ACCORDING to the Deputy Provincial Secretary of Malaita Assembly, the Provincial Government Act is in dire need of a review in order to cater for the provinces to become more autonomous.
Robert Wales Feratelia expressed this whilst speaking on the theme “The Challenges of Delivering Better Services within Malaita Province” to mark Malaita Province’s 35th anniversary and Second Appointed Day at the national museum auditorium yesterday.
Feratelia acknowledged the contribution of past and present leaders of the most populated and ethnically diverse province.
He said that these leaders have contributed much to the Malaita province’s political development birthed from the Marching Rule in 1945, then followed by the establishment of the Malaita Council in 1953 which saw the appointment of Salana Ga’a as its first president before the first election of a full Malaita Council took place in 1964.
Feratelia stressed that today their provincial government is operated and administered under the Provincial Government Act.
“This piece of legislation is in dire need of a review in order to cater for the provinces to become more autonomous,” he said.
Feratelia also voiced that the annual government subvention to the province is insufficient and greatly affects the delivery of basic services to rural areas in Malaita province.
“The distribution per capita against the province’s population status is inadequate. This is a major issue that must be scrutinised by the incoming national government in 2019,” he said.
Chicken products being repacked into smaller quantities in a Honiara shop. Photo supplied.
How healthy are the food we buy and are we being tricked into buying less food for more cash?
By Gary Hatigeva
Chicken products being repacked into smaller quantities in a Honiara shop. Photo supplied.
CONSUMERS are furious over shocking images which reveal that some shops in Honiara are practising what is believed to be trickery tactics to tamper with food quantity they sell to customers.
Early this week, a consumer posted on Facebook, revealing what many consumers have suspected foreign shops, particularly Chinese owned, are practising some cheeky tactics and are cheating consumers over the quantity of food products they sell.
According to the posted images, a local shop worker (pictured) was seen repacking chicken packages, where all the packed products are assembled in large trays and then repacked using scales, which many believed have also been tampered with.
Following the revelation, some other consumers also took to social media similar experiences they encountered with other shops on certain products, but shared that packets of chicken are the most commonly re-packed product.
Island Sun also took time to investigate the repacked food items and noticed that lesser products are in the packaging but more frozen water, which many believed is designed to make products seem bigger and heavier from the outside than they really are.
Also following the revealed images, many consumers feel deceived by such tricks, yet for many shop owners, such are their everyday method of choice to pretend they have more content inside than they actually do.
Consumers also shared and suggested that with an easy access to the global food market, which are seemingly having positive impacts on the local prices, this has taken consumers to a whole new level in terms of easy purchasing, but feared that the repackaging and unhygienic practices might be a step too far.
Authority officials were also shocked by the revelation, saying they do not understand why it is not possible for shops to maintain their packaging from the original supplies, because according to calculations based on the market prices, they will still make profits even if they have to sell cheaper.
The authority on the other hand, slammed the shop owner for what they described as “possible misleading” shoppers who buy everything from snacks to rice especially packages that are easy to open and resealed.
It is also found that while some packed food need air in the packaging to keep them from spoiling, there were a lot of other products where the shops “cheated” the customers by playing with the packaging, especially, with regards to quantity.
Unfortunately, there is no concrete specification, such as pre-packaging regulation to monitor or legal set out how much of quantity in packs is actually permissible because numerous exceptions leave plenty of room for tricks.
The Honiara City Council’s responsible body has been notified of the particular shop and there is hope they will follow up on the complaints and deal with the shop, but consumers are urging for a thorough investigation into all other shops whom they claimed, have done the same, but just never been caught.
“Unfortunately, some of us never had the guts to capture what we believed were wrong, but thanks to this brave consumer for setting the precedence, which we should all learn from and be vigilantes for our authorities and our people,” a concerned but relieved consumer expressed when interviewed on this.
Could these shocking images reveal how shops are ‘cheating’ shoppers by reducing food quantities? If not, could this then be, some of the contributing factors to the many unknown disease swamping the country’s urban population, and where are the healthy standards regulations?
In thanking the consumer for revealing the matter, which is now being investigated, authority officials are also asking members of the Honiara consumer public to help crackdown on such kinds of unwanted and illegal practices by being the ears and eyes for the authorities.
They also agreed that such are questionable practices being reported every now and then, but with the use of technology, shops found or caught will for sure be thoroughly dealt with according to our laws.
Henly Ramo (center) says Solomon Islands can book a spot for next year’s U-20 FIFA World Cup in Poland. Photo OFC
Solo a step away from maiden FIFA 11-a-side competition debut
By Taromane Martin
Henly Ramo (center) says Solomon Islands can book a spot for next year’s U-20 FIFA World Cup in Poland. Photo OFC
MID fielders Henly Ramo and Frank Kabui are confident Solomon Islands can book a spot for next year’s U-20 FIFA World Cup in Poland today when they meet Tahiti in the second semi-final of the 2018 OFC U-20 Championship.
