from being a good citizen and stewardship of God.

Tuafai stressed that it is time for youths to transform their lives through God divine principles and values written down on the Holy Bible.

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