Polling Assistants at Gizo Polling 'A' assisting voters during the voting.
BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
VOTER Registration for the upcoming 2019 National General Election (NGE) starts today.
This is according to the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) through via Telekom text messages yesterday for the whole country.
SIEC strongly reminds that the Voter Registration targets new voters (18 yrs), those who missed out in the past and those who went to update their details.
“Visit your nearest Voters Registration Centres (VRC) to register and update your voter details. The VRC is at the Polling Station where one last voted,” advices SIEC.
“If you already registered and voted during the 2014 NGE and do need to change anything or update your details then you do not need to register again.”
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of SIEC, Moses Saitala
By Gary Hatigeva
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of SIEC, Moses Saitala
THE Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) says awareness is a different form of activity compared to that of campaigning, whether it is the national or provincial elections, but warned that that campaigns must be done within the legal timeframe as stated in the new act.
Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of SIEC, Moses Saitala explained this during a press conference held at the Commission’s Headquarter on Thursday last week.
This also comes following reports of such activities is said to be on the rise, in Honiara and in constituencies throughout the country.
Now that it has been passed and waiting on the Governor General to assent it, which according to Mr Saitala, should be done within this week, the legal campaign period starts after the GG’s announcement date for election and ends 24 hours before the election day.
Based on the CEO’s explanation, intending candidates are expected to highlight the importance of getting electors to vote, why they needed to vote and how they can vote and other related areas, and this according to officials, is very much playing the role on behalf of the SIEC.
That according to CEO Saitala is what awareness should be about and not trying to influence or force electors to vote for one particular candidate, and added that the two terms must not be mixed up.
Saitala further added that there are certain candidates who are actually campaigning under the guise of awareness talks.
He said to hold awareness talks is not a problem, however, the nature of the awareness program is always the case that indicates obvious campaigning, and that according to the SIEC CEO, has to stop.
“If someone knows that they are already doing that, and you are acting on behalf of an intending candidate or you are an intending candidate, I think you should stop,” he said.
“Raising awareness is different; raising awareness is about helping voters to access voting services during the registration period or election.”
He then stressed that talking strategies and plans including agenda for campaigning is not wrong, but it has to be within a candidate’s team of campaigners and managers, not with the public.
He further explained that everything highlighted are in breach of the new electoral act and anyone caught breaching them will pay heavy penalties, some of which will go as high as $50,000.
The SIEC CEO warned that the law not only applies to candidates, but so as agents and other players of candidates who will or have tried to lure support and votes for their masters especially, outside of the legal campaign period.
Mr Saitala however urged that if people have any complaints regarding candidates whom they think are carrying out campaigns in the name of awareness or are actually campaigning, could be a fact for investigation.
“From now on if anybody complains about this and they can substantiate that, it will be a fact for investigation,” he said.
Saitala said the Electoral Commission will rely heavily on the support and assistance of the Solomon Islands public, especially the eligible voters, in dealing with matters that might temper with certain phases of the Registration Process.
THE out of constituency registration will only take place in Honiara.
This is to help working people residing in Honiara not to go back home for register during this registration phase.
However, during the period of voting phase voters will went back to their respective constituency to cast their ballots.
There will be no out of constituency voting, which was already confirmed to this paper by the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) of the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) Moses Saitala
The above sentiments were highlighted at the recent training for media personnel hosted by SIEC to make sure effective and balance reporting is carried out.
A number of members of Parliament face imminent arrest, as the nation’s anti-corruption crack unit – JANUS – sprang into action last week after months in limbo.
At least four Members of Parliament face arrest, sources told Island Sun over the weekend.
The news of the imminent arrest of national politicians is strengthened by reports that Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela has given Police Commissioner, Matthew Varley, the all-clear for the arrest of officials and MPs once police have established sufficient grounds to act.
The timing of the arrest of politicians is not clear, but those in the know say it could happen immediately or later this year after Parliament is dissolved on December 17.
“This is the best timing and the Police Commissioner has been given the all-clear in no uncertain terms to act,” one source told Island Sun on the weekend.
“There were far too many political considerations in the past. It tied down the Police Commissioner’s hands. Now it is a different time, and the Commissioner is free to act independently without fear or favor as provided for in the Constitution,” the source said.