The north Malaita duo was the midfield heart of the Malaita Eagles U-19 provincial soccer team that won the Youth Solomon Cup early this year at Lawson Tama.
They said playing at the OFC level is totally a different experience compared to the village and national level they have been playing at.
“This level here is totally different compared to other levels I played at back at home,” Kabui told SIFF media officer Simon Abana yesterday.
“All the teams competing here are tough. The level is different. I’m happy and it makes me want go on further because this is the level I have always dreamed about and always wanted to reach.
“After three wins and still yet to lose points I’m fully confident we can win the semi. I’m not underestimating Tahiti but I hope and believe we have a chance to win.
“I look forward to playing against Tahiti in the semis. All the boys are confident and hope to get the result tomorrow,” the 19 year old said.
Meanwhile Henly Ramo who will join Kabui at Malaita Kingz FC for the new TSL season also expressed the same sentiments for today’s semi-final match saying it will be treated like just another game.
“Coming from and starting from village level and to come and play at this OFC Championship is different experience itself.
“The Youth Solomon Cup and TSL compared to this tournament is a big difference. The level here is much competitive.
“I believe Solomon Islands will create history at this tournament and qualify for the U-20 FIFA World Cup next year.
“This match for me will be treated just like the other past three matches. I’m confident, the same goes for all the boys, and we are really looking forward to taking on Tahiti,” the blonde midfield maestro, Ramo said.
Solomon Islands will meet Tahiti in the second semi-final of the OFC U-20 Championship 2:30pm (Solomon time) today at the Stade Pater in Pirae Tahiti.
HEAD Coach for the country’s national U-19 soccer team Batram Suri says they are confident and looking forward for their semi-final clash with Tahiti today.
Solomon Islands who finished top in Group B will meet host nations Tahiti 2:30pm today at the Stade Pater, Pirae.
Coach Suri said the boys while the atmosphere in their camp is great he knows his side will need to keep their concentration if they are to book a grand final spot against the host nations’ today.
“We need to keep our concentration for the game because obviously Tahiti will have the home support from the crowd who will be cheering them,” he said.
“We have to concentrate on what we are doing, our strategy and plan in how we are going to defend and counter attack them.
“We are all ready for the game; the atmosphere in the camp is great. All of the boys want to play in the semis.
“We are confident and looking forward to challenging Tahiti in the semi-final. All the boys are ready,” he said.
Meanwhile his counterpart, Tahiti coach Bruno Tehaamoana is well aware of the threat the Solomon Islands pose to his side and their ambitions of securing a FIFA U-20 World Cup spot.
“It’ll be 50-50 against the Solomons.
“It’s an incredibly good team, very technical, very quick. We’re trying to put in place a tactical plan to try and thwart them,” he said told OFC media.
The winner of this match will book a spot for Saturday’s grand final match with the winner of the other semi-final match between New Zealand and New Caledonia.
According to FIFA and OFC the winners from both semi-final matches or the grand finalists for this year’s OFC U-19 Championship will qualify and book a spot for the 2019 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Poland.
MALAITA province has successfully marked its 35th anniversary in Saraiselu, in the Afio substation, Small Malaita.
Speaking during the celebration on Monday this week, Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela greeted and congratulated Malaita province on behalf of the nation and its leaders (both national and provincial).
He acknowledged Malaita’s 35 years of achievements, and the many more to come ahead.
PM Hou also thanked church leaders, chiefs and other stakeholders for their contributions towards malaita province during the past 35 years.
Prime minister Rick Houenipwela deliver his speech
The theme for this year’s celebration “Challenges for Achieving Better Services Delivery in Malaita Province” is the role of the government.
Serving and taking up the leadership role is not easy.
Hou said, “We should focus on the number of policy of our province.
“Malaita province has contributed to 23 percent of the country’s population where 1,200 children born in one year.
“80 percent of the population is under the age of 40 and they are rated as youths.
“Problems and issues will be faced in our province if we do not meet and address youth issues.
“Malaita province should work hard to address the issues of its growing population.
“The national government will continue to work hard with the malaita provincial government through education, health and other important sectors or ministry.”
Hou also thanked the Malaita provincial government for their commitment towards implementation of its projects in Malaita.
“$6.5 Million dollar is currently on going with the ministry of education, Health, fisheries and agriculture.
“I thank the premier of Malaita province Hon Peter Ramohia for your working together with the national government by continuing your partnership through services and working areas.
“Most national projects in Malaita province have been turn down due to land disputes.
“Land owners are the issue to development in malaita especially, Houenipwela said.
“Fiu hydro has been turn down and the current solar farm to expand power supply in Auki is currently experiencing the similar situation.”
