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Seneviratne vows to take Paralympic body to new heights

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The new executive members of the Solomon Islands National Paralympic Committee.

BY ROMULUS HUTA

The new executive members of the Solomon Islands National Paralympic Committee.

THE newly elected president of the Solomon Islands National Paralympic Committee (SINPC) has vowed to take the organisation to new heights.

Nihal Seneviratne was elected as SINPC’s new president during Sunday’s meeting held at SIRUF conference room at Town Ground.

Speaking to SunSPORTS yesterday, Mr. Seneviratne promised to uphold the main pillars mandatory to the administration of the Paralympic body which includes good governance, accountability and diversity.

“I will also make sure that this organisation will also uphold the core values at the heart of the Paralympic movement – determination, inspiration, courage and equality.

“I’m humbled by this opportunity and look forward to work with the Paralympic movement in Solomon Islands where I wish to see more people living with disability are encouraged to get involve in sport and physical activity for the positive impact it can have on their lives.

“The Paralympic movement in Solomon Islands represents those unheard ones who also want to take part in sport. This organisation promotes positive values and we have a vision and strategy to help maximise our growth so that our people in Solomon Islands can be aware of the importance of the Paralympic movement here.

“Over the years, we have Para athletes who have represented Solomon Islands in international sporting events such as the Commonwealth Games and the Pacific Games and some have managed to come out with success by winning medals for the country, like any other athlete. On that note, I would like to see more of that in the coming years,” Mr. Seneviratne expressed.

“We expect the ride ahead to be tough and challenging where we would need a lot of support from the community, especially our main stakeholders such as the Ministry of Health and other agencies such as the National Sports Council and National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands plus other respectful sporting bodies in the country to move the Solomon Islands Paralympic body forward,” he added.

Meanwhile, following Sunday’s election, the other officials who were voted in to assist Mr. Seneviratne are Fa’amoana Topue (Vice- President), Casper Pule (General Secretary), Nina Davis (Treasurer), George Tapo (Executive Member), Nathan Siofa (Executive Member) and Hellen Teioli (Athletes’ Representative Executive).

Tourists taken away by Gizo’s beauty

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Ms Polline happy with her corn-shell souvenir bought from one of the local carver from Marovo.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

WESTERN Provincial Capital Town was flocked on Sunday with tourists on board the biggest cruise boats from Carnival Australia to the Island Capital in Western Province.

A number Tourists visited World famous Kennedy Island, Saeragi Village, Oravae Cottage, Fat Boys Resort, Sanbis Resort, Epanga Island, Gizo Market, Imagination Island Resort, West Gizo and within Gizo Island.

Island Sun Gizo had a chance to interview tourists as they shared their experiences saying they were excited to visit Gizo Island and surrounding resorts for the first time.

Tourists wander through the market at the MSG building and see all the fresh produce on display and they enjoyed the warm welcome of the people so much along the street.

Tourists enjoying their visit at Gizo.

When tourists walk around, the streets is empty and they surprised at what they see because a number of shop were closed, no public traffic along the road and not majority people seen around street, but only few people included carvers only.

It is a beautiful and enjoyable day for the people as they welcome the cruise ship Pacific Eden to the Island Capital Town after the ship skipped Gizo last month.

Australian tourist Mr Mc Scott said he enjoyed and amazed at how clean and tidy the town was and enjoyed the amazing items on display at the market stalls, especially the wood and stone carvings.

He said the sandy island atoll where we went for a swim and snorkel was a paradise on earth. Western Province people are so lucky to have such natural beauty on their doorstep. The waters so warm and crystal clear, teeming with fish and coral was just so beautiful and paradise on earth.

Ms Polline happy with her corn-shell souvenir bought from one of the local carver from Marovo.

“I love to look at market venders because to our life in Australia where we can go to the local supermarket and get all our food.

“It was the most amazing place I have ever seen, but next time hopefully I will get to spend more time at Gizo discover the surrounding and the World War Two sites and cultural villages,” he added.

“My friends had a great day and we truly appreciated the highlights of Gizo. Lovely Island! The hidden Paradise on earth!”

Scott said he is hoping that one day will visit Gizo and other surrounding Islands to see the beautiful and coloUrful lagoons, reefs and Islands with different culture, believes and identities.

Tour guide distributing maps to visiting tourists.

Tourists have enjoyed the day with no public traffic, Empty Street with no visitors from surrounding Islands in Town as they enjoyed wander through Gizo town and surrounding tourism destination within Gizo.

The mega cruise boat, Pacific Eden which carries 2200 passengers for the eight times grace the shores of Gizo with passengers visited Gizo Island and other venues near Gizo during the ship’s eight hour stopover.

