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Gov’t wants extra $226M

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

THE Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has on Monday started its proceedings into the 2018 Appropriation Bill 2018 with so much at stake as a lot of government ministries and agencies already indicating urgent needs to have their projected allocations approved.

The government had proposed under its supplementary budget for an addition of around $220 million to further fund government’s operations toward the end of this year.

PAC began its public hearing schedule on Monday with the Central Bank of Solomon Islands who presented its general overview of the national economy, with details from the state of the economy in 2018, and the Economic outlook for 2018 and the prospects for 2019.

The Ministry of Finance and Treasury was next with a strong delegation who presented a breakdown on the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, arguing that it is an urgent matter for PAC’s thorough consideration as the government continues delivering its services.

In a breakdown of the total of $226 Million under the 2018 Supplementary Appropriation Bill 2018, Under Secretary (US) Fiscal of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, Norman Hiropuhi, explained that $1.3 Million is projected for contingency warrant, while $23 million for advance warrant.

Hiropuhi added that the remaining three quarter or more of the Supplementary, with a total of $200.1 Million has been projected for additional supplementary expenditures of various government services, and should allow for continued delivery until December 31, 2018.

Interestingly, with a new approach, the government went and seek parliament’s consent and had it put in for it first and second reading last week, and then put in for the Public Accounts Committee (PAC’s) scrutiny, which is currently underway.

The government was however cautioned that the estimate of the budgeted expenditure this year has now grown from around 42 percent of GDP (in the 2018 Appropriation Act) to 44 percent of GDP when including the 2018 SAB.

Deputy Governor of Central Bank, Gane Simbe pointed out that this would be at approximately the same expenditure level witnessed in 2017.

“We note government under this SAB has to reallocate funds to address unforeseen circumstances, legalise budgetary support allocations from donors and meet key priority areas (such as the elections and tourism).

“Nonetheless, it would also be prudent if government could minimise arrears from previous periods into a new spending year as it will likely crowd out activities and investments,” Deputy Governor Simbe explained.

He said it is noted that the 2018 Supplementary Appropriation Bill has more arrears from 2017 in addition to the ones already cleared in the 2018 Appropriation Act.

Moreover, he suggested that some of the claims are for fixed-type costs such as rental and salaries that could have been appropriately budgeted and expended in their respective year.

Following PAC’s scrutiny into it, the Supplementary Appropriation Bill will be brought back into parliament when parliament resumes next week for its debates and Committee of Supplies for its proceedings.

PAC continues this morning with the Ministry of Home of Affairs expected to appear before the committee, but before that, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade is likely to take the lead, and to be followed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, and then the Ministry of Rural Development before lunch.

Today’s second half of the session is expected to see strong teams from the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, and the Ministry of Communication and Aviation.

Parliament will resume in a few day’s time, and the report on the hearings is expected to be presented in Parliament before the Bill is being passed, but this will depend very much on the commitment of government ministries, some of which were called back due to unpreparedness and others, due to other factors.

PAC according to the Hearing Schedule, is expected to complete this Wednesday but could go on until Thursday or Friday.

Lea’i brace bags three point

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Marist FC Raphael Lea’i.

“Our combination play failed” Coach Talo

By Taromane Martin

Marist FC Raphael Lea’i.

A double from 16-year-old Raphael Lea’i saw Marist FC bag their first three points in the new season of the Telekom Soccer League.

Boosted with a number of unrecognizable youngsters in the starting 11 on Sunday Marist handed Malaita Kingz FC their second defeat in the season defeating them 3-1 at the Lawson Tama on Sunday.

Lea’i found the back of the net in the first half helping Marist lead 2-0 at half time but saw Malaita King FC fighting their way back through Alford Po’oia grabbed a goal back in 15 minutes into half time.

Forward Charles Mani was brilliant for M/Kingz on the other end of the pitch but could not find enough gel with strike partner Benjamin Toata to grab the equalizer.

PNG international and Kapuls former team captain Michael Foster picked up a yellow card for a hefty challenge on Lea’i 68th minutes in the second half.

Lea’i sealed the victory for his side 76 minutes into the second half while Kingz left flanker Eddie Huniehu was denied by the goal post toward the final five minutes of play.

