The People’s Alliance for Change, Reform and Advancement (PACRA) Government of Makira Ulawa province led by premier Stanley Siapu is setting a new direction to lead the province forward.
This is summed under the slogan “Building a Prosperous and Happy Makira Ulawa Province” adopted by PACRA with focus to bring the province to new heights.
Presenting the traditional opening speech to the 11th assembly of MUP during a full assembly meeting at Kirakira yesterday, Siapu clarified that the adopted slogan is a pillar of significance providing a foundational road map that sets a new direction for Makira Ulawa province.
He added that it is designed to address the underlying bondage that hinders fair distribution of socio-economic prosperity in the province.
Siapu said one which PACRA will ty to address is to ensure people realise their potentials by making great use of it to replace the dependency syndrome.
“PACRA government will embark on fundamental reforms and programs to empower the people of this province to steer them away from the dependency syndrome that is alarmingly infesting the rural populace, turning able into disable,” he said.
Siapu said the PACRA government will embark on fundamental reform program to prepare MUP in redirecting, reforming and transforming its major sectors to realize sustainable socio-economic development for people of the province.
He said the PACRA government also planned to address the provincial manpower gap to fully realise its policy direction and to attain its mandatory.
Siapu furthered that as way forward for MUP, PACRA government will re-establish the province’s 3rd tier governance system.
He said this is people’s government that will directly involve people’s participation in the province’s governance, let alone development aspirations.
According to the premier, MUP government only owned 2.2% of the provinces land mass, leaving 97.8% in customary ownership.
He said in a layman’s perspective, all development initiatives and projects belong to and own by the people of Makira Ulawa province.
“Therefore, central to any rural based development are the people and PACRA Government upholds the philosophy,” Siapu said.
In that he said the PACRA government believes in trying other alternative ways to boost advancement and progress the province in terms of developments
Siapu added that another area his executive will deliberate is on a sister province relationship, as an alternative to encourage economic and social exchanges and involvement for both sides.
He said PACRA government is committed to assist in private sectors in Makira Ulawa province to drive the provinces production sector forward.
Siapu said these areas include; fisheries, agriculture, livestock and tourism are the backbone of the province’s economy, where government will support the sectors through sectoral policies and ordinances.
Solomon Island’s team celebrate a goal at the OFC Men's U-19.Championship 2024, Fiji v Solomon Islands, FFS Football Stadium Apia, Monday 8 July 2024. Photo: DJ Mills / www.phototek.nz
BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
THE Solomon Islands national U19 men’s football team is on the brink of a historic achievement as they stand just two victories away from qualifying for their first-ever FIFA U-20 World Cup.
The young Solomon Islanders have their sights set on the prestigious tournament, to be held in Chile in 2025, and are determined to make their mark on the global stage.
Currently, the team is leading Group A in the Oceania Men’s U19 Championship, being hosted in Apia, Samoa. With six points under their belt, they are in a strong position to advance to the semifinal and potentially the grand final of the tournament.
This would not only be a monumental achievement for the team but also a significant step towards their World Cup dream.
Today, the Solomon Islands will face Tahiti in their final group match, knowing that a draw or win will secure their position at the top of the table.
The game, taking place at the FFS Football Field 2 in Apia, promises to be a thrilling encounter as Tahiti also seeks to solidify their place in the semifinal.
Group A contenders Tahiti and Fiji are neck and neck, vying for the second spot in the group. Both teams have three points each, and their final fixtures will be decisive in determining their fate. Fiji, in particular, has a straightforward path to the semifinal, as a win against Vanuatu today will secure their place.
Meanwhile, in Group B, New Zealand has already punched their ticket to the semifinal with two convincing wins. They will face Papua New Guinea (PNG) in their final group match, with the outcome determining their opponent in the next round.
New Zealand is seeking their ninth title in this tournament and aims to continue their dominance in Oceania football.
The host nation, Samoa, is also in contention for a semifinal berth. They will face New Caledonia tomorrow, with the winner advancing to the first semifinal against the Group A leaders.
The final group fixtures for today hold significant weight. At noon, Vanuatu will take on Fiji, both seeking to keep their World Cup dreams alive. The later game at 3:00 pm between Tahiti and the Solomon Islands will be a crucial battle for group supremacy and a step closer to the World Cup.