The news of potential arrest of MPs emerged as JANUS – the anti-corruption crack unit – pounced once more.
Last Wednesday, JANUS arrested Lino Houmaha, the Principal Accountant of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock and charged him with one official count of official corruption, allegedly involving a $5,000-bribery.
Houmaha appeared briefly at the Magistrates Court last Wednesday when he was charged with one count of official corruption.
Police expect to lay more charges. He was released on bail and will appear in court again on September 12, 2018.
His arrest follows an internal audit of the $4 million funding allocated for the Waisisi Palm Oil Project in West Are Are. The five-year funding started in 2012.
Internal auditors of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury undertook the initial investigation, which police say is continuing. More arrest could follow as police believe Houmaha was not acting alone.
Fiji’s Sofi Diyalowai and Solomon Island’s Serah Ragomo go after the ball.
BY ROMULUS HUTA
Fiji’s Sofi Diyalowai and Solomon Island’s Serah Ragomo go after the ball.
THE national women’s soccer side fought out a nil-all draw against hosts Fiji in match day two of the OFC Women’s Nations Cup Qualifier currently underway at Lautoka’s Churchill Park.
The draw proved that the two teams are inseparable meaning they are forced to continue sharing top spot in the standings, with Fiji goal difference giving them a slight advantage.
In the other match, Vanuatu has bagged their first points of the competition after edging American Samoa by a goal to nil.
The match between Solomon Islands and Fiji was the top-of-the-table clash. A win by either side could have seen one of those two teams take a clear lead in the standings.
By fulltime however, the match was scoreless, leaving the battle for the top spot to remain open and will have to be decided on match day three later this week.
Knowing what is at stake in this competition, Solomon Islands and Fiji came out determined to play the best football possible which meant strong defending.
That left little opportunity for the attacking side of the game for either side.
That’s not to say they weren’t without their chances.
Cema Nasau, Luisa Tamanitoakula and Trina Davis looked as threatening yesterday as they did in their opening match against Vanuatu, however Margaret Kofela and her backline were more than up to the challenge.
At the other end Ileen Pegi and Laydah Samani once again led the Solomon Islands offensive efforts but like their opponents, couldn’t find a way to break down that final line.
After playing out the first 45 minutes scoreless, there remained the whole of the second half for one of the side’s to gain an advantage.
On the stroke of the hour, Solomon Islands created a wonderful opportunity when Imelda Tehekeni sent the ball over the backline for Crystal Bakalo to give chase. The veteran striker controlled the ball down well pulling it back for an arriving Laydah Samani who left the woodwork shuddering with her powerful strike.
That chance signalled a lift in intensity from the Fijians who realised how close they had come to falling behind, and they launched a wave of attacks on the Solomon Islands goal which had Margaret Kofela working overtime to keep them out of her goal.
As the clock counted down Fiji continued to put pressure on the Solomon Islanders however were unable to find a much coveted goal.
Fiji’s Marika Rodu said the approach from Solomon Islands was well thought through and well executed.
“They were a team that had a deep block, deep into their territory, which was hard to break down,” Rodu explained.
“We worked on few ways to try and break this stubborn defence but we were not technical enough to keep the ball and move this defensive block out of the way.
“It was expected to be a tough game, Solomons would have watched our game against Vanuatu and they’ve drawn up a very tough game plan, then they were much disciplined in executing it so hats off to them.”
Although Fiji sought a win and three points to secure their place at the top of the standings, Rodu said despite that not being the case today (yesterday) he remains optimistic of their chances.
However with that optimism also comes the need to continue tidying things up on the field.
“We need to be more patient with the ball. We lost possession because we forced the game too much. We need to maintain good organisation at the same time.”
Taking a point from the match was a heartening result for Solomon Islands coach Diane Justus who admitted that Fiji were a stronger side.
“The result is satisfactory for us because we knew this Fijian side was a better side than us, they had the advantage of more supporters here but we managed to get over that challenge,” she said.
“I’m very excited because our girls did what we planned to do, even though we knew it was not going to be easy.
“Everybody just gave more than 100 per cent and it worked so we’re excited to still be in the running to qualify.”
Fiji and Solomon Islands remain locked on four points each, with Vanuatu just a point behind them with three making Thursday’s final match day a crucial one for the three sides.
