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Chiefs need recognition: Manetoali

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Member of Parliament for Gao/Bughotu, Samuel Manetoali

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Minister for Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs, Samuel Manetoali says the role of chiefs need to be recognised because they help maintain peace in the communities.

Speaking in the sine die motion in Parliament yesterday, Manetoali said in every villages in Solomon Islands, the chiefs and elders are the ones looking after the villages every day.

He said they settle disputes, call for community work and welcome strangers in the villages.

“The chiefs and elders are important people in our villages.

“They lay down rules in the villages,” he said.

Furthermore, Manetoali said the chiefs settle disputes day by day.

He said they maintain peace in the villages.

“In order to have peace, we must recognise the work of chiefs and the church.

“There cannot be any development until there is peace,” he said.

Manetoali said we cannot see or touch peace, but if we see people smiling, there is peace.

“If we see people praying, there is peace.

“If we see people singing, there is peace. If we see people dancing, there is peace,” he said.

Manetoali said peace if biblical.

“Our Lord said it all, blessed are the peace makers, for the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them,” he said.

Soga rebuts Wale in parl closing

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare has lashed out at Opposition Leader, Matthew Wale for attacking the government on its roles, governance and decisions made on a number of national issues.

Some of the issues related to suspension of Solomon Islands Nurses Association, temporary suspension of Facebook, alleged soliciting funds from logging companies to hold members in the government and the State of Public Emergency gives too much power to Sogavare.

Winding the sine die motion last night, Sogavare described some of the allegations made by Wale as defamation of character.

He said Wale’s debate was out of context and rhetoric.

Furthermore, Sogavare accused Wale and former Member of Parliament for North East Guadalcanal, Dr Derek Sikua for soliciting millions of dollars to bring him down in the past.

He said Wale was firing a lot of bullets which were not effective.

Moreover, Sogavare used the sine die motion to outline Government’s programme to achieve under the re-direction policy.

He said the government aims to table the Federal Constitution and reformed the fiscal regime.

Sogavare said work on anti-corruption has started with the appointment of Director of Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption (SIICAC).

He said there is need to bring the Constitution Boundary Commission report to pass or reject it.

Parliament resumes in the first quarter next year.

PM’s chief of staff citizenship hearing made

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff, Robson Djokovic

BY JENNIFER KKUSAPA

THE civil case hearing on the issue of citizenship in relation to the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff Robson Djokovic was made yesterday at the High Court.

Wilson Rano who represents Djokovic filed a submission on behalf of his client to the court seeking declaration under section 20 subsection one and section 26 subsection one of the Solomon Island constitution.

Rano submitted that as an indigenous Solomon Islander, Djokovic’s citizenship is automatically in regard of whether he holds any other citizenship from any country.

Meanwhile the Attorney General on behalf of the Citizenship Commission argued that Djokovic lost his Solomon Islands citizenship as he currently holds an Australian passport.

The hearing was made yesterday and awaiting the court’s judgment on a later date.

High Court Judge Justice Harward Lawry presides over the case.

Meanwhile Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau also said during the press conference yesterday that the criminal case against Robson Djokovic relating to his citizenship and his registration to vote in the 2019 National General Election, will be stayed pending the outcome of his civil case at the High Court.

Prosecution told to amend PTC checklist

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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In-court

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi has told prosecution to amend the current PTC checklist and file to the court by December 15.

This is in regards to the case against a 37-year-old man accused of stealing huge amounts of money from his employer in August this year.

Magistrate Taeburi said prosecution needs to clearly include the issues for trial in their PTC checklist.

Therefore, she adjourned the case to December 16 for an interim mention to sort those issues.

Ms Taeburi also said the trial date will be set by the presiding Magistrate DCM Ricky Iomea as he is the one presiding over the case.

This is the case of Ian Pias Walelabua who faces one count of Burglary in relation to an incident occurred on August 28 between 11.30pm and 12.30am when the victim and his wife were out from their residence at Henderson, Central Guadalcanal Province.

Police said the accused and other male entered into the complainant’s house by climbing the walling to enter inside the house and removed the security camera.

Police alleged it was when they were inside the house, they then removed a cash box that contain the amount of $300, 000SBD, $20,000AUD and $5,000 pounds.

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

Police said the phone conversations were 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.

The Public Solicitor’s Office is representing the accused in court.

Prepare for USAID Scale programme: Suidani

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Malaita Premier Daniel Suidani.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

PREMIER of Malaita Province, Daniel Suidani has reiterated his call to Malaitans for positive engagement in light of the USAID scale programme.

He reiterates the call, which he had made few times in recent weeks, as consultation now progresses between USAID, MPG and implementing partners of the programme.

