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Former MP’s son wins South Choiseul election

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Newly Elected South Choiseul MP, Sammie Qalo

BY BEN BILUA
Choiseul

A SINGLE vote took Sammy Galo to victory and become the Member of Parliament elect for South Choiseul Constituency.

Galo, son of ousted MP Robertson Galokale, scored a total of 1671 votes while his runner-up Tozen Leokana got 1670 votes – a majority of one ballot.

Announcing the position of result after counting yesterday, Chief Electoral Officer, Jane Waetara said Sammy Qalo – the MP elect – got 1671 votes, on second place, Tozen Keokana with 1670 votes, on third – Jackson Kiloe with 869 votes, fourth – Luxton Bauro Koraua with 611 votes, fifth – Naneeth  Tutua with 241 votes and sixth – Amos Papaqui Qurusu with 57 votes.

She told those present that 5, 124 out of a total of 6,574 registered voter have casted their vote, with five rejected ballot papers.

The most anticipated result was announced around 3pm yesterday after two days of counting.

Speaking to the media, South Choiseul Returning Officer, Henry Deva said the election was a success with 80 percent of voters casting their ballots.

He said the completion of the counting followed by the Official Announcement of the winning candidate was a great relief for his team.

Deva expressed his acknowledgement to voters for good behavior and also the electoral team both those in the province and officials from Honiara.

He also acknowledged the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force for maintaining peace and security during the election and counting.

Deva also thanked the media for working closely with the Electoral team while informing the public about the election.

Gaol replaces his father, who lost the seat last year in an election petition, after the High Court found him guilty of bribery and treating.

He was not at Taro when the results were announced yesterday afternoon.

Health fund created to respond to emergencies

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Islands National Parliament

By EDDIE OSIFELO

A PUBLIC Health Emergency Fund is created to response to emergencies and circumstances that threaten health.

This is inserted in Section 61 of the Public Health Emergency Bill 2021, that is before the Bills and Legislative Committee in Parliament.

Ministry of Finance and Treasury permanent secretary, Dentana Mckinnie, who appeared with the Oversight Committee before BLC yesterday, said the money from the Fund will be spent in line with Public Finance and Management Act (PFMA).

Mckinnie said the Committee will work closely with other agencies that form the operation of the Act to come up with a Regulation to guide the special fund.

He said last year was very costly for the government as it expended $192 million re-allocated under the 2020 Budget.

Furthermore, PS Mckinnie said about $173 million was donor funding used during the covid-19 operation.

According to the Bill, the Accountant General, appointed under section 10 of the Public Financial Management Act 2013, in consultation with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry responsible for health, is responsible for operating the Fund.

The Fund must be operated in the same manner as if it were a Special Fund referred to in section 24 of the Financial Management Act 2013.

Chairman of BLC, Mathew Wale said it is good there is a Special Fund in the Bill so that money can be used wisely for right purposes only.

He alleged that during the tsunami in Western province in the past, some people have mis-used the money of the government in the name of the disaster.

The objectives of the bill are to provide suitable and urgent responses to public health emergencies and circumstances that threatens the health of the persons and communities of Solomon Islands.

The bill aims to enable a range of operational capabilities and activities that will be able to quickly respond to such emergencies and circumstances and prevent, mitigate, eliminate the contamination, disease or other occurrence causing the emergencies and circumstances, and recover from them.

Hearing of the Bill continues on Tuesday next week.

NZ commits to upgrade Taro airfield

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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Taro Island

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

TARO airfield in Choiseul province still remains a top priority for the New Zealand government.

New Zealand High Commission to the Solomon Islands, Georgina Roberts revealed this in response to Deputy premier of Choiseul, Nerio Ulemiki questioning the delay of work on the Taro airport.  

High Commissioner Roberts said the New Zealand government remains committed to upgrading provincial airfields including Taro and Seghe in Western province.

She said the first two prioritised airfields being Seghe and Taro – alongside the Government of Solomon Islands and with co-financing from Australia.

“While there have been some delays to the project caused by COVID-19, we have completed the tender process and are negotiating with a preferred contractor.

“The intention is for in country work to commence before the end of the year,” the statement said.

Mrs Roberts advised that she was pleased to update the Premier of Choiseul on the state of this project when she met with him in April.

