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Journos trained on enviro-extract issues

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Alfred Pagepitu
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Part of the journalists who attended the workshop

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

Journalists have been trained in reporting on extractive industries and endemic species in Solomon Islands.

This was during a three-day workshop last week in Honiara.

This workshop is jointly organised by Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) and the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI).

The workshop urged journalists to focus their news to report accurately and more intensively on biodiversity issues and the impacts of covid-19 on the environment, to educate people.

Internews’ EJN coordinator for the Solomon Islands Priestly Habru, told participants that the organisers acknowledge that the media has a significant role to play in raising public awareness and with it, the ability to generate public demand for better policies and encourage policymakers to act.

“This workshop aims to improve the knowledge and skills of Solomon Islands Journalists in reporting on environmental governance of extractive industries and endemic species trade as well as the importance of conversation.”

He challenged journalists to fill that reporting gap by featuring affected people and how to help them.

“We expected that participants would be go back to their newsroom and impart the knowledge gain to their subordinates and peers,” he said.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment Dr Melchior Mataki said the media’s role to accurately and fairly report on environmental issues to raise public awareness, generate public demand for better policies and laws, and encourage policy makers, government authorities, private sector and the public at large to act and comply with environmental policies and legislation cannot be over-emphasised.

“Media’s role as a watchdog of Government’s decisions, actions and inactions is equally important as well. In this connection, I wish to thank MASI and your partners for putting together this training workshop, and for the invitation that enable my participation,” he said.

More than 10 journalists who attended a three-day workshop conducted by the MASI, in partnership with the Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN), were given certificates and assigned tasks after receiving the training.

Presenters were from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Mines and Energy, MASI, EJN and Editors.

Holy cross celebrates Palm Sunday

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Youths lifting their palms after leading the Liturgy with beautiful singing.

Catholics from around the country celebrated Palm Sunday, also known as Passion Sunday, in the Christian tradition, the first day of Holy Week and the Sunday before Easter, in commemorating Jesus Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem.

Thousands gathered at Holy Cross Cathedral for the Holy Mass and witnessed this great event.

The liturgy at 9am began with a blessing and procession of palms.

His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP Blessed the Palm with Holy Water

The reading of the Passion taken fromMark 14:1-15:47readby His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP and two Parishioners.

Archbishop Cardone during his homily encouraged the Holy Cross parishioners to continue to pray during the Holy week.

“Today we gathered to begin the week of Holy Week, let us give thanks to God for his life death and resurrection.”

He also encouraged Christians to join the coming Easter Triduum.

The procession

 “This will help us to increase Faith, Hope and Love.

“Let this week be a time of Prayer and not a time of doing what we want to do for ourselves but rather for the will of God.”

He explained that Holy Thursday is when Catholics commemorate Last Supper of Jesus Christ with His Disciples and washing of the feet, in imitation of Jesus’ washing of the feet of his 12 disciples at the Last Supper; and for Holy Cross Parish the Holy Mass will be at 7pm.

He added that on Good Friday will be the Passion of Christ, which commemorates Jesus’ suffering and death on the cross; it is traditionally a day of sorrow, penance, and fasting.

Parishioners and Visitors witnessed the great celebration of Holy Week

Therefore, youth at Holy Cross will carry out an enactment of the Passion of Christ that will start at 9am at the Holy Compound, followed with Veneration of the Cross at 3pm.

Easter Sunday is the celebration of Jesus’ Resurrection, according to the Gospels, on the third day after his crucifixion. Therefore, Holy Mass for the Resurrection will be as normal Sunday Mass Schedule.

The Beautiful Liturgy and singing was led by Holy Cross Youths.

–CATHOLIC PRESS

NWGDA begin 2021

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Part of the Crowd that took part in the registration of the Association.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

NORTH West Guadalcanal Development Association members officially commenced their 2021 programmes with registration of members to continue to achieve the association’s aims and objects.

Chair if the association Simon Chottu said NWGDA members met on Saturday to officially commence 2021 since registration started back on February 12.

