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DEVELOPMENT RACE IN MALAITA HEATS UP  

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Development in Malaita province is intensifying as the country’s partners compete to contribute.

Major players like the USA, Australia, Japan, PRC, World Bank, and New Zealand are already supporting various projects in the province.

The US-funded SCALE program is active, Japan will start upgrading Kilu’ufi hospital early next year, and Australia and New Zealand, along with other donors, are backing the Bina Harbour project.

In connection with Bina Harbour, a memorandum of understanding (MOU) was recently signed by the Malaita provincial government and the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources to build an office for the project in Auki.

Australia will also fund the Malu’u market project, while the World Bank and other donors through SIG support the SIRAP infrastructure projects in Malaita.

Additionally, PRC will fund the Auki tar-seal road network.

Another new project is the Auki-Bina tar-seal project, also funded by Australia, aimed at complementing the Bina Harbour project.

Premier Elijah Asilaua announced that his government is working with Australia on this project, which will stretch from Auki to Bina in West Kwaio, along the south road.

Details of the project will be revealed soon, with the MOU set to be signed on August 15, during Malaita’s 2nd Appointed Day, allowing Malaitans to witness this milestone.

The Malaita provincial government will also sign MOUs with other donors on this occasion.

Premier Asilaua expressed gratitude for these development projects and affirmed that his government will work closely with all partners to see them realized.

 He emphasized the country’s foreign policy of “friends to all, enemy to none” and called on resource owners to collaborate with the Malaita Provincial Government (MPG) and development partners.

Laena inspiring debut goal stuns Vanuatu at Oceania Men’s U19 Championship

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James Laena celebrate after scoring his first debut goal against Vanuatu yesterday-PHOTO OFC.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

SOLOMON Islands national Men’s U19 striker James Laena impacted the U19 team with his first debut goal against Vanuatu yesterday.

Laena and the team kicked off their Oceania Men’s U19 Championship with a positive 1-0 over a well-determined Vanuatu in the first match of Group A.

The 19-year-old selected through the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Talent Identification Programme in Western Province was exceptional in the national Men’s U19 team starting eleven against Vanuatu yesterday.

His 16th-minute goal helped the team to earn their first three points and a positive start at the tournament. He proved himself as one of the promising talents, making his way from grassroots football to the national level.

Included in the team alongside Laena were four talents selected through the SIFF Talent Identification program in Rennell Bellona, Makira/ Ulawa, Choiseul, and Western Province.

The other four players will be looking forward to making their mark for the national side once coach Batram Suri gives them to expose their potential at the tournament.

A bonus for the team in their first victory as defender Gordon Iro received the Player of the Match award for the opening matches of Group A at the OFC U-19 Men’s Championship.

Next up is Tahiti on the 11th of June.

WINNERS CROWNED 

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Womens Division Champions of the Annual National Volleyball Championship, Team West Honiara recieving their trophy and cash prize on Thursday evening at Heritage Park Hotel.

…. Volleyball glory at Heritage Park

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Heritage Park Hotel played host to a thrilling ceremony as the winners of the Annual Volleyball National Championship were crowned last Thursday. The event, organized by the Solomon Islands Volleyball Federation (SIVF), witnessed a celebration of volleyball excellence.

The ceremony commenced with gratitude and appreciation. SIVF President extended heartfelt thanks to the sponsors, acknowledging their pivotal role in the championship’s success. The total prize pool of $75,000 was made possible through the support of major sponsors, including Biz Solution Limited, National Olympic Committee of the Solomon Islands (NOCSI), Soltuna, Honorable John Tuhaika Jnr, Honiara City Council (HCC), and National Sports Council (NSC).

The President specifically highlighted the longstanding support from Biz Solution Ltd, who generously sponsored the two prestigious perpetual trophies for the National Championship. Soltuna Limited’s contribution of 6 cartons of white flakes for consolation prizes was also gratefully acknowledged.

The evening progressed with excitement as the winners were announced. The SIVF President congratulated the victorious teams, commending their unwavering commitment and exceptional performance throughout the week-long tournament. The atmosphere buzzed with pride and sportsmanship as the top four teams were recognized and awarded.

Individual players were not forgotten, as consolation prizes were distributed to acknowledge outstanding performances. The event showcased the incredible talent and dedication within the Solomon Islands’ volleyball community.

“We are truly blessed to have such supportive sponsors,” the President remarked. “Their contributions have not only made this championship possible but have also fostered the growth and development of volleyball in the Solomon Islands. We are incredibly grateful.”