She was also pleased to provide an update to the Western Province Premier just last week when she visited Munda and Noro.

 “Progress may have been delayed, but the project remains a priority and we look forward to getting civil works under way,” she said.

New Zealand is aiming to complete its long-standing projects in Solomon Islands this year which includes the upgrade of provincial airports.

The upgrade work by New Zealand included pavement reconstruction and surfacing works, construction of terminal buildings and airfield ground lighting at selected airports in the country.

New Zealand, as part of its Development Cooperation, will continue to support the Solomon Islands Ministry of Communications and Aviation to improve airport infrastructure and airport management.

New Twin Otter makes first flight

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Airlines passengers receive first commercial flight certificate to mark IE386 - Honiara -Arona - Kirakira on 20 May 2021 at Honiara Airport

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Airlines new Twin Otter has made its first commercial flight to Ngorangora Airstrip in Kirakira, Makira Ulawa province on Thursday.

Heather Jeffery, Media & Public Relations of Solomon Airlines Limited confirmed this saying it was a little cloudy but here it is landing at Ngorangora Airstrip. 

She said the 19-seat Twin Otter H4-SIC completed its first commercial passenger journey from Honiara to Arona to Kirakira yesterday as flight IE386, before returning home to Honiara.

 Furthermore, yesterday afternoon the aircraft is scheduled to visit Parasi and Marau, and to touch down in Munda and Gizo in Western province this morning for the very first time.

 The completely ‘relifed’ aircraft includes an additional 1,500lb take-off and landing weight capability, new interior and seating, and airline-grade digital avionics system.

 Mr. Frank Wickham, Chairman of Solomon Airlines said the commissioning of the new Twin Otter aircraft was doubly significant for the national carrier.

 “The arrival of this aircraft opens new possibilities for our domestic operation, and it also signals confidence that even in this era of COVID-19, we can continue to progress, and we are continuing to prepare for better times ahead.

“This is a very positive development for air services between the Solomon Islands and also for the time to come when eventually we also welcome tourists back to the country,” Wickham said.

Sexual Assault Office boosted with new playroom for children

Written by
Press Release
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Right OIC Sexual Assault Office with SIPDP Advisor in the new playroom

SEXUAL Assault Office of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has been boosted with a new playroom for children.

Officer In Charge (OIC) Sexual Assault Team, Inspector Rose Nala says police officers usually investigate serious sexual offences, including those offences done against young children.

Dolls displayed inside the room

“The new play room will provide a safe and comforting environment for child victims, and children of adult victims who attend the office,” Nala explained.

“The Australian Federal Police (AFP) through Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP) has supported the RSIPF in the refurbishment of one interview room as a Children’s Retreat place,” she added.

Toys and some reading books

“Soft flooring, blankets, toys, colouring books and pencils, educational charts and a small television have been purchased by the SIPDP through partnership.”

Ms Nala thanked the AFP, through the SIPDP program, for the support rendered to the RSIPF through the new playroom.

—RSIPF

Man convicted for stealing foreign & local currencies

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A MAN accused of stealing a cash box containing thousands of local and international currencies has been found guilty by the Magistrate court.

Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea convicted the accused Ian Pias Walelabua for stealing a cash box containing SBD300,000, AUD 20,000 and 5000 British Pounds at a dwelling house Henderson area last year.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and a trial was conducted in which the court finds him guilty as charged.

DCM Iomea said prosecution had proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of stealing the cash box.

Ian Pias Walelabua faced one count of Burglary in relation to an incident which occurred on August 28 2020 at the Henderson area.

Police alleged that accused and another male entered the complainant’s house by climbing the walling to enter the house and removed the security camera.

The allegation said when they were inside the house, they then removed a cash box.

It was also alleged that the defendant Walelabua before committing the offence did call another employee, who also works for the complainant to find out the couple’s movement that night.

The phone conversations made by the accused was to check on the couple whether they were out of their residence.

Police also said the accused Walelabua worked as an electronic officer for the complainant.

Manelusi visits Gizo School

Written by
Press Release
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0

THE head of the Correctional Service in the Solomon Islands (CSSI) Gabriel Manelusi on Tuesday gave an educational talk to staff and students of the Gizo Community High School during his official visit there.