Premier of Malaita province Hon. Peter Ramohia salutes the Malaita anthem
He added the Paresi airport and the Manaoba airport are now reopened and promise to boost the province’s economy, and the nation’s to an extent.
“We must attract the government, investors and donors for development purposes.
“All of us have the role to play in any development in the province.”
Horizon band during the entertainmentHon. Minister for Infrastructure Hon. Stanley Sofu recieve his gift from the Deputy Premier of malaita province, Hon. Alick MaeabaParasi women’s cultural group entertaining the crowd during the malaita second appointed day celebrationPrime minister Rick Houenipwela inpects the guard honourPrime minister Rick Houenipwela salutes the national anthem during the malaita second appointed day in Afio on MondayThe Royal Solomon Islands Police band in Afio during the Malaita second appointed day celebrationThe RSIPF police band entertains the crowd
Talks about opportunities and second chances in education
By Gary Hatigeva
Hugo Koppel, Director UOG Open Campus, Hagen.
A Senior Official from the University of Goroka (UOG) is in Honiara to look into the proposal for the Institute to establish its campus in the country.
This was confirmed during a one day awareness talk, which the University’s Solomon Islands based staff organised over the weekend.
Representing the institute, Director of UOG’s Open Campus in Hagen, Hugo Koppel is here on that special assignment, which according to local officials, is to look at sites while at the same time, look into the process for the acquisition of land for their Solomon Islands campus.
The UOG Open Campus Director who was accompanied by the University’s Solomon based staff, took time to visit potential sites for the proposed establishment, in West Guadalcanal last week.
Koppel was also the guest speaker of the awareness programme, who he talked about their plans to upgrade UOG’s courses that held here and highlighted opportunities the institute has for the people of Solomon Islands and the benefits of being certified under them.
Currently, the University is here in Solomon Islands as part a government to government MOA and bilateral arrangements between the two Melanesian nations, however, the institute is looking beyond these arrangements.
He told a packed gathering, which consisted of former UOG students and interested ones, both in service and high school leavers that it is from the current status of MOAs and arrangements, that the UOG is providing small scale programmes that those who come under, do them in-country.
He added that taking courses on offer in-country is highly encouraged, assuring that their schedules run in parallel with the PNG main campus schedules and therefore assured that students in Honiara are not left behind.
He further added that other opportunities include upgrading programmes, and after completing with requirements and criteria fully met, students are taken as fulltime students of UOG, but that according to officials, will involve additional costs.
He said Solomon Islands needs a well educated population and with the proposed establishment of a Solomon Islands branch/campus, Goroka is here to provide that.
He highlighted that Goroka has played a significant role in the development of Solomon Islands, having a lot of the current leaders in both the private and public sectors, being former students of UOG and Koppel said the institute is proud to see this.
“They are products of the University of Goroka”.
Koppel then pointed out that on an even more exciting and upper side of UOG establishing here in Solomon Islands is that, it will give access the local population to access quality tertiary education.
“At the same time, we must note that by Earning a PNG diploma or degree adds value to your chances to even work in PNG,” Koppel explained.
He then announced that the Institute will also be looking to make arrangements for degree and masters courses to be taught or held here in SI and that will include sending in of staff from the main campus to teach the courses for the students.
Since the inception of the arrangement under the MOA between the two countries, UOG has held three successful graduation ceremonies for its students, and now anticipating it 4th and the many more to come once there is actual establishment or still be providing the programmes under the arrangements.
Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela delivering his speech at the Malaita Day celebrations in Small Malaita.
PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has acknowledged the dignity and pride of the people of Malaita province whom have dedicated their invaluable service to Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the 35th Second Appointed Day held in Small Malaita on Monday this week, the Prime Minister thanked and congratulated the working population and the people of Malaita for their invaluable contributions to the country.
“Let me on behalf of the National Government, including your colleague Premiers, and our people from other sister provinces, bring warm greetings and a hearty congratulations, to you, your Executive Members, Members of the Malaita Provincial Assembly, and the good people of Malaita Province, on the commemoration and celebrations of this very important day of our province. This day marks the 35th anniversary of your Second Appointed Day, and I wish you God’s blessings and all successes in the years ahead,” he said.
Premier Peter Ramohia delivering his speech. Photos from PM press secretariat
Prime Minister Hou said despite the challenges faced as a province, the people of Malaita have continued to offer their tireless contributions to the development of Solomon Islands.
“I would like to acknowledge and congratulate our working population of Malaita, who have work tirelessly with dignity and pride, with commitment and resilience and with noble dedication, in the building of this province and our nation as a whole and make it what is it today,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela delivering his speech at the Malaita Day celebrations in Small Malaita.PM Hou also added that despite difficulties and major challenges in finances, in policy actions, and in our approaches to development; the Malaita provincial workers have remained dedicated to their service in supporting the province.