Tomorrow’s Group B matches will conclude the group stage. PNG will face a formidable New Zealand side at noon, followed by New Caledonia vs Samoa at 3:00 pm, with both teams eager to secure the remaining semifinal spot.
Only the top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals, and from there, the winners and runners-up will earn their tickets to the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025.
The Solomon Islands’ potential World Cup debut has captured the imagination of their nation, and the team carries the hopes and aspirations of their country on their young shoulders.
As the tournament reaches its climax, the young Solomon Islanders remain focused and driven. Their journey towards potential qualification has already inspired a generation, and they are determined to leave their mark on the Oceania Men’s U19 Championship and, ultimately, the FIFA U-20 World Cup.
THE Malango Women’s Football Club (FC) concluded their campaign in the second edition of the Guadalcanal Football Association (GFA) Women’s Championship with a well-deserved Bronze medal, leaving them hopeful for an even stronger performance in the next tournament.
A total of six teams from across the province competed in a round-robin format, with players aiming to impress and secure a spot in the final squad that will represent Guadalcanal in the upcoming Women’s Solomon Cup later this year.
The championship concluded on Monday at the DC Park in East Honiara, with the final round of fixtures followed by an awards ceremony to recognize the winning teams.
National women’s striker, Jeminah David, featured for her home club and made a significant impact, contributing to the team’s impressive third-place finish.
“I am incredibly proud of our team’s performance, especially given the challenges we faced throughout the week,” David said. “This is a big improvement from past years, and I want to thank our guest players for their contributions. We are also grateful to our families, friends, and supporters who cheered us on. We hope to build on this momentum for the next edition.”
The tournament showcased the growing talent and potential of women’s football in the province, and the Malango Women’s FC has certainly left their mark, setting their sights on future success.
Meanwhile, the order of presentation for the second edition is as follows:
Mr Boti’s Out Board Motor and boat given to him by the former Member of Parliament during his first term in parliament. Photo credit - MAVIS PODOKOLO
Many voters in West New Georgia Vonavona constituency in the Western Province are deeply dissatisfied with the lack of transparency, management and distribution of Constituency Development Funds (CDF) according to a recent voter survey conducted by two female Journalists shortly before the April national elections.
Conducted in the constituency of West New Georgia Vona Vona, the voter survey reveals deep levels of dissatisfaction with how CDF funding has been managed and distributed with 92 per cent or respondents saying that had not received any assistance from the outgoing MP’s CDF during the life of the last parliament.
Introduced in the 1990s, the CDF is designed to act as a crucial resource for Members of Parliament to address the needs of the communities and promote development at the grassroots level.
However, our survey revealed a range of concerns regarding the management and distribution of CDF funding in the North West New Georgia constituency.
Almost all of those surveyed raised concerns about a lack of transparency, and called for a systemic change in the management of CDF funds. According to the voters’ survey carried out in West New Georgia Vonavona constituency almost 85 per cent of those who took part in the survey said they did not know who was the Constituency Development Officer responsible for managing the funds. Samson Boti one of the outspoken respondents echoed “this lack of transparency in identifying the key personnel accountable for the utilisation of public funds reflects a concerning trend of opacity within the system”.
Samson Boti. Photo credit – MAVIS PODOKOLO.
The survey participants unanimously voiced their desire for greater transparency and accountability in the way the Constituency Development Funds are distributed.
This collective call for change is underscored by high levels of frustration and disillusionment among the electorate regarding management of CDF funds.
The survey results also support the concerns expressed nationally that the distribution of CDF funding is now heavily influenced by politics with over 92 per cent of respondents saying that they believed they had been denied access to any CDF funds support because they had not voted for the former member in previous elections.
This perceived bias in assistance provision based on political affiliation raises serious ethical and governance concerns.
It not only undermines the principles of democratic representation but also exacerbates existing socio-economic disparities within the constituency.
Jeffery Sione from Rawaki says addressing this issue is paramount to fostering inclusivity and ensuring that CDF resources are allocated based on genuine need rather than partisan interests.
The voters survey also highlighted almost 70 per cent of respondents highlighted water, education, and health as their primary concerns, reflecting a pressing demand for essential services in the constituency.
Whilst almost 40 per cent identified said jobs, economic opportunities and financial assistance as key areas needing to be urgently addressed.
The diverse range of needs underscores the multifaceted nature of development requirements within the constituency, suggesting a more comprehensive approach to address these issues effectively is needed.
