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International rural women’s day celebrated this Friday in Auki

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BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

WOMEN throughout Malaita province will mark the international rural women’s day celebration in Auki this Friday.

According to president of Malaita council of women Mrs Rose Kala, the celebration will include various women’s group from around Malaita province who will join the celebration in Auki this Friday.

The programme will most likely be opened with an official parade along the streets of Auki before the other programmes for the day will follow.

She said, “The day will be highlighted by women with their concerns voiced out for the public concerning the rights and welfare of women in our society.

“It is also an important program for women especially to come together and share with issues regarding women.”

The programme will be organised from 8am to 2pm in the afternoon at the Auki market carpark area.

Pilot project on climate change data collection in Auki

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

MALAITA Provincial Government and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology have embarked on a data collection piloting project in Malaita province.

Malaita Provincial Youth Coordinator, Mr Frank Samo said that yesterday they had a briefing on the programme under the project. He adds that training begins today.

“The training tomorrow [today] will focus mainly on how to train participants to familiar with the equipment will use under the project.

“That will include using of tablets and software for collection of data.

“So after the one day training the participants will go out into the field to do the work.”

Mr Samo explained that the project is to collect data on the effects of climate change on all sectors in the province.

He said the areas of data collection will include sectors like agriculture, health, fisheries, forestry, the list goes.

Samo said three areas identified to carry out data collection under the project for Malaita province include Buma North, Aimela and Kwa villages all in the outskirt of Auki.

He pointed out that the purpose of the project is for future references on the data, whenever dealing with specific area under the data record.

“For instance, if there is an agriculture project in Malaita province, the data must take into account on its finding on climate change to guide way for the project.

“That will help the development of the project to consider the risk of climate change,” Samo said.

He said after the training the provincial participants who represent the sectors within the provincial government will become trainers of the project for the province.

Samo said Malaita province is the first to pilot the project with MECDM. And, likely Makira province is next.

Public call for election dates of West and Choiseul

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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

PEOPLE of Western and Choiseul provinces have called on the national government and Electoral Commission to quickly set a date for their elections.

A Mr Andrew Koke told Island Sun Gizo yesterday that people are beginning to become frustrated since nothing has been heard from the government or the electoral office.

“It has been almost very outdated to say that nothing has been heard and what is going on at the top level for not quickly set the election date.

“While the calling of Western and Choiseul Provincial election is partly a matter of political judgment and timing.

“We are calling on constitutional and legislative framework who governs the electoral timetable and process to quickly officially set the final election date for people of Western and Choiseul.”

Koke said the Biometric Voter Registration Update and Revision Exercise 2017 has already been completed, and public had expected the dates to be announced soon after.

Former Headmaster asked to clarify school grant

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

PARENTS of Nanakinimae Primary School are asking the outgoing headmaster to provide records on the disbursement of the school grant for the last eight years.

One parent, who wished anonymity, made queries with claims that the school has never been developed despite receipt of school grants over the years.

“An evidence to that shows four classes currently without classrooms. So we engaged private houses in the village and use as classrooms for the students.

“This is how severe we face with our primary school and also the reason I’m asking the use of the school grant where it should have build the classrooms.

“So my only appeal is for the headmaster provides expenditure report on the school grant to us parent and supporters of the school before he can left us,” the parent said.

Holy Name of Mary Women’s Society opening

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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

HOLY Name of Mary Women’s Society at Christ the King Parish in Northwest Choiseul opened their Society for this year 2018 last month.

Following on the opening of their Society, Voruvoru women will embark on their program of activities for this year.

According to Mr Nerio Ulemiki the media coordinator for Christ the King parish at Voruvoru reporting, the program will cover mainly activities of their own including programs of the Diocese, parish and others.

“They marked the opening of their program by a prayer led by the catechist of Voruvoru Noel Telo and a communion service being conducted by Eucharist Minister David Podovolomo,” said Mr Ulemiki.

 

Double achievement for G-province

GP Deputy Premier Hon Peter Aoraonisaka and PS for Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Mr Stanley Pirione cut the ribbon for official launching of Picket fencing

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

GP Deputy Premier Hon Peter Aoraonisaka and PS for Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Mr Stanley Pirione cut the ribbon for official launching of Picket fencing

GUADALCANAL provincial government (GPG) officially opened its new picket fencing and marked the hand-over of science equipment to the province’s four secondary schools yesterday.