In a statement from the province’s policy advisory body (PARU), Suidani urged resource owners in the province and people at large to prepare to participate in the USAID scale Programme.

He said his MARA government had made strong emphasis on a paradigm shift to development to one that puts strong emphasis on restorative economy.

Suidani said restorative economy was a notion adopted by Malaita Provincial executive, of economic activity that rebuilds natural, social and cultural intactness, resilience and vitality.

Adding that the central idea is that sustainability is a sufficient target only in the absence of massive structural destruction of ecological and sociocultural systems.

He said given decades of destruction and diminishment, restoration and rebuilding needs to be the higher-order goal of economic activity in Malaita province.

Suidani said the importance of this restorative economy is the call for Malaitans to restore their relationships both vertically and horizontally aiming at revitalising those long lost survival principles of living and caring for each other.

“I would like to call on you my good people of Malaita province that this is an opportunity we must approach with openness, togetherness and with the attitude of genuineness in dealing with each other,” he said.

Appealing on all tribes, communities and landowning groups to get organise and resolve issues that would stand in the way to stop them from progressing development in their communities under scale programme. 

“This is the time for us to progress together and nothing else,” Suidani said.

He said it’s important for individuals to share something positive amongst communities in the province like on development models and approaches that are successful in ones communities.

PARU encourages Malaitans and interested people to visit their office at the provincial office in Auki to share successful stories with the office. Information sharing is the key to positive development.

Kakamora tops Group B

Written by
Taromane Martin
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Makira Ulawa Kakamora starting 11 against Isabel Frigates yesterday. Kakamora moves top of Group B following their 3-0 win over Frigates yesterday. Picture Peter Zoleveke II.

Shields suffer second defeat

By Taromane Martin

MAKIRA Ulawa Kakamora moves top of Group B following a 3-0 win over Isabel Frigates in Day 6 of the 2020 Solomon Cup.

Three second half goals from Philip Polancos, Andrew Hanua and Climson Mauto were enough to secure all three points for the George Fafale coached side yesterday against a determined Frigates side.

Despite the loss Frigates Head Coach Gideon Omokirio was pleased with his boy’s performance saying their remaining fixture against Central Shield is a must win game.

“Thank you to the boys for their performance today.  Despite the result I’m pleased with the way they played today,”Omokirio said.

“For me the part I was disappointed with was that we failed to make use of our chances today. If we had finished off our chances, I believe we would have won the game.

“But congratulations to Kakamora. They worked really hard and definitely gave us a good game. They finished off their chances which boosted their performance towards the end.

“Despite the result, my boys played much stronger than against Renbel which I’m very happy with,” Coach Omokirio said.

With one game remaining for Frigates, Omokirio says pressure is mounting for his side but vows to bounce back to keep their title hopes alive.

“Against Central it’s a must win game for us. Pressure is mounting for us so that game is a must win for us.

“We will improve and make sure we learn from our mistakes today, especially our finishing.  If we collect all three points then we’ll have seven points and then will see what the results from the other games in the group will be like ” he said.

Now with six points and top of Group B, Kakamora Head Coach George Fafale says though his side were not secure in their performance, their tactical game definitely helped them with their win yesterday.

“Our tactical game I think helped us win the game in the last 20 minutes.  I had to encourage the boys in the second half because most of the boys this is a new scene and atmosphere for them.

“But thank you to the boys for giving their very best, which I did not expect from them,” he said.

With two games to go Coach Fafale says they will take their preparation step by step as they look to qualify for the semifinals.

“We’ll have a short time to recover. We’ll take it step by step for our last two remaining matches. We respect our opponents. However, we’ll play to the best of our abilities in those two games, ” Fafale said.

Standings for Group B after Day 6 of competition yesterday sees Makira Ulawa Kakamora with six points, Renbel Ibis with four points, Isabel Frigates with four points, Honiara Warriors with three points, while Central Shields are still without a point following their second loss in the competition to ibis yesterday.

Puia foils u-turn

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VICTOROUS - Renbel Ibis hero multi talented athlete, Lavernstar Puia celebrates his late winner against Central Shield yesterday. Photo PETER ZOLEVEKE II.

Ibis third in Group B

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

A killer goal by Renbel Ibis forward Lavernstar Puia in the dying seconds of extra time saw ibis upset Central Shields in Day 6 of the 2020 Solomon Cup yesterday.

Following their 7-0 mauling to Honiara Warriors in their opening match on Tuesday, Central Shields Head Coach Tome Kiki said his side were hoping to make a U-turn against ibis in their second match of the competition.

However, the Batram Suri ibis coached side shocked Shields with a 1-0 victory, causing one of the tournament’s biggest upset in Group B.

