THE new date set for the commencement of the 2019 National General Elections voter registration is within the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission timeframe.
Earlier, the Commission announced the registration exercise will commence on Monday, August 20. Not long after, it issued a new date – Wednesday, September 3.
The new date was made known through SMS message Our Telekom sent out via mobile phones on Monday.
Some were quick to suspect the extension was due to funding.
There were couple of dates the Commission has been working on as commencement date for the registration. Among these initial dates were; Monday, August 20 and Monday, August 27.
The late date set was Wednesday, September 3. The Commission decided to go with this date. It was a decision made by the Commission’s Chief Electoral Officer.
The last date means that it’s the final date the Commission will never go beyond. Any date beyond Wednesday, September 3 would fall outside the Commission’s registration programme timeframe.
The only thing that would potentially disrupt the Commission timeframe is natural disasters like cyclone.
As for now to Wednesday, September 3, the Commission continues with its training programs for officers who are being engaged to work in the registration exercise.
The Commission is using this extension to also sort out other technical things as part of its preparation for the exercise.
Updates about the Commission’s registration programme are expected to come out in SMS text messages and through radio messages.
These messages will guide voters on what to do before, during and after the registration period.
In its post on social media, the Commission stated that this registration to update the voter list used during the 2014 national general elections and it will target those who turn 18 years old this year and their names not in the list.
The update list will looks to capture new eligible voters, those who missed out from registration and those who want to update their details.
NENDE people call on the Government to stand ground over being challenged by the decision of the Mines Minister to cancel prospecting licence PL 01/16 over Nende Island in a Judicial Review Case.
Challenging the decision is Eight South Investment Pty Ltd in relation to High Court Case 224/18.
The landowners of Nende in their Press Release do not want the Government to succumb to ploy of Eight South Investment Pty Ltd for an out of Court settlement as noted in the mining company’s Report to Aus Stock exchange market on August 1, 2018 that there is a discussion on the arrangement with the Solomon Islands Government.
Nende people were aware that the cancellation was done by the Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) Hon Bradley Tovosia in virtue of lawful cause and basis of which was set out in the cancellation letter by him being dated May 24, 2018, addressed to the Company.
“We landowners understand that the Minister exercised his powers under S71 (1), (a) and (b) of the Mines & Mineral Act to cancel the PL 01/16. In doing so by virtue of the operation of the relevant section conveyed in the cancellation letter that renders the PL01/16 null and void in its entirety.
“It is therefore relevant and appropriate at this moment to call on the Government that should the mining Company wish to challenge the cancellation of the PL 01/16, they should proceed with the judicial review case HC CC 224/18 as set out in s71(5) of the Mines & Mineral Act as the only avenue to challenge Ministers decision.
“Based on these observations, we landowners feel the Government should not give in to the mining company for an out of Court settlement as this would be in breach of s71(5) of the Act and further complicate the situation on the ground.
“We further note the Ministry of mines officials are on tour at Santa Cruz/Nende conducting awareness. While this is a statutory obligation of the Government, it is equally important to note and to acknowledge the sensitivity nature of this issues at this point in time hence, the need to thread carefully on core matters incidental to this issue.
“On that same note, we call on the Government not to invite any new application for reconnaissance and prospecting permit in Nende,” said Nende Landowners.
As stated in the cancellation letter also by the Minister of Mines on May 24, 2018 addressing it to the mining company, “Clause 8 of the Special Conditions (Third Schedule) of your prospecting licence states that in the event where the owners, occupiers or inhabitants of the area of your prospecting licence object the presence or the operations of the holder, the holder shall not enter, prospect or carryout operations in the area until amicable relationship have first been restored”.
“I thank you for your response to my letter of Show Cause which you failed to include a date and signature,” said Hon Tovosia to the Managing Director of AU Capital Mining Pty Ltd/Eight South Investment sighted in the letter.
“I have viewed your response to my letter of Show Cause and I would like to advice you that the issuance of the prospecting licence, PL 01/16, to your company was made after in pursuant to Section 19 a) and b) of the Mines and Minerals Act 1990 (the Act), the Minister was satisfied that you have the adequate financial resources, technical competence and experiences to carry out effective prospecting operations and that your prospecting programme is adequate for prospecting.
“Your rights and obligations as a prospecting license holder are clearly outlined in Sections 26 and 27 of the Act. The progress of your prospecting activities as indicated in your quarterly reports is not satisfactory.
“Therefore, as Minister responsible with the powers conferred to me under Section 71 (1), (a) and (b) of the Act, I hereby inform you that your prospecting license, PL 01/16, over Nende Island at Temotu Province is hereby cancelled and effective immediately.”