The handover ceremony marks GPG’s two first ever PCDF project funded under PGSP-PCDF grant assistance for strengthening provincial government capacity and improvement of provincial governance’s development.

The picket fence is for security purposes for the GP Headquarter.

The science equipment was donated to Marara Community High School, Ruavatu, Tangarare and Avu Avu provincial secondary schools.

GP’s Deputy Premier Mr Peter Aoraonisaka said GP is proud of this year’s two fine development achievements which target boosting their administration environment and education sector.

He adds, the success of the project is the culmination of months of hard work which involves provincial office and contractors.

“I wish to thanked the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening for the leadership and guidance in ensuring GP becomes recipient of the PCDF—Provincial Capacity Development Fund,” Aoraonisaka said.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Mr Stanley Pirione said the event is a realisation of partnership arrangement both valued over the past years.

He assures that the national government does not forget GP’s infrastructure development wishes whether it be institutional, civil, social or educational.

“The government will still continue to provide what it is mandated to do through provisions of its infrastructure development programmes, either through our Ministry or other sectoral Ministries,” Pirione said.

Pirione also adds that the Ministry will still stick to its commitment in ensuring funds for PCDF projects will continue despite difficulties in securing funds and actual disbursement.

Yesterday, officials attending the handover ceremony comprised staff from the MPGIS, GP and school principals.

Picket fencing and science equipment come under PCDF project funded under PGSP-PCDF grant assistance from the MPGIS.

There are more than 10 projects GP will work on to achieve this year.

Science equipment for GP schools

GP Deputy Premier Mr Peter Aoraonisaka handover science equipments to School principal in a ceremony held at the GP Head Quarter on Tuesday

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

GP Deputy Premier Mr Peter Aoraonisaka handover science equipments to School principal in a ceremony held at the GP Head Quarter on Tuesday

FOUR secondary schools of the Guadalcanal province are owners of science equipment.

They are the first recipients of the PCDF – provincial capacity development fund project.

The equipment were officially handed over yesterday by the Guadalcanal Provincial Deputy Premier Mr Peter Aoraonisaka to the principals of the schools.

Speaking on behalf for the schools, the Principal for Marara Community High School Mr John Botsi said the schools are now well-equipped with science apparatuses.

He said their labs will be conducive to the students’ learning of science, especially regarding experiments.

“It is imperative for schools to have latest and high quality science lab supply these days,” Mr Botsi said.

Mr Aoraonisaka said the province’s government is likewise proud to assist its schools and advance their learning potentials.

Aoraonisaka thanked the Crowntech Scientific and Omega Scientific for delivering the equipment.

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Mr Stanley Pirione said the science equipment is fundamentally crucial for science curricular for children’s learning.

“It may not be enough in terms of overall need from education sector but at least these scientific equipments will surely benefit our children in their studies.”

APTC honoured in colourful graduation

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Graduants

By Tanny.E.Vahi

Australian High Commissionert HE Roderick Brazier delivering his speech.

MORE than a hundred students who studied at the APTC (Australia-Pacific Technical College) graduated in style yesterday in the presence of family, friends and peers, marking the successful completion of their programmes.

With the theme, ‘Contributing towards a prosperous Pacific driven by skilled, competitive and productive workforce’, the graduation ceremony started with a colourful parade, followed by singing of both national anthems, Australia and the Solomon Islands, at the Mendana Hotel Avenue.

The Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, HE Roderick Brazier was the keynote speaker of the day.

Mr Brazier congratulated the students and urged them to use the knowledge gained to help in the growth of our economy.

“This day is your day. On behalf of the Australia-Pacific Technical College, it is my great pleasure to offer you our congratulations on this very special graduation day. You have demonstrated courage, hard work and dedication to your learning. As a result you have been awarded an Australian vocational qualification that is recognised nationally and internationally.”

In his accolade he extends his gratitude to the graduates’ employers and families for their efforts and support.