Deputy Director of MNURP-Malaita Province Genesis Kofana.
MORE than 100 traditional and community leaders around Malaita province have welcomed the proposed Reparation Bill which is aimed at addressing outstanding issues triggered by the Solomon Islands ethnic tension and the effects of the Bougainville Crisis.
A joint government team from the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace (MNRUP) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with representatives of other line ministries have held consultations on the bill at Buma Village in West Kwara’ae over two days to gather the views of Malaitan people on the bill.
The consultation process will be helpful to assist in the formulation of the Reparation Bill and to develop a Reparation Policy Framework that will address outstanding grievances stemming from the two conflicts.
Director of the Peace and Reconciliation Division, Reuben Lilo said the consultation process is the first step towards drafting of the bill and the formulation of a policy framework that will guide the reparation process.
The reparation process is one of the priority areas of the ruling Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) under its Peace Rehabilitation Policy.
Many Solomon Islanders have been victimised during the two conflicts and the national government is moving towards addressing their outstanding grievances in order to re-establish lasting peace in the country.
The Reparation process is one of the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Report and the SIDCC Government is keen to seriously pursue it with the aim to re-establish lasting peace in Solomon Islands.
The TRC report has recommended the enactment of a Reparation Act to provide a legal framework for the reparation process.
The Reparation Act will also guide the establishment of a Solomon Islands Reparation Commission (SIRC) as well as the drawing up of a Comprehensive Reparation Plan (CRP) to support the administration of the reparation process.
Many speakers including traditional leaders, ex-combatants, women and youth representatives said the bill is a welcoming development that will lead towards the re-establishment of peaceful co-existence in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the Malaita Provincial Government, MPA for Ward 16, Finley Fiumae said Malaita Province appreciates this proposed bill which it believed will address Malaitans’ outstanding grievances during the tension.
“We are hopeful that this bill will be passed so that the pain and suffering endured by Malaitans during the tension are settled once and for all,” Mr Fiumae said.
Former Malaita Premier David Oeta also reminded the National Government to ensure the bill is passed before the dissolution of Parliament at the end of the year.
“I want to remind the Government that this bill is supported by the people of Malaita and it must be passed before the term of the current parliament ends this year,” Mr Oeta said.
Malaita Wowen’s Desk Officer, Clera Rikimani said women in Malaita welcomed the bill and hoped that it will address issues affecting women, which were obvious during the tension period.
“Many women from Malaita have suffered the negative effects of the crisis which are still painful to us today and we called on the Government to seriously take the bill to Parliament,” she urged.
The consultation process which was earlier held in Guadalcanal, Choiseul and Western Provinces was the first step in the drafting process which was coordinated by the Ministry of National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace (MNURP) with support from the United Nations Peace Building Fund project implemented by the UNDP and the UN Women project.
A second round of consultations around the country will be held as soon as the draft bill is formulated for further discussions.
Minister Freda Tuki mention youths as key stakeholders towards achieving the SDGs and the NDS 2016—2035
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
Minister Freda Tuki mention youths as key stakeholders towards achieving the SDGs and the NDS 2016—2035
MINISTER for Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs says young people are key stakeholders in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Development Strategy 2016—2035.
As Solomon Islands embarks on a new set of SDGs and NDS, Minister Freda Tuki said it is important to recognise roles of young people as key stakeholders towards achieving the development goals.
She adds, importance of involving young people in the process is they are the ones who will inherit and drive the future development of Solomon Islands.
Tuki said NYP exemplifiers’ government’s commitment to prioritise and address the aspiration and wellbeing of the youths of Solomon Islands.
She said it provide a guide for the development and empowerment of youths in the country for next 14 years – similar timeframe as the recently adopted SDGs.
UNDP Solomon Islands Country Manager Ms Azusa Kubota said, “It is only with youths that we will achieve our Sustainable Development Goals without leaving anyone behind.”
She said shared objective is to empower young people and build partnership to bring about change young people seek.
Lately, country has launched the National Youth Policy 2017—2030 which set direction for Government, NGOs, civil society organizations and private sectors to address issues relate to youths.
Besides, the policy also set focus on country’s commitment on the 17 SGDs, and the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2016—2035 which youths described as key stakeholders towards achieving this.