“At the moment the mood is not that great because losing is not good for the club,” Malaita Kingz Coach Rence Talo told SunSPORTS after their loss yesterday.

“Our combination play failed, a couple of the boys seemed to be struggling and I’m currently missing four of my players who are currently away on international duties which made a huge difference for the team.

“From here I think we have to make some adjustments during training and see where we go from then.

“Like I told the boys after the game we have to keep our heads up, work extra harder and look forward to meeting them next time around,” he said.

Marist Head Coach Jerry Allen was pleased with the victory and performance from his young side saying he was pleased with how his young and inexperienced side played yesterday.

“Yes I’m pleased with the young boys today. Team is very young but they played well today.

“I was not with the team for our opening match however the young boys played really well today.

“We always and I always try and encourage the boys to take it one game at a time and look forward for our next game whether it is tough or not.

“The boys received instructions well today. But then again there are still a lot of things to improve in the team and I believe, as the season progress on the boys will learn and improve.

“The season is still starting and it’s still very much anyone’s game,” Coach Allen said.

Other result from yesterday’s 4pm match between Solomon Warriors FC and Western United FC ended 1-1, Lency Norman on target for W/United while defender Allen Pita salvaged a crucial point for Solomon Warriors FC.

Mani named captain

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Malaita Kings FC forward Charles Mani is rumoured to have been appointed as team captain for the national U-16 team. Photo Taromane Martin.

By Taromane Martin

Malaita Kings FC forward Charles Mani is rumoured to have been appointed as team captain for the national U-16 team. Photo Taromane Martin.

SIXTEEN year old Charles Mani has been named captain for the Solomon Islands national Under 16 soccer team for next month’s OFC U-16 Championship.

The Malaita Kingz FC forward who won the Youth Solomon Cup with the Malaita Eagles U-19 team last year has been a revelation for football in the country along with the likes of U-19 players Henly Ramo, Frank Kabui, Patrick Taroga and Lino Houairia.

Mani will lead the lads in green, blue and yellow next month here at Lawson Tama Stadium when Honiara plays host to the 2018 OFC U-16 Championships from September 9-12.

Solomon Islands are in Pool A alongside New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.

Solomon Islands takes on Melanesian neighbours Papua New Guinea in their opening match 3pm on the opening day of competition September 9.

The two finalists from the OFC U-16 Championship will get qualification for next year’s FIFA U17 World Cup in Peru.

New president for Baseball and Softball

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Oceania Base Ball AND SOFT BALL CONFEDERATION PRESINT Laurent Cassier with Secretary General SIBSF Nihal Seneviratne

By Taromane Martin

Oceania Base Ball AND SOFT BALL CONFEDERATION PRESINT Laurent Cassier with Secretary General SIBSF Nihal Seneviratne

THE Solomon Islands Base Ball and Soft Ball Federation have a new executive board.

The new executive board was elected on Sunday following an urgent call to meet at the Panatina Oval.

The new executive board sees acting president Mr Francis Deve voted in as the President while Ms Sakae Inoue voted in as the vice president.

Nihal Seneviratne is the Secretary General, Mrs Loti Otuana the treasurer, trainer Genki Iimori and three members Mento Maeto, Alick Oitalo and Sofi Ata.

The new executive is now tasked with reviving the sport in the county after 11 years, organising local championships, prepare teams and players for Oceania Championships.

A statement from the newly elected executive board says they know there are a lot of areas to address in order to make the sports popular again saying they are up to the task.

National Under-18 hockey teams fly out tomorrow

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Taromane Martin

THE country’s national Under-18 men’s and women’s hockey teams will leave the country tomorrow to compete at the 2018 FIH World Series competition in Port Villa, Vanuatu.

A squad of nine boys and nine girls selected from the current Samlinsan High Schools Hockey League will leave the country 1:03pm tomorrow.

Federation President Mr Nihal Seneviratne confirmed the team will leave in the afternoon for the hockey five competitions which will kick off on Wednesday at the Wan Smol Bag Hockey field.

Mr Seneviratne meanwhile thanked their sponsors who have been supporting their program and leagues in the country

“Solomon Islands Hockey Federation would like to acknowledge our Corporate Sponsor Samlinsan Logging Company who are currently sponsoring the high School Hockey League and Club League.