A third of those respondents who said they had been denied access to support under CDF were women, highlighting the role gender plays in the disparity of access to development in the country.
Pastor Malin Mitau from Konguaqorana,Vonavona lagoon echoed the importance of amplifying the voices of women in decision-making processes related to resource allocation and development initiatives.
Pastor Malin Mitau.Photo credit – MAVIS PODOKOLO
“By ensuring gender-inclusive participation, policymakers can gain valuable insights into the unique challenges faced by women and devise targeted interventions to address their specific needs, thereby promoting gender equality and social inclusivity,” Mrs Mitau said.
Former Permanente Secretary for Ministry of Rural Development, the ministry responsible for the CDF funds Samson Vuilu said under the newly passed CDF ACT 2023, 40 percent of the funds will be allocated to activities categorised as resources and private sector activities.
Another 20 percent will be allocated to essential services like Police and health and the remaining 20 percent will be accorded to social and Cultural obligation for leaders.
“The intention here is to support our economic to grow so we can self-sustainable. We cannot rely on our friends overseas,” the former PS said.
He said the new CDF ACT 2023 will not only help our rural people and communities better understand their roles under the new law but will also help them to use it accordingly.
PS Viulu adds the CDF ACT 2023 focuses on strengthening good governance, to ensure improved and effective delivery mechanisms of the constituency Development Funds and to promote equal and inclusive participation of all Solomon Islanders in development.
In the survey many recipients as well as non-recipients of CDF funding are pushing for reforms that will foster greater transparency, enhance community engagement, and promoting gender-inclusive participation.
Ronald Kere a respondent from Rarumana village says “there is a need to build trust, promote development, and uphold the principles of good governance within a constituency.”
Ronald Kere. Photo credit – MAVIS PODOKOLO.
Solomon Islands has 50 constituencies scattered across more than 700 inhabitable islands.
Malaita Province, with the largest population has 14 constituencies followed by Western and Guadalcanal provinces with eight constituencies each.
Makira and Temotu provinces have four constituencies each and Honiara, Choiseul and Isabel three constituencies each.
The country’s smallest province, Rennell and Bellona has one constituency.
The size of the population in each constituency also varies widely across the nation with less than 4000 voters registered in the smallest constituency compared with some of the largest constituencies which have more than 10,000 voters registered according to the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission’s electoral roll which was updated ahead of the recent national election.
However, each MP receives the same amount of CDF funding regardless the size of their constituency’s population.
According to the provisional results of the 2019 census Western Province has a population of almost 72, 500.
The end result on the ground is not reflective of such a large investment in development, with very little sign of sustainable development.
Many villages are still without running water, schools are few and very distant from communities and clinics are not staffed or lack basic drugs.
In the review documents tabled in Parliament it was revealed that each MP in the last parliament received 6.8 million in Constituency Development Funds to provide support to their constituents which would be a cumulative CDF allocation exceeding SBD$3 billion over the last decade.
The trial into case involving accused Stanley Gegesi who is charged with murder and grievous harm commenced yesterday in the High Court before Judge John A Keniapisia.
The prosecutor Andrew Kelesi called three witnesses for murder charge yesterday, the three witnesses are the wife of the deceased, the granddaughter of the deceased and her husband.
During the examination, the granddaughter Mathilda and her husband were called in court and gave their evidence under oath.
They testified that they saw the accused Gegesi cut the deceased from behind.
The first witness the husband said he heard his wife shout so he ran and saw the accused holding a knife and cut the deceased few times in his floor house.
The granddaughter of the deceased also told the court that she heard her grandmother shout in her floor house.
So, she ran to her grandmother who at that time running out of the house and before she entered the door, she show the accused Gegesi stand behind the deceased (her grandfather) and cut the left side of his head.
The second witness shouted and few boys came and the accused escaped on the other door of the house.
Court adjourned for today for crown to continue with its case on the charge of grievous harm.
Kelesi informed the court yesterday he will call three witnesses in relation to the Grievous harm charges, the victim and two doctor who examine the victims.
The alleged incident occurred on the night of 11 August 2023 at Tausoro, Turarana area.
Prosecution alleged that on the night of the incident between 10pm and 12 midnight, Gegesi entered the elderly couple house.