Visiting tourists discovering Gizo Market stalls upon their arrival.
Carvers displaying their stone and wood carving along the road opposite Gizo Hotel.
Tourists on their way to famous Kennedy Island.
Kids enjoying their day in Gizo.

Fishermen association laud fisheries centre

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Chairman of Aoke Bay Fishermen Association, Mr Joe Taeanimoli.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Chairman of Aoke Bay Fishermen Association, Mr Joe Taeanimoli.

THE chairman of the Aoke Bay Fishermen Association has applauded the national government through MFMR for newly constructed Constituency Fishery Centre handed over to his association yesterday.

Chairman Joe Taeanimoli also acknowledged their MP, Matthew Wale for his support, the fisheries office under Malaita province and other stakeholders who helped towards establishing the fisheries centre.

He said fishing is the lifeline of the communities in the whole of Aoke Langa Langa, hence the role of then association is important if the coastal fishing industry is to benefit both members and the public.

Taeanimoli said as they’re operating a small fisheries centre at Lilisiana village with the help of Aoke Langa Langa constituency, this centre will add more values to the assistances.

He said having this fishery centre will make a difference in our conditioning of fish and importantly, ensuring that fish will meet public’s expectation and demand.

Taeanimoli said the daily estimated cash that spend by the public on fish in Auki ranges from $20,000 to $60,000.

He said the centre will increase the service not only for fishermen and women, but to those who sell fish and chips, motels in Auki and even to customers in Honiara.

Taeanimoli assured the MFMR that they will take great care of the centre with good use for service it will provide for the benefit of the public.

He appealed upon the MFMR that there are other areas of assistances on fish catching, fish handling, rafters and management they need for the boost of the centre.

Chairman of ABFA, Mr Joe Taeanimoli sign the handing over MOU as assisted by Deputy Director of Fishery (offshore), Francis Tofuakalo (right) and consultant
Carlos Haikau (left) and look on at the back is Hon Matthew Wale.

Look after the facility: Wale

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Deputy Director of Fishery (offshore), Mr Francis Tofuakalo (right) handing over the key of the fishery centre to the MP for Aoke Langa Langa, Hon Matthew Wale as he then hand it to the chairman of ABFA who will manage the CFC.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Deputy Director of Fishery (offshore), Mr Francis Tofuakalo (right) handing over the key of the fishery centre to the MP for Aoke Langa Langa, Hon Matthew Wale as he then hand it to the chairman of ABFA who will manage the CFC.

MP for Aoke Langa Langa, Matthew Wale has called on the Aoke Bay fishermen Association to manage the newly delivered constituency fisheries centre (CFC) with responsibility.

Wale made the statement during the official handing over of the facility yesterday in Auki, urging his people to look after the facility.

He made mention on some scenarios experienced in the past that ownership and responsibility were some of the areas which often led to bankruptcy of many government projects.

“It is not like that as you own the facility and the duty now is yours for the sustainability of the facility and service it will provides.”

“You must clear that this fishery centre never belongs to me, the government or who will come after me. It belongs to you and the people of Aoke Langa Langa.

“You must show to this facility great care and passion to continue provide service for our people,” he said.

On the same note, Wale also called on the MFMR for continuous assistance for the CFC and fishermen and women in the constituency.

He said his people of Aoke Langa Langa are known for fishing and there are other technicalities they need to venture out with the business as they aspire with the CFC.

Hon Wale thanked the government through the MFRM, Aoke Bay Fishermen Association, and other stakeholders contributed to the establishment of CFC for the people of Aoke Langa Langa Constituency.

Fishery facility for Aoke Langa Langa

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The newly establish Constituency Fishery Centre that is handed over to the people of Aoke Langa Langa on Tuesday in Auki.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

PEOPLE of Aoke Langa Langa Constituency yesterday witnessed the handing over of a newly built fisheries facility to the constituency.

The Constituency Fishery Centre (CFC) was delivered to the people by staffs from MFMR on behalf of the national government.

Deputy Director Fishery (offshore) under MFMR, Mr Francis Tofuakalo said the project came along with other 20 CFC projects the ministry through the government prioritised for people in rural areas.

He said the primary idea behind this initiative is to “enhance livelihood support to rural fishing communities” as what will expect from the facility.

Tofuakalo said everyone knew from the past that fishery project for rural areas was not a new initiative as the country once dwelled on that over the past years.

He said fishery projects established in number of areas in the country in the past, but then went bankrupt due to some extents.

However, Tofuakalo said learning from past experienced on the projects, MFMR in 2016 came with the initiative of CFC for rural areas and start advocating for it.

The newly establish Constituency Fishery Centre that is handed over to the people of Aoke Langa Langa on Tuesday in Auki.

He explained that under the CFC initiative, ministry through the national government to facilitate the resource and deliver to the people to take ownership of it.