The Annual Volleyball National Championship serves as a testament to the passion and dedication of the players and organizers. The event concluded with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for the future of volleyball in the Solomon Islands.

As the sun set on Heritage Park, the champions proudly held their trophies, inspiring a new generation of volleyball enthusiasts. The SIVF, with the support of its sponsors, continues to foster a vibrant and thriving volleyball community, leaving a lasting legacy for the sport in the Solomon Islands.

The order of presentation is as follows:

The 17th Annual National Championship Order of presentation:

(Men’s Consolation Prizes)

Most Valuable Player (MVP) – Tam Teriba

Best Spiker-Tam Teriba

Best Server- Navere Junior

Best Receiver-Tim Kaipua

Best Blocker-Chris Andrew

Best Setter- John Tamou

Best Libero-Claudy Agikianga

(Women’s Consolations)

Most Valuable Player (MVP)-Hannah Donga

Best Spiker-Hanna Donga

Best Server-Kerstian Puia

Best Receiver- Aka Bauro

Best Blocker- Laezerlyn Eddy

Best Setter- Susie Teno

(Men’s Competition Winners)

1st Malaita Atolls-$10,000.00

2nd Honiara East -$7,000.00

3rd Temotu Arrows- $5,000.00

4th Renbel Storms0$3,000.00

(Women’s Competition Winners)

1st Honiara West-$10,000.00

2nd Renbel Storms-$7,000.00

3rd Renbel Lakers-$5,000.00

4th Makira Paoa-$3,000.00

Prizes total up to $75,000.00

Naha FC gears up for SWPL round 2

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Naha FC session at Naha field -Photos Lydia Koosui Tegerobo.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

Solrais Women’s Premier League (SWPL) side Naha FC resumed preparation for the second round of the season competition.

The SWPL first-round competition ended last month with Naha FC signing off with a strong statement for a positive campaign in the second round, by beating the defending champions Henderson Eels FC 2-1.

Club Manager Diana Taison confirmed the team’s ongoing preparation for the second round kicked off on Tuesday at the Naha football field.

“After a week-long break, it was nice to be back in training and see everyone eager to train.

“First day back in action, so we had to slowly ease them back in before picking up momentum.

“Thank you to the Naha Ward Councilor and Naha Communities for allowing us to train at the Naha Community Field for the next 2 weeks before returning to our usual training venue,” she said.

Taison added that the surface may not be the best, but we are grateful for the Naha Community support.

“Looking forward to SWPL Round 2,” she added.

The SWPL 2024 season’s second round is expected to resume on the 20th of this month at the East End Stadium.

YTASI writes history:  First Solomon Islander receiving 4th dan black belt

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Grand Master Ra presenting a Balck to one of YTASI students during the Grading ceremony last week.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Yuns Taekwondo Academy Solomon Islands (YTASI) proudly hosted its grading ceremony and annual cultural event last week at the Honiara City Council (HCC) Multipurpose Hall. The occasion was a significant milestone for the academy and its students.

Leading the ceremony was YTASI Master Instructor and Owner, Master Joses Duddley, who himself achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Solomon Islander to earn the 4th Dan Black Belt Kukiwon, enhancing his status as a Master of Taekwondo.

“I am thrilled to have achieved this milestone alongside my students,” Master Duddley said. “A total of eight of my red belts achieved their black belt promotion test for the 1st Dan black belt, and one of my 2nd Dan Black Belt students successfully tested for their 3rd Dan.”

Among the students who underwent the grading was a young female practitioner who demonstrated her skills and earned her First Dan Black Belt promotion test under the guidance of Grand Master Sang Hyun Ra, an 8th Dan Black Belt Kukiwon certified Grand Master.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to my seven new First Dan Black Belt students,” Master Duddley added. “It is a pleasure to witness their progress and dedication to Taekwondo. We are also deeply grateful to Grand Master Sang Hyun Ra for conducting the promotion tests and being a part of this special occasion.”

The presentation of belts took place during the cultural event hosted at the same venue the following day. The event was a celebration of the students’ achievements and a showcase of the rich cultural heritage that Taekwondo embodies.

Grand Master Sang Hyun Ra, who is the Taekwondo Coach for the Fiji Taekwondo team competing in the upcoming Paris Summer Olympic Games, flew in specifically for the grading ceremony. His presence added a prestigious element to the event, and he returned to Fiji the following day.