The win moves ibis into third position with four points after three matches played behind Isabel Frigates in second and Makira Ulawa Kakamora in first position.

It was a game full of intensity with both sides having equal opportunities in front of the goal mouth. Shields attack led by veteran Oscar Sara, despite a number of chances failed to penetrate a disciplined Ibis back three defenses, led by Patterson Tongaka.

Ibis pressed throughout both halves, thanks to the continuous well-managed ball distribution from central attacking midfielder Jorge B Tongaka, who kept speedsters Steve Mane and Puia busy in causing havoc for Shields defense, with a number of clear goal scoring opportunities.    

A switch in the remaining ten minutes of the second half by Coach Suri saw Puia moved to the right flanks after calling off Tongaka, with ibis almost penetrating Shields defense time and time again.

Despite Shields defense holding on for the whole of the 90 minutes, their shields were finally cracked in the dying seconds of extra time when a loose high lob from the center was chased down by Puia who managed to win the ball in the 50/50 encounter with Shields custodian.

His header was right on the money, heading the ball over and into the open net in the 91+2 minute of the game.

“The victory for us is good to match the other teams in the group and hopefully finish second to qualify for the next stage,” a relieved Suri said after the game.

“We will try our best to maintain second because I believe that Makira will go through as leaders so we have to fight for the second place.

“I’m very happy with the performance of the boys, they showed courage and never give up the fighting spirit until the final whistle.

Ibis now have a crucial game at hand against host Honiara Warriors while Central Shields has two games left against Isabel Frigates and Makira Ulawa Kakamora who tops Group B with six points following their 3-0 win over Isabel Frigates in the 1pm clash yesterday.

With Honiara Warriors up next for Renbel ibis, Coach Suri knows their chances of collecting all three points will be tough but vows to give the capital side their best, as they seek qualification for the knockout stages.

“Our chances in the last match will not be easy, at the end of the day the boys worked hard for these points. It’s a slim chance for us if we should make it through.

“Our preparation ahead for a team like Honiara will be challenging but I will try my best out of the best to help the team prepare, perform and match the capital players,” says Suri.

‘No worries’

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Finance and Treasury Harry Kuma

Finance minister Kuma says ‘glimmer of hope at end of tunnel’

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTER of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma says there is glimmer of hope despite the challenges the country faces in economic, social and health issues due to the impact of covid-19.

Speaking on the sine die motion in Parliament yesterday, Kuma said despite all the abnormalities; the severity of covid 19, the harsh economic environment, challenging fiscal position of the Government and offensive public trial prosecuted by social media, there is hope and glimmer of positive indicators.

He makes reference to the fact they have a healthy foreign reserve level, kept inflation at a manageable level, continue to enjoy a sustainable debt position, agriculture production boosted, and log production although low continues to provide the life blood of government finance.

Furthermore, Kuma said despite an array of regulatory reforms, they must accomplish, their international competiveness and investor profile is stable according to Moddy’s recent release of a B3 Stable annual rating.

He said this is positive news for the government and this simply means that our country is still open for business and investment.

“Let me take this time to commend my Ministry for its stringent adherence to ensuring that the government’s debt burden remains low and upheld by our strict Debt Management Strategy,” he said.

In addition, Kuma said global economy is expected to rebound with a 5.2 percent growth in 2021 at the back of improved economic performance mainly from advanced economies.

He said the economies of Spain and Italy that have suffered terribly during Covid-19 are rebounding.

“These two European countries are our primary importers of fisheries, especially fish loin exports to Italy, and sea food to Spain, accounting for some eight percent of our total merchandise exports.”

Moreover, Kuma said since growth in China is projected to rise from 1.9 percent in 2020 to 8.2 percent in 2021, this is a strong and positive sign for our country given that China is our biggest trading partner and importer of logs.

“Even during declining commodity prices, a surge in China’s growth will have an impact on our economy, especially our round log exports.

“Our log volumes are projected to rise from 2.2 million cubic metres in 2020 and expected to slow down to around 2 million cubic meters in 2021 although this is likely to change with the current developments and demand from China,” he said.

Kuma said China alone accounts for two-thirds (or close to average $3 billion) of all our merchandise exports.

“However, any increased Covid-19 pressures in China will obviously have negative effects on demand for our logs with drastic flow on effects on our fiscal revenue, and growth in other interconnected sectors,” he said.

Top two share points

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ON ATTACK - Western Tomoko target man Jaygray Sipakana drives with the ball as Malaita Eagles skipper Augustine Kafula keeps a close watch during the teams nil-all draw yesterday. Photo Peter Zoleveke II.