“Let me thank and acknowledge our provincial workers including administrators, financial managers, planners, nurses, police, teachers, other public officers, community workers, business people and their organizations, church and community leaders, local politicians, NGOs and all stakeholders for their contributions in developing this Province over the last 35 years,” he said.
PM Hou saluting the national flag when the anthem was played by the RSIPF police band.A female police band member dances for the crowd.Premier Peter Ramohia honouring the Malaita flag during the Malaita Day celebrations.
MALAITA Education Authority through the Ministry of Education and human Resource development has been called on to consider establishing a senior secondary school for ward 12 in Lau region of north Malaita.
MPA for ward 12, Fred Wai Diau recently made the appeal calling on responsible authorities and leaders to work together towards achieving this endeavour.
He said the three primary schools and one community high school in the ward are not enough to cater for the growing population of ward 12.
He said at the moment children have to leave their parents and live in communities close to the school.
He said more primary schools and secondary schools will boost education in Ward 12.
On the same note, a plan to extend classes at Takwa Community High School to form six was mentioned to this paper yesterday.
A senior catechist under Takwa Catholic parish, who was also member of Takwa School board, Mr Eddie Kaia said the school board has put in place plan to introduce form six to Takwa CHS.
He said the school board is currently pursuing establishing a science lab, library and dormitories as part of the plan to include form six to the school.
Takwa CHS was on the edge of Ward 12 and with its plan; it will help address the need for senior high school in ward 12.
A concerned citizen is calling on the national government to address the decaying state of Su’umoli wharf on Ulawa Island, Makira province.
Robert Hulanga of Su’umoli village told Island Sun yesterday that the wharf, destroyed by an earthquake in 2016 is yet to undergo maintenance work.
He explained that although a contractor had left a sign board at the site, they have not seen any maintenance work take course.
Moreover, Hulanga stressed that sea level rise has already taken its toll on the already badly shattered wharf tearing out nets, thrusting off stones and washing away the very ground it sits on.
On that note, he said that this has left people curious on whether or not the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has taken any action.
He emphasised that the people of Ulawa Island are facing negative impacts of climate change, impacts that will affect their economic, health, education and social welfare.
In relation, Hulanga said another issue also affecting the people is that they are now finding it difficult to travel around their own island.
He stated that the road on the island was not constructed properly thus could not withstand the wrath of last weekend’s heavy down pour which resulted in the destruction of a portion of the road which then led to the disruption of a nearby stream.
As a result of this circumstance, Hulanga said that whilst travelling by vehicle, people now have to travel around the whole island just to get to location that could have been easily reached by a shorter route had the road been properly constructed.
REPORTt from Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI) shows that between the seven years period from 2010-16, a total of $27,410,922.32 was spent on the development of each constituency.
Between these years period, the total (Actual) amount of Tax payers’ money/public funds going through the Members of Parliament (MP) for the Constituency Development Fund [CDF] is $1,370,546,115.71.
For each Constituency, 1. Choiseul Province received $82,232,766.96, 2. Western Province – $246,698,300.48, 3. Malaita Province – $383,752,912.48, 4. Central Province – $54,821,844.64, 5. Rennell/Bellona Province – $27,410,922.32, 6. Guadalcanal Province – $219,287,378.56, 7. Honiara City – $82,232,766.96, 8. Makira Province – $109,643,689.28, 9. Temotu Province – $82,232,766.96 and 10. Isabel Province – $82,232,766.96
According to TSI, they understand that MPs’ have changed in some constituencies but the majority of sitting members of Parliament in the 9th Parliament are still members and there are those who have been there.
“As we travel around the constituencies, water and sanitation are a major issue for the people as is most everything.
“Other social infrastructure in the community are from peoples own effort and sweat and other donors. We see very little that says funded and supported by CDF.
“We also acknowledge that some constituencies with new members are beginning to see positive changes and now participating in a small way to constituency development plans.
“In others we are given copies of policy of a sitting member clearly stating that only those who vote for the MP should receive CDF projects.
“Whilst these are lingering questions, the biggest question is where has all these money gone to and why is it not bringing about the desired outcomes.
“It is time now that people should expose the CDF Scheme for what it is and carry out detailed community audit to find out where has the funds meant for improvement of lives of our people gone and those who have been abusing the entrusted power given to them by the people be brought to justice or answer to citizens of this country.
“Transparency Solomon Islands is committed to evidence based advocacy to help empower our people to ensure of the gaps we now see where the richer get richer, the poorer get poorer in every aspect of their lives.
“Let us work together to bring about socio-economic development in our country. There is money but for now it is spent on wasted efforts. We need to speak up and take action,” says TSI.
According to locals speaking to Island Sun yesterday, $27million during that period is enough to see tangible changes in the constituencies apart from witnessing only few OBMs and solar panels being usually handed over.