Attempts to get comment from Eight South Investment Pty Ltd yesterday were not possible.
ACCORDING to Taiwan’s Dr Yuan-Nian Hsu, CEO of Hospital and Social Welfare Organisations from the Administration Commission of Ministry of Health and Welfare, the leading cause of death in Solomon Islands is diabetes.
He voiced this whilst speaking to Island Sun yesterday at the Taiwan Health Centre.
Dr Hsu expressed that the Taiwan Health Centre (THC) has a very good master plan in helping to tackle the disease he brands “complicated” and wish to improve the health status of the people in Solomon Islands.
He added that THC’s focus on diabetes is moving towards nutritional education in effort to find solutions to battling the disease he says is more than just about the amputation of a leg.
“It is not just about amputating a foot. If you have diabetes for ten years, you can easily experience a stroke. If you have diabetes you can easily have heart attack. If you have diabetes you can easily have kidney diseases,” said Hsu.
On another note, he stated that the programmes carried out by THC will not stop today but continue for the next five to 10 years and depend on what services the people of Solomon Islands need most.
This Hsu explained will come from the ministry of health.
He went on to stress that they will also have some kind of survey and statistical data put together before they can conclude the most important things that need to be addressed.
Commenting on the progress made so far by THC and Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital at the National Referral Hospital (NRH), Hsu said that the THC staff have done a great job, especially by utilizing the resources available and cooperating with multi partners to deliver their services.
Hsu is part of the Solomon Islands and Taiwan Health and Medical Services Cooperation Inspection Mission, who have recently arrived in the country to attend a workshop at NRH, donate medical supplies and inspect the Taiwan Health Mission operations.
THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has welcomed the return of the national carrier’s Airbus.
Solomon Airline’s flagship Airbus A320 arrived back in the country last Saturday after undergoing maintenance in Singapore.
As a Chamber representing businesses and the private sector, SICCI is excited that the national Airbus is now back on its normal overseas runs, particularly between Brisbane and Honiara.
SICCI’s Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Meone commended Solomon Airlines for resuming international flights with the national airbus despite all the challenges faced in terms of ensuring their fleet both domestic and international stay operational.
The CEO added this is good news for both travelling passengers and businesses and the same for economic activities in the country.
“Regular and reliable flights both domestically and internationally provides significant economic benefits to the economy and citizens,” Mr Meone said.
He said, transportation, in particular international flights, will go a long way in supporting and stimulating trade and tourism.
Meone said the return of the Airbus is really positive and will continue to support the increasing number of travellers experienced in recent times.
Meanwhile, Meone on behalf of SICCI members, appreciates the Government’s efforts to make sure that supporting infrastructure like roads are complete to complement activities of the airport and investors coming into the country.
“The upgrade of the Kukum Highway that is nearing completion is a testament of Government’s commitment not only to improve air transport service facilitation but also to cause the required linkage between the various transport modes in the country,” he said.
“As a country we will need to continue to invest in our infrastructure to support growth and encourage more investment,” added the CEO.
Now that the Solomon Airlines’ Airbus is back in the air, it will also assist in uplifting life-saving drugs for the National Referral Hospital, something SICCI also appreciates.
Treasurer, George Diudi hands over the funds raised by the Honiara Bands Association to Prime Minister Hon. Rick Houenipwela as members of the association looks on.
Treasurer, George Diudi hands over the funds raised by the Honiara Bands Association to Prime Minister Hon. Rick Houenipwela as members of the association looks on.
THE Honiara Band Association (HBA) has handed over $38,431 which it has raised towards the drug shortage in the country to Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela.
The HBA has raised the funds through a series of musical concerts recently.
Prime Minister Hou acknowledges the Honiara Bands Association (HBA) for its initiative in supporting the drug shortage situation in the country.
The funds were handed to the Prime Minister at the Paul Tovua Complex yesterday afternoon.
Speaking during the ceremony, Chairman of HBA Benjamin Afuga said the group has decided to step in to raise funds to support the National Referral Hospital in response to the recent drug shortage issue.
He said that this is also part of the objectives of the association for its members to use their talents to give back to the community in such situations.
“We decided to handover the donation to you (Prime Minister) because of the leading role you have taken to address the issue of the recent drug shortage,” said Afuga.
In response, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude by the initiative taken by members of the association for going an extra mile to provide support towards the cause of charity.
“Such gesture shown by members of the local community is a reflection of the many ways Solomon Islanders can unite together to contribute positively to their communities,” the Prime Minister said.