The couple were lying in their bed when accused Gegesi went into their house and demand the couple for a large sum of money.
The deceased wife got her purse and gave $ 100 to the accused but he insisted for $ 4,000 from the couple.
Accused Gegesi then grabbed a bush knife and cut the deceased husband with it.
He cut the deceased husband left side of his head and his backside and his right hand.
After the incident he ran and went to the house of the second victim.
The second victim was sleeping when the accused cut him with the knife.
During that time, several men started throwing stones at the accused.
So, he escaped along the Turarana River down to Turarana village where he joined a dance that was going on in the village.
The villagers who chased the accused called that community by mobile phones to alert them about the said incident occurred that night.
The group of men reside at Purakachere Village then caught the accused and held him until the police arrive at the village.
The second victim was then taken to the hospital and was in a critical condition because of the cut the accused did to him.
Hellen Naqu appear for the crown and Benham Ifuto’o appears for Gegesi.
THE release of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) Scholarship for 2025 is on hold pending the endorsement of its National Training plan.
Solomon Islands Tertiary Education & Skills Authority (SITESA) Director John Iromea confirmed this with Island Sun.
“At the moment, I am still waiting to get the approved Training Plan from the Strategic Planning Division/SITESA and Minister.” Iromea said.
The National Training plan strategically outlines the government’s priority areas.
Due to this hold up, the director could not provide a specific timeline for when the scholarships will be available to the general public.
Iromea explained that the National Training Plan has been prepared by the Strategic Planning Division at SITESA in consultation with the Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Public Service, and other key stakeholders.
The case against a 51-year-old man who is charged with sexual intercourse to a child under age of 15, namely five years old faces court for plea tomorrow, July 11.
In the previous hearing the duty prosecutor informed the court that investigation is complete. However, the only outstanding document left to obtain is the photo album from the forensic office.
The presiding magistrate then directed the prosecutor to obtain the outstanding documents from the police investigator and serve the full disclosures to defence before July 11.
Court adjourned to tomorrow for plea and election of form of Preliminary Inquiry (PI).
The accused who cannot be named to protect the victim’s identity is charged with one count of sexual intercourse with child under age of 15.
The victim in this case is a five-year-old girl.
The allegation alleged that on May 17, 2024 around 4.30pm the victim was playing outside of their house at Burn Creeks.
While she was playing the suspect called her to go to him in his house.
The suspect was their close neighbour and while he was calling the victim, he also told her that he would give her a packet of twisty.
The victim then went to the suspect and he took her into his house.
It was further alleged the suspect removed his clothes and the victim’s clothes and had sexual actions on the child.
It was alleged that during the course of the sexual activity, the victim’s mother was in their house and realised that her daughter was missing so she went out looking for her.
She called the victim but she did not answer. She then came to the place where the victim was playing and found that she was not there so she walked towards the suspect’s house which was beside the place her daughter was playing.
As she was approached the house of the suspect, she heard a noise inside the house so she peeped through a window and saw the suspect half naked and her daughter standing naked in front of him.
The mother was angry and shouted saying “suspect what have you done to my daughter, my husband and I we always help you and your family, why did you do such thing to my daughter”.
The victim’s mother walked into the house and took the victim outside and walked away.
Later the mother took the victim to one of their relatives and she asked her daughter what the suspect did to her and the victim told her mother.
On May 20, 2024 victim was assisted by her mother to Sexual Assault Squad and reported the matter to the police.
The suspect escaped to an unknown location, but later located by police on June 4 at White River and was formally arrested.
Officer of Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) appears for crown and PSO appears for suspect.
Table positioning of clubs based on the results of the 202324 championship.
BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
THE Honiara Football Association (HFA) has confirmed a total of 48 teams for this year’s football season, with the teams set to compete across three divisions: Super League, First Division, and Division Qualification.
HFA General Secretary Redley S. Raramo announced that registration is currently open and will close on Friday, with only 32 football clubs that fulfill the HFA requirements progressing to the new HFA season.
“There is a slight increase in the registration fee to cover the costs of executing the new season competition,” Raramo said. “We encourage confirmed football clubs to start their registration process as soon as possible.”
Addressing the issue of office bearers, Raramo stated that the matter has been resolved by the hierarchy, and he could not provide further details. However, he assured that issues have been formally clarified, and understanding has been reached with the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) management, who have given the go-ahead for the season to proceed.