Manelusi encouraged students to remember the model of 3C’s, which are courage, good character, and with collaboration

He also encouraged the students not to worry too much if they could not make it to higher forms or University

“If you could not go further in your education pursuit, you have land back in the villages where you could go back to and engage in agriculture, tourism, fisheries, etc…” Manelusi told the students

Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi handing over soccer balls, volley balls and a ball pump to Gizo CHS Principle Richard Hiva as GCC Commandant Supt witnesses

He also reminded students to live according to the divine law (Holy Bible), customary law and our national constitution.

“Successful people are normally those who live according to the word of God and respect our laws as well as our customs”

Commissioner Manelusi handed over 5 Holy Bible to Gizo CHS chaplain Mr. Frank Hong during his official annual visit at Gizo Correctional Centre

The CSSI chief handed over two soccer balls, two volley balls and a ball pump to the school

He also thanked the school for their support to the work of CSSI in Gizo.

School principal Richard Hiva thanked Manelusi and his team for the awareness talk and leadership he has displayed as the Commissioner

Commissioner Manelusi concluded his awareness talk to youths, traditional leaders, women and elderly in the Titiana community. 

Titiana youth and community leaders pose for a photo shot with Commissioner Manelusi and Gizo CC Commandant during his visit to Titiana community

Manelusi was in Gizo as part of his annual visit to provincial CSSI Centres

Sawmill operators get hands-on training

Written by
Press Release
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0
Utilization Officer, Barton Gomese demonstrates preparatory works, how to measure felled trees before actual cutting with the Lucas Sawmill.

MINISTRYof Forestry and Research together with the Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) under Sustainable Forest Resource Management (SFRM) Project are training sawmill operators at Falake Community, West Kwara’ae, Malaita Province.

The four days hands-on training is being conducted by the Utilization Division within the Ministry of Forestry and Research as part of ongoing main activities and one of the key components under the SFRM Project.

Utilization Officer, Barton Gamese said sawmill operator’s at Falake Community are so privileged under the SFRM Project to get detailed training on how to operate the Lucas Sawmill.

 This is even better-off when they have their own Lucas Sawmill machine provided for under the SFRM Project allowing the operators first hands-on experience, he says.

“This is a one of kind training that allows operators to better understand the whole process involved especially with particular focus on sustainable harvesting of their forest resources.

“Important thing that they have learned through the training is selective tree cutting, calculation of tree volume from when it still stand, when it is felled and eventually to calculate the estimated pieces of timbers expected of during the process of cutting timbers,” explains Gamese.

Local operators listens with interest during hands-on training in the forests of Falake, West Kwara áe

He adds the final part of the training is on grading of timbers ripped from the felled trees and eventually into the actual seasoning period.

“Such information’s and training is very important for our resource owners especially when the government is reprioritizing its direction for the forest sector, and I am grateful that this goes in line with the Sustainable Forest Resource Management Project initial planned activities.”

Local Lucas Sawmill Operator, Jerry Loft acknowledges both the Ministry of Forestry and Research together with the Sustainable Forest Resource Management (SFRM) Project under Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) for the hands-on training opportunity.

Mr. Loft said as for the hands-on training on the Lucas Sawmill, they are indeed fortunate to learn a lot of new practical things, stuffs that they intend to overlooked on many occasions in the past.

“More importantly on the selective cutting technique which is new but is sustainable, ways to measure tree and timber volumes including other basic techniques learned through the trainings with the forestry officer.

“It’s indeed a bonus for us as rural people, to be informed and know how to properly plan ahead and manage our resources in allocating our lands through land use planning, which areas to be use and which not for use or preserved and those areas for immediate use.

 “In that, we can understand the basics to where we can use our own land resources for short-, medium- and long-term benefits; and how we can sustain our livelihood,” expresses Loft, the delightful operator.

Similar training have been conducted for Kumoniboli Community sawmill operators on Northeast Guadalcanal, another piloted site under the Sustainable Forest Resource Management Project

– MoFR Press

Two tribes seek consultation on proposed Mala road project

Written by
Alfred Pagepitu
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0

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

TWO tribes have joined other three tribes to oppose the proposed road development from Taelo to Ata’a in Malaita province.