The YUNS Taekwondo Academy Solomon Islands continues to foster a community of dedicated practitioners, and the recent grading ceremony and cultural event served as a testament to the academy’s commitment to excellence in the martial art of Taekwondo.

Ezinma Keni Kausua shines to combat NCD as raise to the MSIP podium approaching

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    BY MORRIS NAFU

    In the heart of the Solomon Islands, where culture intertwines with the lush landscapes of Guadalcanal Province, Ezinma Keni Kausua emerges as a beacon of resilience and advocacy.

    At 23 years old, Ezinma’s path to the Miss Solomon Islands pageant (MSIP) 2024 is more than a quest for a crown—it’s a transformative journey shaped by her dreams, heritage, and steadfast commitment to social change.

    Born into a mixed ethnic heritage from East Guadalcanal and South Malaita, Ezinma is the eldest in a family of four siblings with two sisters and one brother.

    Her upbringing, grounded in simplicity and family bonds, instilled in her a deep appreciation for community and culture—a foundation she proudly represents at such a prestigious event.

    Ezinma’s aspiration to participate in MSIP thrived during her influential years, inspired by local competitions that showcased the beauty, talent, and potential of Solomon Islands specifically young women.

    “This was my dream since childhood.” she expressed, reflecting on her journey.

    “Now that I’m here, I see it as more than a pageant.

    “It’s an opportunity to open doors for my future and to make a difference”.

    Her passion for advocacy stems from personal experience.

    Since birth, Ezinma has battled with heart disease, a moving reminder of the healthcare challenges faced

    by many in her homeland and throughout the country.

    According to health reports, Ezinma quoted, six people died each day of NCDs in the Solomon Islands.

    “Clinical data shows every one to two Solomon Islanders die from heart attack, one from stroke, one

    from type 2 diabetes and one from cancer.

    The sum of deaths is about six and therefore Solomon Islanders die every day due to NCDs”

    Through the MSIP, she aims to elevate awareness of Non-Communicable

    Diseases (NCDs), particularly heart disease, which she identifies as a pressing issue in Guadalcanal and across the nation.

    “The lack of proper facilities to combat these diseases has taken too many lives,” Ezinma laments,

    highlighting the urgency of addressing healthcare gaps.

    Her advocacy seeks not only to raise awareness but also to catalyze tangible improvements in

    healthcare infrastructure and support systems for NCD patients in the Solomon Islands.

    Beyond health advocacy, Ezinma is a proud ambassador for Guadalcanal Province’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Her educational journey began at a humble Numbu Primary School in North East Guadalcanal a place she holds so dear.

    She went on to complete her grade 6 at Naha SDA before she kicked off her secondary school at King George VI National Secondary School.

    From King George VI National Secondary School to completing a Bachelor of Commerce with majors in Banking and Law at Fiji National University, reflects her commitment to academic excellence and personal growth.

    Currently is employed as a casual worker at Pasifiki HR, Ezinma navigates her professional responsibilities alongside the rigorous preparations for the Miss Solomon pageant.

    Her dedication to both her career and her advocacy underscores her complex approach to effecting change as what she aims to achieve.

    As she prepares to represent Guadalcanal on the MSIP 2024national stage, Ezinma’s message to the youth of her province is clear: “Take pride in your identity. Embrace our culture and the uniqueness it brings.

    “We are the proud descendants of Guadalcanal, and through unity and resilience, we can achieve Greatness”.

    Ezinma Keni Kausua’s journey represents the spirit of empowerment and determination.

    Beyond the glitz and glamour of the pageant, she expresses a young woman driven by a vision for a

    better future—a future where health equity, cultural pride, and community resilience converge to uplift the Solomon Islands.

    Come August 31, 2024, as the final crowning approaches, Ezinma stands composed not only to compete for a title but to continue her journey as an advocator, a cultural ambassador, and a catalyst for positive change in her beloved homeland and the country as a whole.

    Work on new cemetery and landfill site ongoing: HCC Clerk

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    City Clerk for HCC Justus Denni.

    BY JOHN HOUANIHAU


    The Honiara City Council (HCC) Clerk has said work on the new burial and landfill site is progressing.


    Justice Denni made the statement amid ongoing debate on the land earmarked for these projects being involved in controversy, facing legal challenges and ongoing occupation by illegal squatters.