“Also big thank you to Solomon Tuna Ltd and Colombo Consultancy Managing Director Lakmal Hewagama for sponsoring the national teams for the competition,” Mr Seneviratne said.

Meanwhile the selected U-18 hockey players to represent the country at the FI H World Hockey Series are:

HOCKEY 5s – WORLD SERIES- VANUATU

14th to 22nd AUGUST 2018

MENS

JOHN WESLY – CAPTAIN

PAUL LUIRAMO

RALPH MASAE

REGINALD AITOREA – GK

LEON KAURA

BROOKLYN WANETENIA

PAUL BROWN

JUNIOR SUIMAE

JASON IVIN

WOMENS

ESMIE BELO- CAPTAIN

LYN BASII-GK

ROVINA MANU

CLAUDIA VOTU

ALISON SANGA

HILDA KABINI

JEREMY OLIVER

MARY USUA

LOVELYN MAEOLI.

Women’s Right Action Movement with new board members

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Mrs Anika Kingmele.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

Mrs Anika Kingmele.

WOMEN’S Right Action Movement (WRAM) a non-governmental organisation in the country have successfully elected its new board members to stir and make sure the organisation has adequate resource to advance its mission and vision.

The election was done over the weekend when the organisation had its Annual General Meeting at the Kairos conference room in Honiara.

The outcome of the election concluded as Maria Pepa was voted in as the new President, Afulia Billy the vice president, Christina Bakolo as secretary to the board and with five ordinary members.

Speaking at the occasion of board members election Ms Pepa the new president said she was honored to be voted in to the presidency post for WRAM board.

Ms Pepa uttered all she needed is cooperation and support from WRAM and its members in taking up this responsibility for the next 12 months.

“I‘ll try to do my best to move the institution forward together with the current new board members of WRAM to ensure its mission and vision is fulfilled, with that I believe that this will possible through the putting together of different strength’s, talents and abilities of WRAM board members and its members to the board,” said Ms Pepa the new elected president.

On the same matter Anika Kingmele the outgoing president uttered that she was very privilege to serve the organisation for four years and is pleased to hand over her responsibility to her successor Ms Pepa.

“I would like to thank all WRAM members for encouragement during m y reign as the president. My four years with the organization has developed my capacity and confidence in working with women as well as expanding the knowledge of child right as based on my profession into women’ right area,” said Kingmele the outgoing president.

She adds by thanking WRAM members for support, time, commitment and sacrifices made to make the organisation grow from strengthen to strength.

WRAM is a non-governmental organisation founded in 2011 to effectively remind government of gender issues in the country and their commitments to addressing these issues and with a mission to support government to promote , protect and fulfill the rights of women and men equally , to take affirmative action to address in equalities faced by women and to work with NGOs to promote good governance in Solomon Islands.

CHEC intern completes training

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Timothy Itogho (centre) with his Certificate.

BY ELLISON VAHI

Timothy Itogho (centre) with his Certificate.

LOCAL CHEC surveyor Mr Timothy Itogho has completed his three weeks internship with the China Harbour Engineering Company limited last week with a certificate.

Itogho who hails from Aola village in east Guadalcanal is a graduate certificate student at the national university (SINU) and has joined the group company since July 18 this year in doing his internship under the close watch of his supervisor and mentor Mr Raine whom is the QA/QC Manager.

Speaking to the Island Sun last week, Itogho said the training has given him an opportunity as well has equipped him with a lot of confidence in building him towards his future career.

He give all the credit to his mentors for their kind support in mentoring him throughout, and hence wishes to thank them, especially; Mr Raine, Oscar, Jimmy and Andy.

Mr Raine said that Timothy is with a lot of passion for his field career.

“Timothy has never hestitated to learn and ask what he doesn’t know about and thus working with him was great.”

China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd is helping Solomon Islands rebuild transport infrastructure damaged by flash floods in 2014.

Since then, the project under the NTF has help fund construction of vital infrastructure designed to be more resilient against disasters and other climate threats. It also has restores bridges, stream crossings, culverts, and bridge approach roads.

To date, since 2015 has completed a lot of flood recovery bridges, including the Naro –lambi project in west Guadalcanal are currently reconstructing the Mbokokimbo Bridge at east Guadalcanal and hence once completed will then that their contract will be laps and hopes that the project will complete before the end of this year 2018.