He said that if other countries can use music to make a difference to the lives of their people; then the initiative taken by the Honiara Bands Association is an example of how our citizens can use their various talents to bring about change in our society.
According to Afuga, the Honiara Bands Association was initially formed to promote and encourage live bands, and to revive live music performances in the city.
Afuga also stressed that the association was also formed to bring together talented musicians who are unemployednd to engage them in ways that they can give back to their communities.
The association is currently made up of members from local bands in Honiara namely The Appointees Band, 2-4-1 Band, One Drop, Band Horizon, Jambuckz, Beanks and Black Wine Band.
THE national referral hospital is currently being boosted by Taiwanese help, however, it is reported that there is much more the country’s main hospital needs improvement on.
“So much has happened. The impact has been great for the hospital here and for the patients and of course for the mobile teams that have come as expressed in the report,” National Referral Hospital (NRH) CEO, Dr Steve Aumanu.
According to Aumanu, the hospital from collaborations with Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUH) through Honiara based Taiwan Health Centre (THC) is grateful to be able to provide clinical specialists, equipment and trainings.
“These are important areas of which under the collaboration we have benefited from. There’s a lot more we can engage in,” he said.
Aumanu however, stressed that while they are grateful that they can still maintain such service they would be happier if their services and facilities continue to improve and their human resources continue to be capacitated so that they can provide much needed improved health services to people of Solomon Islands.
He went on to say that as a manifestation of the mutually cordial relationship Solomon Islands has with the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan, they look forward to further collaborations.
“So I hope we can collaborate more and exchange views for the rest of the programmes,” said Aumanu.
He was speaking at an occasion yesterday at the Taiwan Health Centre attended by members of the Solomon Islands and Taiwan Health and Medical Services Cooperation Inspection Mission who recently arrived in the country to visit and see how the Taiwan Health Center has progressed with its projects at NRH.
Bonnie Pride tussles for the ball against Charlie Rifasia.
Share of spoils for Eels and Guadalcanal
BY ROMULUS HUTA
Bonnie Pride tussles for the ball against Charlie Rifasia.
HENDERSON Eels head coach Eddie Marahare laments the numerous scoring chances squandered infront of goal mouth by side during their Telekom S-League match which ended in 1-1 draw against FC Guadalcanal on Wednesday.
The Wednesday’s afternoon’s fixture at Lawson Tama Stadium kicked off both sides’ campaigns in the new season of the TSL.
The match began with Eels taking earlier lead through George Suri. However, the lead was cancelled out later through Guadalcanal’s right midfielder Nelson Nani when he seized on a rebound through hesitant goalkeeping to fire home past goalkeeper Desmond Tutu.
When the score was locked at 1-all after halftime, Eels had the best opportunity to score and regain its lead, only for Hudson Felani to shoot straight at the direction of Guadalcanal goalkeeper Eddie Ramo from the penalty spot, diving out nicely to save his side from conceding anymore.
Speaking to SunSPORTS in the post-match interview, Marahare admits that it’s quite disappointing when you give away scoring chances.
“I think it’s quite disappointing when you have a lot of scoring chances and you just give it away through lack of good finishing.
“Even a penalty kick was also wasted.
“Finishing costs us in today’s (on Wednesday) game. Like I said, this is our first game of the season and the boys are yet to gel in well as a team.
“Player combinations are our main challenge and it’s something I will need to strengthen,” Marahare explains.
Despite that, Marahare feels contented having had to come out with a one point after all.
“But the good thing is, at least we began with one point, so we have to work from there and try and learn from today’s (yesterday) game and continue on with the hard work as we look forward to Saturday’s game.
“The season is still too early and we hope our boys settle down as quickly as possible and work as a team, especially on finishing and composure infront of the goal,” Marahare stressed.
Eels’ next match will be on Saturday 4pm against Real Kakamora.
Henderson Eels striker George Suri, left, is being heavily marked by the FC Guadalcanal defender David Supa in yesterday’s match. PHOTO BY ROMULUS HUTA
National general election is in March 2019: Electoral Commission
By Alfred Sasako
THE National General Election will be held in March next year, the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has confirmed.
“But we will have to wait until December 15 to know the exact date,” SIEC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mose Saitala told Island Sun on Wednesday night.
Mr Saitala disclosed this when responding to a number of questions raised by Island Sun on the two-week delays in the roll-out of the voter registration, which will now commence on September 3, instead of August 20.