BY PETER ZOLEVEKE II

DEFENDING Champions Malaita Eagles were held to a goalless draw against a determined Western Tomoko, as both teams maintained their undefeated form in Group A of the Solomon Cup 2020.

Both teams had chances to secure all three points but solid defending from both teams saw them share points yesterday.

Malaita Head Coach Terry Oiaka despite being unable to collect all three points yesterday’s said, the draw is crucial especially in a tough group of opponents.

“To earn a draw in the game is important for us; we know that our Group is tough. I’m satisfied with the boys’ performance though we have good goal chances to finish off but at least we got away with one point,” Oiaka said.

Oiaka also maintained that recovery is foremost for his players especially when playing four games in a row.

“A final group match remains for us, the important thing is for us now is to recover ahead,” Oiaka stressed.

The reigning champions came close on a number of occasions to snatching the lead, forward Junior Zimri and striking partner Norman Ngafu making countering threats, but were successfully held at bay by Tomoko defense, manned by veteran Lebo Rigeo and youngster Hensky Foata in the back.

Despite both defender’s solid performance, it was Tomoko’s custodian Dickson Brimson who got the praise for his exceptional performance, walking away with the Man of the Match award after keeping a clean sheet.

Western Tomoko Head Coach Seri Hite said his expectations coming into the fixture was to put up a good fight, against the defending champions.

“During our team talk coming in before the game we knew it will be tough as this is the top match for this Pool.

“We know going up against the current champions won’t be easy and we just wanted to give them a good game.

“I’m happy with players in both teams and the result is pleasing. What we are looking at now is to win the last game and if we win, we can qualify for the next stage,” Coach Hite said.

Temotu Arrows on the other hand managed to bounce back from their opening loss to Tomoko and hand Lauru Kukuvojo another nightmare defeat yesterday.

Arrows Head Coach Newman Leo was pleased with their 3-0 win and their first points, saying they will work harder for their remaining matches.

“We were still recovery from our first loss, and I thank God for the win and strength especially after traveling a long way to compete. We still have a number of weaknesses. Those have been identified and we will work on ahead of our next match,” Coach Leo said.

Despite suffering their second defeat, Kukuvojo Head Coach, David Pitabelama remains optimistic to bring back some pride for their province and fans.

“We did give a good fight but the best team won. We slowly picked up and I appreciate the players for their hard work as we look forward to give a good game for our two remaining opponents.,” he said.

Kukuvojo still has Guadalcanal Hornets and Western Tomoko left to play while Temotu Arrows has Malaita Eagles and Hornets left to play.

Meanwhile, following yesterday’s Group A match results, Eagles now leads Group A with seven points with a game left against Temotu Arrows followed by Western Tomoko in second with five points.

Temotu Arrows sits in third with three points followed by Guadalcanal Hornets in fourth with a point and then Lauru Kukuvojo who are still without a point.

With five points in the group standings from three matches Tomoko are now faced with a ‘must win’ clash with fellow westerners, Lauru Kukuvojo.

Eagles needs a win or a draw to qualify for the next stage while Arrows and Hornets chances remains alive, if they win their remaining matches.

Kava spreads like wildfire in Malaita

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Kava stalks prepare for west Mbaelelea farmers

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE message of kava continues to spread and it becomes one of the much talked about commercial root crops in the province.

And it’s not only just a mere message, but rather, farmers investing in the kava programme.

It is a revolution, the first to be experienced with commercial crops in Malaita province in these modern days.

This is with the help of kava trainings and workshops continued to be facilitated by organisations and individuals in the province.

Market is crucial for the production and Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock through responsible kava agents must establish genuine market domestically.

According to a post in Malaita Development Forum (face book), a recent visit was made by kava farmers from west Mbaelelea on a look and learns trip to Faifatla community kava production in west Kwara’ae.

This is part of the kava trend in the province and about 20 kava farmers were privileged to be part of the ‘look and learn’ programme.

During the visit, they met Faifatla Kava Specialist Trainer, Mr James Raisao and took the farmers to different farms and demonstrated kava farming methods carried out in Faifatla to them.

The visit was also a bonus for west Mbaelelea kava farmers to buy kava stalks from Faifatla famers to extend kava production in the province.

Raisao said during the visit that it’s important to encourage more of such look and learn initiative amongst local communities in the province.

“We don’t need source of knowledge from abroad. With cooperation and sharing of local knowledge, we can build strong and resilient communities,” he said.

He said Faifatla community kava production is willing to assist interested kava farmers in the province with the knowledge they have in kava production.

West Mbaelelea kava farmers are collecting kava stalks from farmers at Faifatla in west Kwara’ae. Photo by Samie Waikori

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