Hence, China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd. (CHEC) is a world-renowned international contractor that is a subsidiary of China Communications Construction Company Ltd.

Christ the King Parish ready to kick start church project

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

CATHOLIC’S Christ the King Parish at Voruvoru Northwest Choiseul under the strong leadership of Parish Priest Fr Henry Paroi is ready to kick start its new Parish Church building project soon.

According to report provided by the Parish, there are already enough timbers and gravel to start building the church being prepared on the mission ground while continuous supply of timbers will arrive from the four zones of Voruvoru parish.

“The building contractor Mr Sebastian Ngingiribatu was called upon to come down from Honiara and kick start the church building foundation profile while supply of building materials will be transported to Voruvoru from Gizo by the Mission vessel MV Galilee,” said report.

“Parishioners of Christ the King Parish Zones are prepared to give hand in their communities’ contributions towards their new Parish Church project in which as soon as the building contractor arrives from Honiara, work will start.”

Honiara marks International Youth Day

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

HONIARA celebrated the International Youth Day under theme: Safe Spaces for Youth in a small scale yesterday.

This year’s theme signified the need for youth’s safe spaces where they can come together, engage in activities related to their diverse needs and interests, participate in decision making processes and freely express themselves.

Yesterday, the Youth, Sports and Women Division of the Honiara City Council celebrated the International Youth Day in a smaller scale particularly in training and workshop.

HCC Youth Development Officer Mrs Mary Tuhaika said young people in Honiara celebrate the International Youth Day yesterday with a discussion about mental health with the Child Fund New Zealand.

She said this activity is part of celebrating the International Youth Day as it was celebrated globally yesterday.

Tuhaika said this is a small event, but bigger one is scheduled for September this year which will be during the Honiara Youth Week.

While there are many types of spaces, safe spaces ensure the dignity and safety of youth.

Safe spaces such as civic spaces enable youth to engage in governance issues.

Public spaces afford youth the opportunity to participate in sports and other leisure activities in the community.

Digital spaces help youth interact virtually across borders with everyone; and well planned physical spaces can help accommodate the needs of diverse youth especially those vulnerable to marginalization or violence.

Ensuring that safe spaces are inclusive, youth from diverse backgrounds especially those from outside the local community, need to be assured of respect and self-worth.

According to the United Nation, in humanitarian or conflict prone settings for example, youth may lack the space to fully express them without feeling uncomfortable or unwelcome.

UN also adds similarly, without the existence of safe space, youth from different race or ethnicity, gender, religious affiliation or cultural background may feel intimidated to freely contribute to the community.

When youth have safe spaces to engage, they can effectively contribute to development, including peace and social cohesion, the UN said.

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, specifically Goal 11, emphasizes the need for the provision of space towards inclusive and sustainable urbanization.

Furthermore, the New Urban Agenda (NUA) reiterates the need for public spaces for youth to enable them to interact with family and have constructive inter-generational dialogue.

Additionally, the World Programme of Action for Youth (WPAY) which is the UN framework for youth development prioritizes the provision of “leisure activities” as essential to the psychological, cognitive and physical development of young people.

As more and more youth grow in a technologically connected world, they aspire to engage deeper in political, civic and social matters and the availability and accessibility of safe spaces becomes even more crucial to make this a reality.

Voruvoru cultural group prepares for National Educational Conference

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

VORUVORU Cultural group at Northwest Choiseul is preparing well to showcase their traditional cultures in the upcoming National Educational Authorities Conference (NEAC) to be held at Taro Station.

According to Hon Nerio Ulemiki the MPA for Ward 12 at Varisi Lavata reporting, Voruvoru’s Cultural group comprises of male pan pipers, female dancers and Riko’s traditional Bamboo Band who will showcase the true ethnic cultures of Lauru.

“They will also highlight during the conference their traditional entertainment songs flavoured with traditional styles of dancing which will be including doing the famous qoqala style dance of Lauru adding a Kaqe ceremonial feast,” said Hon Ulemiki.

The upcoming National Educational Authorities Conference to be held at Taro will start on the 24th of this month August, 2018.

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