This week, Siubongi land Nelson Laurigni, the Kwakwale land, Robson Ratu and Lagwaeiano land Paul Ratu and Ismael Anita have cautioned those involved in the proposed Taelo to Ata’a road development.

Yesterday, Ausamae tribe Fred Talofaie and U’wo Peter Uiwai said there must be a proper consultation between Baegu Asifola MP, Makario Tagini on the road access.

They said people where MP Tagini consulted for the road developed are not real landowners.

As such, they urge MP Tagini not to proceed on with the road work without any consultation with tribal chiefs.

They said MP Tagini should organise a proper consultation with landowners before going ahead with the road work because it cuts through many tribal land boundaries.

Reports claimed the tribal representatives of the concerned lands had a virtual meeting with the Premier of Malaita Province currently in Brisbane, Australia on medical grounds.

In the meeting, the land-owning tribal representatives strongly assured the premier that they will not allow their tribal lands for such development.

The land-owning leaders said that they do not know how this proposed development came about and as such will not allow our land for the road development to go through.

Paul Ratu of Lagwaeiano tribal land stated “We will support and continue to work with the provincial government of Malaita and those that work with the province.

We will not work or allow our tribal lands to anyone that is not willing to work with the MARA government in the development of Malaita”.

The same sentiment is shared by the other leaders who attended the virtual meeting with the premier.

According to the information received, the proposed road development will be carried out by MP for Baegu Asifola with the support of the MP for Fataleka.

It is highly likely that the road development would be conducted under the Baefola Investment a business entity registered under the Baegu Asifola Constituency.

Such attitude is not new the two MPs in the past also brought a high-level delegation from the Chinese Embassy in Honiara to their constituencies.

Despite knowing that the MARA Government under the Auki Communique made it clear that they will not allow any businesses that have direct connections to Peoples Republic of China to come into Malaita province and to operate a business in the province.

Aust supports childcare for SolTuna workers

Written by
Press Release
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0
SolTuna General Manager, Jim Alexander, shaking hands with Strongim Bisnis Women’s Economic Empowerment Director, Gianluca Nardi after signing the partnership agreement.

AUSTRALIA’S Strongim Bisnis is working with SolTuna to establish a childcare centre at the SolTuna cannery in Noro.

This centre will provide the employees of SolTuna with access to subsidised, high-quality and safe childcare for their preschool-aged children.

The centre aims to improve workplace attendance and productivity among employees.

The Australian High Commissioner, Dr Lachlan Strahan, visited the SolTuna cannery in Noro on 12 May to discuss support for the childcare centre.


During the visit to Noro by the Australian High Commissioner, Dr Strahan, Strongim Bisnis signed a partnership with SolTuna to support the establishment of a childcare facility for SolTuna workers.
 

Strongim Bisnis signed a partnership agreement with SolTuna during Dr Strahan’s visit.

Dr Strahan said “Over 60 per cent of Soltuna’s employees are women. We know that juggling a paid job and childcare responsibilities is challenging.

“We also know that it is women, all over the world, who face this juggling act.

“Making matters yet more challenging, many of SolTuna’s workers come from other parts of Solomon Islands, meaning they aren’t able to call on wider family networks to assist with childcare.

“The childcare centre will help parents attend work knowing that their children are looked after.

“The Australian Government, as proud partners of the Solomon Islands Government, supports women’s economic empowerment.

“We hope that establishing a childcare facility at one of Solomon Islands’ largest employers of women will reduce a significant burden that can limit women’s ability to be employed and earn an income.

“Providing a childcare centre is also economically smart for a company, because it reduces absenteeism and increases productivity.

“We hope the Soltuna childcare centre will set an example for other large businesses by demonstrating the benefits of providing childcare services for employees.”


A lunch was held at SolTuna to celebrate the event.

Strongim Bisnis’ assistance will include hiring a mentor and supporting the refurbishment of the childcare facility according to international good practices of occupational health and safety.

The support aims to demonstrate that a well-supported workforce may not only result in increased job satisfaction, but better outcomes for business productivity and profitability.

Strongim Bisnis works in the cocoa, coconut, tourism, financial services, timber, horticulture and waste management sectors, with a strong focus on women, youth and people with disability.

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