Tofuakalo said this is the difference from what experienced in the past where ownership lies on more than two parties, which gave them confusion on who is responsible for what on the projects.

He said now that the government delivered the project you; it will no longer manage by the government as the responsibility now on the association representing the constituents to administer the project.

Tofuakalo stressed that as the facility will now under your responsibility, sustainability of the project is very important to ensure it continue to provide service for the people.

He said MFMR will also continue to assist in areas of need for the good of the fishery centre for the people of Aoke Langa Langa constituency.

Today the team from MFMR will go to Malu’u for a similar handing over programme of another CFC at Malu’u in North Malata.

Ramohia urges youths to rise up

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Malaita Premier Hon. Peter Ramohia deliver his address.

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

Malaita Premier Hon. Peter Ramohia deliver his address.

PREMIER of Malaita province Peter Channel Ramohia has urged youths to rise up to the challenges facing them in the modern era.

“Youths, you are the future leaders of your beloved province malaita and you must have visions when you become leaders in the future.

“A nation without a vision is perished; he said this during his address yesterday at the youth peace building innovation forum for youths around Malaita province.

“Our province stands tall to benefit from you young people with what you have especially your potentials and man power.

“If we have leaders with no visions we will not prosper in any plans in our communities and even in our province.

“You represent your community, your ward to attend this very important forum where you can be first hand informations regarding youth issues.

“It is better for us to train how to become a leader in our communities where we have our roles to play when we took up leadership responsibilities.

“I believe after attending this forum we must think like leaders then we will be prosperous in our future endeavors.

“Our decision making is one positive way to do rightful decisions, Ramohia said.

“We must do rightful decisions rather than making decisions that will shorten your lives from becoming a leader in the future.”

Premier Ramohia thanked Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare for his presence during the forum and UNDP for the financial support towards the three-day programme.

UNDP Solomon Islands country manager Ms Azusa Kubota also thanked the participants for their response for availing their time for the forum.

“You have travel far where I can’t imagine the sacrifice you have paid.”

Ms Kubota also highlights that unemployment is the major issue and challenge in the country.

“Many youths have been left along to do further education to find job opportunities.

“In this case we have to work harder and create our own job opportunities to sustain us in our own communities.

“In the world today, world is changing in terms of technology where most jobs have been done by robots not humans which causes job opportunities to become less.

“You must make a difference in your communities and your nation as a whole.

“Currently Solomon Islands are approaching its national general election where registration is currently underway.

“Your vote is your future; your future depends entirely on your vote especially in leadership.”

75 youths from all wards around Malaita province are currently attending this youth peace building innovation forum in Auki.

Shanel looks for more collaboration

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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THE Minister for Civil Aviation and Communications, Peter Shanel

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

MINISTER Peter Shanel is looking for greater collaboration amongst Pacific island countries to address challenges related to Maritime Communication and Regulation.

Solomon Islands is among Pacific island countries highly prone to natural disaster and impacts of climate change, described as major challenges towards development.

Communication and Civil Aviation Minister Shanel said Solomon Islands like other islands in the region, faces geographical spread and isolation challenges.

With that it also highly prone to natural disasters and impacts of climate change, he adds.

“Solomon Islands have experienced a new trend in high loss of lives in maritime high seas as compared to other natural disaster causes such as tsunami, flooding, earth quakes and cyclones, which am certain is similar to other pacific island countries in the region.”

With the three-day workshop on Pacific Radio Communication currently underway in Honiara, Shanel said it is fitting to provide sessions on Maritime Communication and Regulations which could provide solutions in addressing loss of lives in maritime high seas.

He is hoping such workshop will bring about valuable and positive discussion outcome for the participants in terms of managing spectrum as a finite resource.

Besides, the need for greater collaboration amongst the pacific islands in the region in spectrum harmonisation, he said.

Second youth peace forum in Auki

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

THE second youth peace building innovation forum is currently hosted in Auki, starting yesterday.

During the official opening ceremony, guest speaker Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stressed the importance of the forum saying that it is an important avenue for youths to discuss issues affecting them.

“We have been under British protectorate for 85 years where they have been protecting us under their supervisions.

“As we have been gaining independence in 1978 we are now 40 years old where we should look after ourselves and try to create our opportunities especially in sustainability.

“Since we become the member of the united nation we have adopted many ways by launching policies but the real key issue is to implement those policies to become reality.

“We do not rely on policy alone but we must work hard to find answers for our own needs.”

The population of this country is dominated by youths.

“You are the leaders of this nation and you must be good positive thinkers and visionaries when doing things, Sogavare said.

“If you are a school dropout and adequate, don’t give up when you face hiccups, sufferings and challenges on your way.

“I was once a school dropout like you but I have a strong mind and believe that one day I will become somebody in the future.