    However, speaking to Island Sun, Mr Denni said that the new cemetery land is the responsibility of the Ministry of Home Affairs and Ministry of Lands and Housing.


    He pointed out that a taskforce chaired by Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) was set up in 2022 for this national project.
    According to Denni both the HCC and Guadalcanal Province Government (GPG) are members of the Taskforce.


    “The taskforce met with GPG on three occasions. Land identified behind Gilbert Camp is owned by Solomon Islands Government (SIG), bought from local landowners is waiting on MHA to secure land for development of cemetery,” said Denni.
    He also revealed that as for new landfill, the land already acquired or secured under Asian Development Bank (ADB) Project.
    “The new landfill is led by Ministry of Environment, supported by Ministry of Lands,” he said.


    “So, land already secured by government. Land is part of same parcel for new national referral hospital. Work pending now is for ministry of lands to complete master plan for the whole parcel to demarcate hospital location, access roads, cemetery. For landfill land, it is also secured,” he said.


    Denni that the ministries responsible are progressing with the project.


    He said that HCC and GPG will be recipients of these projects and the government ministries are the implementing agencies though HCC and GPG are members of respective project taskforces.

    Call on Renbel premier to update Renbel people on his government’s progress with 100-day policy

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    Renbel

    BY MORRIS NAFU

    A call has been made on the Premier of Renbel province to update the people of the province on the progress his new government has made on its 100-day policy.

    A spokesman for a group of concerned elders from West Rennell brought the matter to the media following what they claim as silence from the new government over slow and inaction by premier Derick Pongi and his executive.

    The spokesman who prefers to be called by his first name, John, says since passing the meagre budget of $3million, premier Pongi and his executives have travelled and spent two months in Honiara paying courtesy calls while the people of Rennell and Bellona are suffering from a lack of ship since the national general elections.

    “After the April elections, our leaders left us and forgot about us,” spokesperson John said.

    “There has been no ship to the two islands, and premier Pongi and his new executive are in their second month of courtesy calling.

    “Premier Pongi’s 100-day policy states 31 to 60 days they will be carrying out road maintenance to hills and sections of the road to East Rennell, and they have not done so.

    “Dialogue with the province’s investors, review business licence payments, lease agreements, and work on the province’s policy framework. All these they have not done.”

    Spokesperson John said the people of Rennell and Bellona are concerned why and how Premier Pongi and his new government are not bothering to inform them on the progress of their government.

    “Some members of Premier Pongi’s government upload selfies and other non-relevant material on facebook without ever considering that we the people want to hear what their progress is,” spokesperson John said.

    He adds that now, according to Premier Pongi’s 100-day policy, they should be engaging with the people of the province, “building trust and promoting the government’s vision and priorities”.

    “Premier Pongi’s first 100 days plan says after 61 days they should be travelling to the wards and engage with the public of Rennell and Bellona, reviewing current ordinances and work on making new ones, review provincial admin staff, review provincial assets and lands, carry out negotiations for the Bellona and East Rennell substations, hold consultation meetings on the fisheries ordinance, work on the province’s second appointed day, and work on the road construction road project for Rennell.

    “All of these things listed, premier Pongi and his government have failed to do, as they continue to live in Honiara and pay courtesy visits while a lot of things are needed to be done with the province,” spokesperson John said.

    Spokesperson John said he has been reliably informed that Premier Pongi and his new government are still confused how they will lead the province and are not strictly fulfilling their 100-day plan.

    When sought for comments yesterday, Premier Pongi said that he will not be responding to these raised concerns unless the complainant comes out with his real identity.

    “The concerns are true and legitimate and  I have every answer but I will not respond unless the anonymous chief is willing to reveal himself as I am not responding to ghosts,” said Premier Pongi.

    Solomon Water faces backlash by unhappy customers over ‘years’ of bad service

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    MORRIS NAFU

    Unhappy customers have raised concerns over the lack of professionalism, accountability, and inappropriate actions by the Solomon Water which apparently have been going on for ‘many years’.

    Topping the list of complaints raised by unhappy customers against the water authority are: cutting water meters without any prior notification, not notifying customers about any policy changes, charging customers based on guess work or estimates, and in some cases cutting off the water supply to customers from water-pipes outside of the customers’ residences.

    These activities have been an ongoing practice causing inconvenience for the general public as water is a necessity of life, according to the unhappy customers.

    Unhappy customers say they have decided to raise this matter with the media following years of repeated bad experiences with the water authority, Solomon Water, which is the sole provider of the water service in the country.