“You have made sacrifices to undertake your studies at the APTC. We know that for many, you needed to leave your place of work, your family and community for a period of time in order to undertake your studies. We thank your employers and families who have supported you through this time.”

Speaking for the students, Ms Betty Ramolelea thanks foremost the staff of APTC.

“It is an honour to represent all the graduate students. Today, we are so thankful and have trusts that we not only acquire skills and knowledge to equip us well for employment but that you have leave the experiences with new professional friendships and also has given us a new chapter I our lives.”

Ms Helen Leeson, APTC Executive Director Training Delivery, wished all the graduates well in their future.

“We appreciate that you came to APTC with a wealth of experience and such we acknowledge that we learn from you. All at APTC thank you for the opportunity to share in your learning. We trust that this is just the beginning and that you continue to strive to be the very best you can be in your preferred work. We wish you well on your graduation and for your future.”

The ceremony was closed by a word of prayer by Catholic Archbishop Christopher Cardone, followed by group photos and refreshments.

Siota PSS holds induction service for 2018

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Siota PSS teachers during the Induction Service

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

SIOTA Provincial Secondary School (PSS) held an Induction Service for this year 2018 last Sunday.

The special ceremony that took place was for teachers, school captains and prefect’s commitment to helping with the schools programs said Principal Fr Patterson Tako.

“Theme for 2018 is on “Restrengthening academic excellence” to quality teaching. We will be working closely with the Provincial Authority to academically improve Siota PSS so that it matches up with other Premier Schools of the country,” said Tako.

The induction was attended by the CIP Premier Hon Patrick Vasuni and members of the provincial government, CIP Education Authority, province administrators and inspectors and representatives of communities surrounding the school.

“We thank the provincial government for their attendance and we assure them in our handling with the school budget for this year,” said Tako.

He said the school’s students and teachers were very happy for the induction service to take place in which they ended the ceremony with a feast.

Mr Vasuni when speaking to Island Sun on Sunday said that he was impressed with the improvement in the schools administration and setting so far since experiencing academic downfall during the past year.

Gov’t comes under fire after Minister indicates objections to fragments of Nickel Project

Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana

By Gary Hatigeva

THE Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) yesterday, came under heavy criticism after one of its ministers spoke out in objection to one of the government’s policy initiations on the Nickel Mining Project in Isabel Province

Minister of Environment and Meteorology and Member of Parliament for Maringe/Kokota expressed his disagreements with current drive the government is initiating to have the Nickel Mining Project get underway.

In his contribution to the Nickel Project issue, which was put under question in Parliament by the Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langalanga, Matthew Wale, the Isabel MP suggested for the government to delay its processes on getting the projects started and wait for a better time when prices are stable to get the maximum benefits, but said in strong words his utmost objection to certain aspects of exporting the minerals.

“The likelihood of processing nickel on shore is very slim and so we will be left with one option, and that is to go for direct shipment of ore, certainly, the country will not stand to benefit from that and I as Member of Parliament from Isabel province, do not approve that,” the Environment Minister and Maringe/Kokota MP stressed.

MP Dr Culwick Togamana added that in terms of when the government would want the project to commence, “as we have heard from the Minister, now”.

“But note that the price of Nickel is down at its lowest and the sizes of our ores are very small and nonrenewable

“If we were to maximise the economic returns from those, then we will have to wait until the price of nickel goes up

“As it is now, if we start to do mining now, we are not going to get the most if we were to try to optimize economic returns from mining

However, following the Environment Minister’s statement the Aoke/Langalanga MP made a strong call on the Prime Minister to ensure cabinet thoroughly go through all its businesses before taking them to public.

He said this is to avoid making the scenario look as if the government come in differences and gone to argue over matters in parliament.

“It looks like you have not discuss this matters on the government level and so we see the member and minister of environment, who will issue the development permit seemed to have disagreed with the position taken by the minister for mines who is responsible for the activities and licences and so Prime Minister, I think this is a matter you need to sort out,” Wale pointed out.

Wale strongly reminded the PM and his ministers that the country needs the mines up and running and running in the best possible sustainable exploitation in the resources with a good distribution framework for all landowners to benefit from and not to repeat what continues to be experienced in the logging industry.