“Please allow the HFA and SIFF executives to deliberate on this issue formally,” he explained, emphasizing the collaborative effort between the associations.
With the season fast approaching, the HFA is gearing up for an exciting year of football action, and the confirmed teams are eager to showcase their skills and compete for divisional glory.
The HFA is committed to providing a platform for local football talent to thrive and is confident that the upcoming season will be a showcase of the passion and talent that exists within the Honiara football community.
More details about the season’s fixtures, schedules, and participating clubs will be released in the coming weeks, building anticipation for what promises to be a thrilling footballing spectacle. Meanwhile, the new amount shall be as follows:
The Honiara Football Association (HFA) has announced that registration is now open for the upcoming football season, with 48 franchise clubs set to compete across three divisions. According to HFA records, 16 football clubs will participate in the Super League Division, another 16 clubs in the 1st Division, and the remaining 16 clubs in the 1st Division League Qualification.
Redley S. Raramo, General Secretary of the HFA, confirmed the registration fees and the closing date for registrations. There has been a slight increase in the registration fee to cover the costs associated with organizing the new football season (2024/25) competitions.
“All HFA-affiliated clubs from 2023 are eligible to register for the 2024/25 competition,” Raramo stated. “Clubs that failed to complete their registration fee last season are kindly asked to pay their outstanding fees, along with the new registration fee for the upcoming season.”
He further warned that failure to register would result in the exclusion of the team from any HFA-sanctioned tournaments. Interested new clubs wishing to compete in the 2025/2026 season are advised to contact the HFA at 7413435 to obtain application forms.
The registration deadline for the 2024/25 football season is set for Friday, July 19, 2024, at 4:30 p.m. Clubs are urged to complete their registrations before the deadline to secure their participation in the upcoming season’s competitions.
With the new season fast approaching, the HFA is gearing up to deliver an exciting and competitive football experience for players and fans alike. The association encourages all eligible clubs to register promptly and take advantage of the opportunity to showcase their talent and passion for the beautiful game.
Registration fees for the three Divisions are as follows:
National Junior tennis squad with Coach Doreen Ningalo.Photo supplied.
BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR
THE Pacific Oceania Junior Tennis Championship (POJC) is in full swing in Lautoka, Fiji, with today’s schedule featuring the U12 team event semifinals and playoffs. A talented group of seven junior tennis players from the Solomon Islands, led by Coach Doreen Ningalo, are among the competitors aiming for glory.
The Solomon Islands’ delegation, which departed for Fiji last Wednesday, includes Junior Kennedy, Margaret Leoa Agi, Jen Tahunipue, Pio Ruhasia, Elena He, Erin Wheatley, and Javerlyn Sagontoa, all set to showcase their skills against peers from across the region.
Mr. Gilbert Vakalalabure, CEO of the Fiji Sports Council, officially opened the POJC on July 4th, marking the start of an intense competition that will run until July 13th. Twelve teams from Pacific island nations, including American Samoa, the Cook Islands, Fiji, Guam, Papua New Guinea, the Federated States of Micronesia, Nauru, Samoa, Tuvalu, Tahiti, and Vanuatu, are vying for top honors in the U12, U14, and U16 categories.
The U12 matches are taking place at the Nadi Sports and Social Club, while the U14 and U16 competitions are being held at the Lautoka Regional Center. As the tournament enters its crucial stages this week, the venues are set to witness thrilling encounters as young athletes display their talent and determination.
This year’s POJC has brought together 121 exceptional players who excelled in the North, East, and West Pacific Regional Championships. Day 4 concluded yesterday, and today marks the highly anticipated semifinals of the U12 Teams event, with the Solomon Islands facing off against host nation Fiji in the girls’ competition at 10:00 AM.
Beyond the on-court action, the POJC Championship fosters camaraderie and cultural exchange among Pacific island nations. It embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and unity, inspiring young tennis players to pursue excellence. The Solomon Islands Tennis Association (SITA) expressed gratitude to the parents who worked tirelessly to fundraise and ensure the team’s participation, with special appreciation extended to Selwyn Lam and his supporting companies and families.
As the tournament progresses, the Solomon Islands team will undoubtedly gain invaluable experience and forge lasting memories. The nation’s tennis community eagerly anticipates their performance in the coming days, as they proudly represent their country on the regional stage.