Chottu said he is delighted with the turnout of the meeting and would like to thank all the members for turning up.

Chairperson talking to those who were present at the meeting.

“This is our first combined meeting to officially start 2021 and your attendance and commitment is what motivated me to continue to push and strive to achieve NWGDA aims and objects,” he said.

Chottu said one of the major focus for NWGDA this year is, provide all necessary support to our members to achieve NWGDA aims and objectives through commercial trade and production.

“We will put high focus on our Agriculture/livestock sector where 75 percent of our members is under, followed by Fishery, Forestry, Youths and Heath sectors,” he said.

Chottu said recently they have established a network connection with Sape Farm to grow cassava. Sape Farm donated a truck load of Cassava stalk for NWGDA, where they target to plant six hectors of Cassava producing 18 tonne per month. This is just the start of the road to support members of the association through commercial activities.

Members doing their registrations

“We have other crops such as Noni, kava, coconuts (copra), cocoa etc which we plan to do the same with.”

“We will also put high priority on any relevant training, workshop or awareness programs that is required for our members throughout this year as well,” he said.

Chottu said furthermore, they have other programmes lined up including our famous Bulk market where they started last year. By providing an avenue for their Garden farmers to sell their produce in bulk to their customers in Honiara.

Members listening attentively

“All our programmes and activities will be shared on our social media platform Facebook and Instagram @NorthWest Guadalcanal Development Association,” he said.

Central gov’t remains strong: Manetiva

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Alfred Pagepitu
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Premier of Central Islands Province, Stanley Manetiva

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

CENTRAL Islands Premier Stanley Manetiva says his government remains “strong and solid rock”.

He said this after winning last week’s motion of no-confidence by an overwhelming majority vote of nine against four.

Manetiva told Island Sun yesterday the motion did not threaten his government’s stability nor its numeral strength which stands at nine.

“Let me assure my good people of Central Islands province, as Premier responsible that we have honoured all our major government policy-based programmes to develop the province.

“I have no doubt to working close with the provincial government in maintaining the clean audit status of the Province for two consecutive years in a row is history.

“I would like to acknowledge all my energetic politicians who tirelessly work in moving the province including the staff of the provincial government,” he said.

Manetiva encourages all provincial leaders that it’s time to work together as one province moving the Central province forward.

“We should stop wasting time talking nonsense and start work to develop the Central province with local investors and improve the revenue and upgrade the standard of the province to the upper level.

“All our stakeholders, NGOs, private sectors, national government and the people should work together to improve service delivery programmes in the province,” Manetiva said.

NOW OR NEVER!

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WPG Members pose for a photo opportunity after the Assembly meeting. Both side of the house stand side by side demonstrating they are ready to roll out the 2021-2022 financial year operations

Western Province reiterates federal system call

BY BEN BILUA
In Gizo

WESTERN Provincial Government has again expressed its stand that the province is ready to accept the federal government system.

This was highlighted during the recent provincial assembly meeting with majority of the house stand in favor of the call.

Speaking during the meeting, Premier of Western Province, David Gina said Western Province is ready for the state government system and is waiting for all the legal formalities to become a state government.

“The process and establishment of legislations for Federal System have been completed – it’s a matter that we as a province to adopt the system.

“It comes back to the province. It’s a goal to the process for over 20 years and we will take it,” he said.

“It would be a great a brilliant idea if the national government provides a provision to allow provinces that are capable to become state to adopt the Federal system,” Gina added.

However he reminds members of the house that such ambition can be achieved through cooperation and greater partnership in planning towards state government.

Gina highly recommended that there must be no mix feeling towards the idea of state government.

“We need collective support and work together on this matter,” he said.

Gina reiterated that Western Province is ready get it’s the blessing to become a state government should the government allows.

Western Province takes steps to revive Investment Corporation

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Western Province Assembly meeting currently taking place at the Imagination Island outside of provincial capital, Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
In Gizo

THE David Gina led Provincial Government has made positive steps to reinvigorate the Western Province Investment Corporation (WPIC).