“Do not have low esteem in yourselves but work hard and focus on what is ahead of you.

“Today is the time to make up your decision and mind on what will your future will be.”

Sogavare thanked UNDP and the MWYCFA for their support towards this programme.

Australian partnership with Tourism Solomons to grow important holiday market

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Dagnal Dereveke (Tourism Solomons); Franklin Forau (Strongim Bisnis); Josefa Tuamoto (Tourism Solomons); Cass Grant (Australian High Commission); Freda Unusi (Tourism Solomons).
Dagnal Dereveke (Tourism Solomons); Franklin Forau (Strongim Bisnis); Josefa Tuamoto (Tourism Solomons); Cass Grant (Australian High Commission); Freda Unusi (Tourism Solomons).

A major milestone was achieved earlier this week in welcoming a formal partnership agreement between Tourism Solomons and Strongim Bisnis, an Australian Aid private sector development initiative.

The partnership will work to increase awareness of Solomon Islands as a destination to holidaymakers in key markets such as Australia and New Zealand.

The partnership is a boost to the national tourism development strategy, which identifies tourism as a national investment priority to be led by Tourism Solomons.

Strongim Bisnis will support Tourism Solomons to increase online marketing and promotion of Solomon Islands as a holiday destination, and increase market intelligence for use by businesses and potential investors.

Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa Tuamoto said the new partnership with Strongim Bisnis was timely given the recent rebranding of the national tourist office to attracting more international visits to Solomon Islands, particularly in the leisure sector.

“In addition to providing us with access to a wealth of tourism-heavy market research, which will be used to attract further investment into the tourism sector, this partnership complements ongoing promotion of our wealth of unique natural, historical and cultural attractions that set our Solomon Islands so far apart from our South Pacific neighbours,” he said.

In addition to marketing, training and market research, Tourism Solomons will host international bloggers to showcase Solomon Islands as an adventure travel destination boasting unique land and marine environments, as well local cultures.

The partnership will update the Lonely Planet Guidebook 2019 and extend the Tourism Solomons – TripAdvisor Partnership which targets travellers from Australia, New Zealand and USA.

Cass Grant of the Australian High Commission said Strongim Bisnis’s partnership with Tourism Solomons would bring about opportunities to showcase this extraordinary destination in the region.

“Investment in digital tourism marketing will attract more international visitors to Solomon Islands, bringing great benefits for local communities, including women and young people beyond the capital Honiara.”

Strongim Business is an economic development program funded by the Australian Government in Solomon Islands.

Its goal is to stimulate growth in the tourism, cocoa and coconut sectors through activities that strengthen business and increase women’s participation and empowerment.

–STRONGIM BISNIS PRESS

Induction workshop for community officers in Auki

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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MPGIS permanent secretary Stanley Pirione.

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

MPGIS permanent secretary Stanley Pirione.

A five-day workshop for community liaison officers in Malaita is underway, beginning on Monday in Auki.

Malaita province’s minister for community governance, Mr Fred Wai, said the workshop aims to strengthen community governance by increasing the knowledge of the community officers on the important roles that they will be playing.

“Am certain that what we will be learning here during these five days will surely strengthen the knowledge and participation skills of the participants, and will provide you guide lines on how we can work together with the provincial government and the national government in ensuring that the objectives of this project are achieved.

“We aware the Malaita MART led government have five pillars, these are Traditional governance, customary land reform, Economic investment, Education and Resources management.

The most relevant pillar he is Traditional Governance, this truly reflects the plight of Malaita government in recognising the significance and important role played by our traditional governance structure.

The Malaita provincial government truly believes that with the involvement of all stakeholders within our communities, we can surely deliver what is required for the need of our people.

Recognition of traditional governance is also embedded with the significant role played by our cultural norms and customs.

We have certain ways of managing the affairs of our people; we have certain rules where we recognise the rights of others.

We also have respect for laws and customs and ways where problem any problems encountered by our community members can be solve easily.

We have ways of solving disputes and ways of making sure there is justice and fairness promoted by our traditional systems.

I believe by investing in our traditional and existing structures, we can be sure that stakeholders within our communities can perform their job better.

If we train our youth leaders, women and our traditional leaders, am sure they can be effective in the role they play as managers in our communities.

Am happy that one of the issues promoted by this project is that of linkages and connections where we need to connect with each other in corporation and working together.

In this manner we can easily resolve issues and share in the benefits our provincial and national government is offering.

Community liaison officers, chiefs, church leaders and police your roles might be clear but am certain this induction will help you to make your roles stronger and effective.

I thank the World Bank and the MPGIS for the support for making this programme possible here in Auki.

Let me assure you that our provincial government will continue to support this community governance project in its obligation and make sure the project also spread to the other provincial wards in Malaita.

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