    “For many years, SolWater personnel just turn up and cut the water meter off when we forgot to pay our bills, without any prior notification on a looming deadline,” one customer says.

    “For years we have raised our complaint over lack of prior notification to the head office, and each time we keep receiving assurance that we will be notified next time, but then it happens again, and this cycle continues,” the customer says.

    Another customer shares that his residence has an outstanding water bill which he had an agreement with SolWater to repay via monthly instalments, but last month SolWater suddenly cut off his water supply two weeks before the next pay-date.

    And, when he went to the SolWater office to enquire, he was told that there was a new policy which demanded that he paid the whole outstanding bill. This customer was never notified about this change in policy.

    Another malpractice by SolWater is its usual tendency to calculate water bills using guess work, estimates, without actually reading the customers’ water meter.

    The unhappy customers say this is unfair and results in them being overcharged, and has been the water authority’s normal practice for many years.

    One of the unhappy customers share: “Few instances, SolWater cut off my water supply not at the water meter beside my house, but at a pipe joint near the public road nearly 100 metres from my house.

    “This is very risky because members of public now know where that pipe leading to my house is, and there is the risk that anyone with mischievous or bad intentions can tamper with it, affecting my family.”

    These allegations point to an organistation which is unprofessional, lacks accountability and provides bad service.

    The unhappy customers call on Solomon Water to improve on these areas of complaint.

    “SolWater is a state-owned enterprise and a service provider, it cannot continue acting unprofessionally with its malpractices with impunity. It has to be answerable.”

    In response via email however, the Solomon Water Authority said Solomon Water conducts meter readings according to a fixed schedule, and bills are generated based on these readings.

    “In instances where staff cannot access a property due to reasons such as locked gates or the presence of dogs, staffs issue an estimated bill.

    “This estimation is typically based on an average usage of 40 kiloliters.

    “However, once actual meter readings are obtained, any necessary corrections to the bill are made.

    “Additionally, our meter readers take photos of the meter readings to ensure accuracy and transparency.

    “Customers are encouraged to review their bills and reach out to the Solomon Water customer service outlets or contact directly if they have any concerns or discrepancies.

    “With Regards to water cutting issue Solomon water expressed their understanding of causing inconvenience by unnotified water cuts and strive to handle these situations professionally.

    “Our policy includes providing a 14-day notice to customers before any disconnection action is taken. Notifications are sent via email for those who have provided their email addresses, and via SMS for domestic customers with mobile numbers,” statement said.

    Statement further added, it is crucial for customers to keep their contact information up to date with the authority to ensure they receive these important notices.

    “Solomon Water identifies accounts eligible for disconnection, and executes the disconnection and subsequent reconnection.

    “Policies relating to meter reading, billing schedules, tariffs, and disconnections are communicated to customers during the onboarding process to ensure they are well informed,” statement further added.

    46th Independence Day, Monday

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    BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

     Independence Committee Vice Chair William Misibini said that the Country’s 46th Independence Day will be celebrated at the National Stadium in East Honiara on Monday 8 July.

    This year’s Independence Day fall on Sunday July 7.

    “This year we turn 46. Solomon becomes 46 years old as of this year 2024,’’Mr Misibini told local media during a Press conference at the SIBC Conference room on Thursday 4 July.

    Vice Chair Misibini said that the theme for these years 64th Indepencday celebration is ‘Charting our United and Transformative Future Together.

    “This theme come about as a result of the so many facing us a country. So it’s good that all of us unite and collaborate for good of our nation,’’ said Misibini.

    He said that the first of two main activities is the thanks giving service which will be held on Sunday 7 July at the St Barnabas cathedral and followed by main Parade at the National Stadium on Monday 8 July.

    He said that to mark the important event of the country, there will be organised additional entertainments activities which will take place starting as on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

    Meanwhile the Director of Culture Dennis Marita said that the Float parade will be part of the celebration on the 8th of July.

    “The parade will start early in morning before the official program. It will consist of vehicles, represented by Government ministries, School, NGOs. State own enterprises, and our diplomatic missions,’’ said Mr Marita.

    “The float parade will consist of two groups. The first group will start in the western end of the city to the National Sport Stadium. This group will start at MID. For the Eastern end they will start the Henderson police station to the national stadium,’’ he said.

    He said that the float parade is expected to start at 6:30 am on Monday morning and arrive at the National stadium by 7:30am before the official program.

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