An Audit report of the province’s business arm has been tabled and adopted during the recent Provincial Assembly since its establishment some 20 years ago.

The Audit was carried out by an appointed Auditor from the Auditor General Office with opinions and forward plans required to strengthen the institution.

Finance Minister of Western Province, Christian Burley Mesepitu said the task to audit the institution was difficult as accounts were lost and outdated.

He told the assembly that there were virtually no accounts, so as transactions to prepare any financial statement for the date preceding 31 March 2011 back to the day the institution was established.

Mesepitu said the Gina Government has displayed commitment to the transformation of the entity and should be commended for the job well-done.

FIFA CONGRATULATES H/ EELS

Written by
Taromane Martin
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Henderson Eels FC for winning the 2020-2021 TSL seasons. Picture Supplied

By Taromane Martin

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Henderson Eels FC for winning their first Telekom Soccer League title (TSL).

The FIFA President in a letter to Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President William Lai said Henderson Eels FC achievement is without doubt, the result of hard work, passion and commitment, and everyone at the club can surely be proud of this important achievement

“Congratulations to Henderson Eels FC Dear President, please allow me to congratulate Henderson Eels FC for having been crowned 2020/21 champions of the Solomon Islands,” Infantino stated.

“This title is, no doubt, the result of hard work, passion and commitment, and everyone at the club can surely be proud of this important achievement.

“I would be grateful if you could please extend my congratulations to everybody involved, whom I encourage to continue working with determination and motivation in the future.

“On behalf of the international football community, I finally take this opportunity to thank you and your Federation for your contribution to the development and the prosperity of football in the Solomon Islands, in your region and around the world. I look forward to seeing you again soon. Yours sincerely,” the letter adds.

SIFF President William Lai meanwhile said it is indeed a proud and historic moment for the Eddie Marahare, Advance Technology sponsored Henderson Eels side.

“No doubt for Henderson Eels being the first title meant a lot of people connected to the club,” the SIFF president said.

“A wonderful achievement as the club is only at its Fourth season. It needs a lot of sweat, dedication and team work.

” A Proud moment for the history of the club. TO the President, Hudson and your executive, enjoy this moment and look forward to Henderson Eels to achieve greater in the coming season to retain plus the OFC Champions League,” Lai adds.

Henderson Eels FC were crowned TSL champions on March 21st after their final match with former champions Solomon Warriors FC at the Lawson Tama.

Eels clinched their first title finishing their 2020-2021 TSL seasons with 50 points while Solomon Warriors FC finished their season with 49 points.

New seasons of the Telekom Soccer League is likely to return in June, 2021 according to TSL Chairman Anthony Makabo.

EASTER ROAD RACE CONFIRMED

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Taromane Martin
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The Solomon Islands Athletics team

By Taromane Martin

Athletics Solomon Islands Federation will host the 2021 Easter Road race on April 3rd, Federation President Nelson Kabitana confirmed.

Kabitana said this Easter road race is one of the federation’s activities and events that will help identify elite and potential athletes for National athletics training team in preparations for upcoming international and regional events.

“After two years the newly elected Athletics Solomon executives will host the National Easter road race 2021,” the statement reads.

“The program will be on 3rd April 4pm and will commence at the Bishop Dale at Riffle Range and finishes at the Lawson tama stadium.

“The launching of the race will be facilitated by the Patron Mr Francis Kelsie and finishes at the Lawson tama with medal presentation ceremony.

“The Executives look forward for other provincial associations’ elite road and long distance athletes to compete, the associations such as western athletics association, Makira, Central, Malaita, Guadalcanal and Honiara city athletes for the one day event.

“The Athletics Solomon encourages expats who wish to participate in the Easter Road race, to come forward and fill forms to participate.

“Athletics Solomon continues to encourage all athletes from the province and here in the city to keep train, discipline as the national championship will be in end of May here in Honiara.

“Last week the Athletics held their first training trials for Team Guadalcanal and Honiara city at Lawson Tama stadium, with impressive time by the both men and women.