The NYP 2017—2030 focuses on six priority policy outcome such as Education Empowerment, Economic Empowerment, Health and Wellbeing and Sustainable Development.
Furthermore, the policy includes Leadership, governance, peace building, social inclusion and citizenship and Evidence Based Approaches, Access to Information and Provincial Implementation Strategies.
Lawe Region Mothers Union in Western Province set for a mission to travel to Isabel after they pose for a group photo after Church service at St Luke Gizo Anglican Church on Monday.
BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO
Lawe Region Mothers Union in Western Province set for a mission to travel to Isabel after they pose for a group photo after Church service at St Luke Gizo Anglican Church on Monday.
LAWE Region Mothers Union in the Western province have travelled to Jejevo Buala in Isabel province to celebrate the centenary of Mothers Union.
The 100 years Anniversary is scheduled to be celebrated beginning tomorrow to August 31.
Mothers Union group from the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM) will celebrate the 100th Anniversary under the diocese of Isabel.
About 30 participants from Kolokolo Village (Vella) Rarumana (Vonavona Lagoon) Poetete, Ranonga and Gizo traveled to Isabel province and are expected to arrive in Honiara today.
Speakign with some of the mothers, they said, “We are looking forward for this anniversary and we thank our church members, families, communities and those who support us physically and spiritually to set for a mission through Mothers Union.
“We are so excited to go to Isabel province for mission to share God’s mission with other women group.
“We are fully prepared to join the celebration because some of us who joined the group are for the first time to travel to Isabel.”
Minister Augustine Auga shaking hands with his new PS Ethel Francis during their dinner recently.
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
Minister Augustine Auga shaking hands with his new PS Ethel Francis during their dinner recently.
THE Solomon Islands Government is setting its lens on reoccupying the Dodo creek land and research facility, which belong to the government but was destroyed during the ethnic tension.
Ever since the ethnic tension, the ministry of agriculture (MAL) has been operating without a proper research facility.
And, since the return of peace, people have been rebuilding at the Dodo Creek area, and reports say the area has somewhat become a settlement.
MAL’s Research Development Division has been making several attempts but due to transition of government and other related issues they have been delayed.
MAL’s Minister Mr Augustine Auga said SIG has set up a taskforce to look at reoccupation of the Dodo creek land for agriculture research centre.
He said during a dinner with extension officers that government through MAL will reoccupy the Dodo creek land on the east side of Guadalcanal purposely for agriculture research engagement.
Auga said, “A taskforce is now setup to look at the reoccupation of the Dodo creek land for research centre or work towards securing an alternative site.”
Auga said agriculture sector is facing a lot of challenges such climate changes and pesticides which slower their development aspiration for the country and farmers.
Two male extension staff who part of the conference and dinner host by the Minister Auga.
He explained the biggest threat is coconut rhino beetle which are eating the population of coconut in the country, and thus reoccupying or revitalising the Dodo creek land is crucial.
“We may not been able to deliver on what we plan to do this year to assist our farmers due to lack of resources and challenges.
“However, the outcome of your discussion is important for us as it will help us reconsider how we need to improve the way we serve our farmers.”
MAL’s Director Extension Mr Michael Ho’ota despite challenges encountered urged the extension officers for support and collaboration purposely for improving support for farmers.
He through their continuous support it will boost food security and improve livelihood for country’s economy and local farmers.
Last week, Auga hosted a dinner to mark the official conclusion of its five-day conference build under the theme: “Farmers for Better Future”.
The conference was ended with a communique and it will be presented to Minister Auga soon.
GIZO street lights are no longer working, and concerned public are questioning the province’s planning division why nothing is being done about it.
They say that street lights help in curbing crime in the dark of night, and authorities should realise this importance.
A Mr John Tano yesterday said, “We are concern over those Solar street lights for safety purpose of Women, Girls and people during night time.
“Some lights along the street where not working properly anymore and our question here is how long will the responsible authorities fix those Solar street lights.
“Most suggestions have been discuss and those responsible people are being urge to wake up and stop sleeping over the long standing issue of not fixing the street lights.”
Tano said the Planning Division Office promised to have lights fixed last year, but have not.
This paper understands that the street lights were distributed by a local solar company in Honiara through the Western provincial governments PCDF project allocation over the past years.
The Gizo Beautification solar street lights project was built last year in the Western province.
