By Loretta B Manele

The government must have a plan for people experiencing mental health conditions.

Alfred Lazarus Rina, member of parliament for East Central Guadalcanal constituency voiced this during the Sine Die Motion in parliament last month.

He expressed that he feels sorry seeing some of our people who are just walking along the road, sleeping at bus stops and drinking and bathing in water that is not clean.

“What I want to ask is, who is caring for these people?

Some of them might come to the provinces. They are mentally affected so my question is who is responsible for these people?

Their parents?”

He said when he sees these people, it is like nobody cares for them.

Rina stated that it is very important that responsible ministries find ways to take care of them.

He mentioned that he knows Kilu’ufi hospital is there but may be having another place will also do.

Rina stressed that these people are God’s creation thus the government must have a plan for them.

“So, I think we should find ways to take care of these people”

By Loretta B Manele

We need to change some of the provisions in the provincial government act to allow our provinces to benefit from revenue sharing.

Alfred Lazarus Rina, East Central Guadalcanal member of parliament expressed this at the Sine Die Motion, on Thurs 19^th Dec last month.

He said by benefiting from revenue sharing, provinces can be able to develop themselves.

Rina told parliament that as a person coming from the provincial government, he sees the need for government to do revenue sharing.

“I urge the minister of provincial government to work hard with his staff so that we can empower our provinces”

Rina mentioned that he thinks this is also preparation for transition and is something that should be done.

He stressed that they have talked about transition government but have not prepared the provinces.

Henceforth, Rina emphasized that it is good that they empower provinces so that while the national government is working, provinces are also working in terms developing good roads and establishing their own provincial headquarters.

By Loretta B Manele

Lazarus Alfred Rina, member of parliament for East Central Guadalcanal constituency has lauded the government for its support to his constituency.

He made the remark when he contributed to the Sine Die Motion on Thursday morning, Dec 19^th 2024.

“Let me thank the GNUT government for their continuous support to the development in this country and for their commitment in supporting development projects in my constituency”

He said in terms of infrastructure development, he is pleased to note the allocation of 1 million for the upgrade and construction of the Bokokimbo to Aola road.

Rina referred to the road as a “vital economic route” for his people; enabling farmers and other producers to access markets in Honiara.

However, he humbly requests that this allocation be increased to ensure the full completion of this crucial project.

“This will greatly benefit the livelihood of my people of East Central Guadalcanal and the general public”

He also stated that another project the government supported in his constituency is the rehabilitation of Mboeni Primary School.

Rina expressed that the project will ensure that their children will have access to quality education in a conducive learning environment.

He also thanked the government for the allocation of 3.8 million to his constituency under the RCDF (Rural Constituency Development Fund).

Rina said these funds are very important as it is the only funds that will benefit our constituencies.

BY IRWIN ANGIKI

Persons with disability living in Sikaiana received a rare treat this Christmas as the community celebrated them with gifts and presents.

When the community on Sikaiana gathered to mark Christmas, one of the highlight parts of the programme was to present gifts to community members who were with disability.

Speaking to Island Sun this week, spokesperson for the disability committee chief Don Teui said they have five members of their community who are with disability.

And, with this round of festivities the committee wanted to make something new and special, which was to celebrate their community members with disability along with the rest of the community.

So, the committee bought gifts and packed them in gift bags.

The committee also prepared gift bags for the old people on Sikaiana, and together they made 14 gift bags. Others were also made for the children.

The occasion was staged under a Christmas tree beside the church in the village.

Chief Don said this initiative was praised by everyone, and the committee would like to continue the practice every Christmas onwards.

During a courtesy call with Japan’s new Ambassador to the Solomon Islands, Higuchi Keiichi, Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele highlighted the importance of the Bina Harbor project.

He emphasized that it is a key priority for the Government for National Unity and Transformation (GNUT) and a significant topic in discussions with Japan’s Prime Minister during the recent Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM) in Tokyo.

The Prime Minister outlined the project’s potential benefits, including job creation and major infrastructure development for Malaita Province.

He expressed gratitude for Japan’s ongoing support to the Solomon Islands, including assistance with key infrastructure projects and contributions to human capital development.

PM Manele also acknowledged Japan’s timely support during the COVID-19 pandemic and its efforts to clear unexploded ordnance (UXOs) in the country.

He reaffirmed the Solomon Islands’ commitment to strengthening its bilateral relationship with Japan.

In response, Ambassador Keiichi assured PM Manele of Japan’s continued support for the Bina Harbor Project and expressed a desire to collaborate with the Ministry of Fisheries and the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet to ensure its success.

He also highlighted opportunities to work on education and healthcare initiatives, emphasizing his intention to build on the work of his predecessor.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

GOVERNOR-General David Tiva Kapu has emphasized the need for the country to address social issues stemming from high unemployment rates.

In his New Year’s message last week, Kapu pointed out that the country’s large unemployment problem is largely due to the high number of school dropouts and graduates struggling to find meaningful employment.

He stressed the importance of providing young people with trade skills and helping them develop a positive outlook on life.

The Governor-General also expressed gratitude to the governments of Australia, New Zealand, and Canada for their support through initiatives such as the Labour Mobility Scheme, which has provided employment opportunities to thousands of Solomon Islanders.

“This support has helped offer employment to thousands of our men and women,” he added.

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