“Registration and entry for the Easter road race the executives encourages coaches and athletes to see the Development officer and the executive, registration opens Monday and closes Thursday 11pm,” the statement adds.

MAN UP 15s RUGBY CHALLENGE

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Crusaders player charges forward against a MOI player

The Solrais & Fletcher Kwaimani Man Up 15s rugby challenge wrapped up its round 4 fixtures yesterday at the Town ground rugby stadium.

Islander Brothers beat SOSA rugby club 47-23.

Malaita Crusaders defeated MOI Warriors 37- 12 and Henderson Hammerheads runs over Diesel 43-10.

HHH player charging through
Islander forward moves in against SOSA
Islander winger escapes a tackle to score a try against SOSA
A line out between Henderson Hammer Heads and Diesel
An action of the Crusaders vs MOI clash yesterday
A MOI player goes in to a tackle from the Malaita Crusaders defence. The game came out victorious from the men from the mainland who walked away with a 37-12 win

Premier Maka’a regards motion as frivolous

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Makira Premier, Julian Maka'a

THE Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Julian Maka’a has described as frivolous and unnecessary the motion of no confidence against his leadership and Government.

He said this is because the motion was moved against his Government for Unity, Reform and Advancement which has been in reign only for 12 months.

In other words, Mr Maka’a said he and his Government were being measured and judged by leaders who did not seem to appreciate the period in which “we came into power which was December 10th 2020, a time the financial status of the Makira Ulawa Province was on its knees”.

He said since being put to power, they used the first two weeks to brainstorm on the common path to collectively identify ideas to pursue as a basis for the formation of the new Government.

Premier Maka’a said these included following up of long overdue and outstanding infrastructure needs of the Makira Ulawa Province and its people like the Kira Kira Wharf, Improvement of telecommunications hiccups, Establishments of growth centres around the Province and the Rawo Bridge.

He said his new Administration wanted to give ownership of the Government to the people, and in general it wanted to ensure the voters of the MUP feel they are being served because for 36 years they have not achieved these important and crucial infrastructure services.

Premier Maka’a said the accusation that he, as Premier did not have the capacity to ascertain development was surprising after five 3-G towers are already operational and will be officially launched on April 15, work on the Kira Kira Ramp will be completed also in April and will be followed by the construction of the first wharf for Kira Kira.

Are they not development, he asked because the ordinary people have spoken highly of the achievements, adding more such projects as the Rawo Bridge and the wharf are expected this year.

 And he said the Government will further address the Mamaloni Town this year after long delays in demarcating and pegging it last year, adding town planning and physical planning once completed should allow Ministries and businesses build and develop the township so more revenues for the Province can be earned.

Mr Maka’a said these are long outstanding issues for MUP, but these are now possible following the signing of a Communiqué between MUP Government and the Prime Minister’s Office that alludes the Maka’a Administration will align its polices with the National Government.

He said people on the streets and public are happy with the achievements so far, and are looking forward for many more, adding “we are not bragging here, but we humbly think they are developments that will improve service delivery and help people to improve their living standards as well”.

And on the accusation that the Maka’a Government lacks providing an orderly, responsible and respectable governance, he said “we are a new team, humble and willing to learn as we go along and if we are not orderly, responsible and respectable, we would not have attracted the attention of the National Government, our ordinary citizens and Solomon Islands people as a whole.

“Our achievements speak for us, for instance Members of Isabel and Choiseul Provinces had asked two of my Ministers in Honiara what had we as a Government done to attract so much support from the National Government?

“And even the Anglican Bishops of the Church of Melanesia who attended the consecration of the 4th Bishop of the Diocese of Hanuato’o, Arthur Stanley Abui in Kira Kira March 23 commented very positively on the developments and my leadership of this Government.

“If outside people are seeing the good things we are providing for Makira Ulawa Province and its people, what is wrong with your eyes elected leaders?”, Mr Maka’a asked.

By George Atkin  Kira Kira Correspondent

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