“(There are) two main reasons for the slippage in the date on the commencement of the voter registration update.
there is a delay in the work of the Ministerial Tender Board (MHA) and the Central Tender Board in finalising shipping companies SIEC will hire to deliver and collect back our registration kits to/from all constituencies; and
there is delay in the arrival of the computer batteries which will be used in computer laptops for the voter registration update. They are however arriving now by charter flight on Thursday this week,” Saitala said.
He said these problems were beyond the control of SIEC, adding there is no problem with money.
Saitala denied the slippage would affect the preparatory work for the National General Election (NGE).
“It will still be on its scheduled month, ie March. I hope this helps. More explanation will be forthcoming when the notice for the commencement of the voter registration has been gazetted.
“We won’t know it exactly until December 15. I am expecting that by December 15 I would know for certain that the SIEC has successfully delivered all its preparatory deliverables that would enable SIEC to determine then a date for the GG to proclaim as Election Day,” Saitala said.
Solomon Islands' Patrick Taroga celebrates his goal from the spot.
BY ROMULUS HUTA
Solomon Islands’ Patrick Taroga celebrates his goal from the spot.
THE national youth side came back from a goal deficit to book a crucial opening 3-2 win against New Caledonia yesterday in Group B of the OFC Under-19 championship currently underway in Tahiti.
Maximum points gathered from this encounter certainly gave Solomon Islands the opportunity to sit on second spot of the group behind leader Fiji, who defeated Vanuatu 3-1 in the other match.
Solomon Islands had a slow start in the game which resulted in New Caledonia taking up earlier lead through their captain Cyril Drawilo in the 23rd minute from the spot.
New Caledonia earned the penalty after Aengari Gagame fouled a New Caledonia player in the box, resulted in the Solomon Islander been cautioned as well.
The game was levelled at 1-1 four minutes before halftime through left winger Lino Houaria after meeting a well-taken cross from Junior David.
Houaria made no mistake in guiding the ball inside the back post past the New Caledonia goalkeeper.
In the second half, a one-on-one break into the box by Ali Mekawir saw the midfielder fouled by the New Caledonian goalkeeper and earned a well-deserved penalty call.
Patrick Taroga stepped up from the spot and made Solomon Islands leading 2-1 for the first time in the match by the 53rd minute.
Solomon Islands then extended their lead further to 3-1 after the hour mark when a corner sent from the right mistakenly resulted in an own goal attributed to Lucas Bitaud of New Caledonia.
New Caledonia made a late surge but could only managed to score one goal as Solomon Islands held on to win the match by 3-2.
Head coach Batram Suri giving instructions to his boys from the sideline during yesterday's match
Suri says spiritual backing from supporters back home pushes them to win
BY ROMULUS HUTA
Head coach Batram Suri giving instructions to his boys from the sideline during Tuesday’s match
NATIONAL under-19 soccer head coach Batram Suri has dedicated their first win of the OFC Under-19 championship to soccer supporters back home.
The Suri-coached side defeated New Caledonia 3-2 on Tuesday afternoon to open their Group B campaign of the championship currently underway in Tahiti on the right track, thanks to strikes from Patrick Taroga, Lino Houairia and an own goal that emerged from a corner kick and attributed to New Caledonian player Lucas Bitaud.
Speaking during the post-match interview, Suri said: “First of all, I would like to thank God because it’s through the prayers of supporters back home in Solomon Islands which help push us to win.
“Your spiritual and hard supports helped us to win and we’re so grateful for that.”
Suri added that the victory was hard earned and went on to describe the outcome as a well-deserving one for the boys.
Solomon Islands’ left wing attacker Lino Houairia reaches high to clear off the pressure in yesterday’s match against New Caledonia. Houairia also scored in the 3-2 win against the New Caledonians.
“The boys deserve to win, they worked so hard. They’ve also done so many mistakes during the game but they have learnt from them and showed good signs of improvement.”
The three goals scored on Tuesday overwhelmed Suri on another level given the poor scoring forms experienced during friendly matches held in Honiara against Telekom S-League (TSL) teams.
“The score line really impressed me given they have not scored so much at home during our friendly matches and I’m very proud of them.”
Suri insists that the positive result attained from the match sets a good pace for them in the competition.
“The result determines where we are going next where it will raise our level of confidence to take on each match as it comes in the competition.
“But again, I’m speechless with the result; I don’t know what to say. Overall, I think the boys deserve it,” Suri said.
The national youth side’s second match is on Friday against Fiji, where a second win will probably book them early qualification into the semi-final of the competition that will see the two top winners earning a place in next year’s FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Poland as Oceania representatives.
Fiji won the other pool B match after clinching a 3-1 victory against Vanuatu.
The OFC U-19 Championship takes a break today before Group A resumes on Thursday.
