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2 HOUR ORDEAL

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Officers of fire services and rescue trying their best to get the two trapped person out of the lifter at Anthony Saru building.

Two people trapped in Anthony Saru elevator, renewed calls for NPF to fix the damaged building

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

Two people went through a harrowing experience, trapped in the Anthony Saru elevator for nearly two hours.

The incident occurred at around midday, yesterday.

Other tenants managed to provide water for the trapped persons, and firefighters later came and freed them.

This follows the chronic power outages across the capital, Honiara, and failure of the National Provident Fund (NPF) to fix the Anthony Saru building, which was damaged by last year’s November 7.1 earthquake, while allowing tenants to continue using the building.

Tenants had repeatedly made media calls for the NPF to fix the damages, with the Fund responding that it was in the process of doing so.

Seven months later, this is the first reported incident of such.

Tenants are reiterating their call for the NPF to address the problem.

One of the trapped persons spoke to Island Sun on condition of anonymity, saying it was quite a traumatic experience.

“Having trapped inside the lifter for 154 minutes is not a good feeling I’d say.

“I felt a combination of fear and panic as well this is because when the power went off the lifter is too dark and you can’t see a thing, to make it worse there is no good air to inhale. Not a good experience,” the person said.

The person adds by calling on NPF, which owns the building to find ways to address the matter or have in place an emergency plan for the Anthony Saru building.

“I call on the responsible authority to please address this matter and also having an emergency plan for this building would be really good so when this same case happen in the future people can be rescued as quickly as possible rather than repeating this same case as today,” the person said.

Island Sun Newspaper is seeking comments from SINPF.

A senior personnel of SINPF had told the paper yesterday that the Fund is aware of the issue and will release an official statement on this matter soon.

Meanwhile, Chief Executive Officer Acting for Solomon Power Martin Sam confirmed in a recent press conference that four of the nine generators of Solomon Power are currently out of service but his team are trying their best to ensure this issue is solved.

Mr Sam said only five generators are currently up and running.

Solomon Airlines to commence Brisbane/Santo flights June 5th

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Solomon Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Gus Kraus.

BY NED GAGAHE

National Carrier the Solomon Airlines is expected to commence operating Vanuatu flights from Brisbane to Santo and return as well as from the 5th of June.

This was confirmed by Solomon Airlines CEO Gus Kraus in a recent media conference.

The move is expected to strengthen furth further partnership with Vanuatu airline to capture the upcoming South Pacific games in November this year.

Mr. Kraus also spent an overnight trip to Vanuatu on Tuesday 9th – Wednesday 10th May 2023 to discuss further cooperation with his Vanuatu counterparts on areas of mutual interest.

“We probably anticipate second airbus probably by July 2023 at the very latest August in time hopefully to capture some of the SP games business.

“From the 5th of June 2023 we are operating Vanuatu flights from Brisbane to Santo and return as well as from the 5th of June we will extend our Vila overnight to overnight in Auckland, that’s been advised but we just want to strengthen the ties up.

In an earlier statement Mr Kraus said Vanuatu is a Pacific neighbour and Air Vanuatu a valued partner airline.

“We are seeing renewed and more comprehensive partnerships with our neighbouring Pacific Islands and other national carriers in our region, and as such in good times and in difficult times we can maximise opportunities and provide support to each other,” said Mr Kraus.

In January this year the CEOs of Solomon Airlines and Air Vanuatu met for two days of discussions to further their Melanesian ties and discuss greater cooperation between the national carriers.

SDB2million for police vehicle

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is expecting $2 million from the Government to purchase six vehicles for the Pacific Games.

The RSIPF intends to acquire a total of 16 vehicles before the start of the Games, with plans to seek donor support for the remaining 10 vehicles.

These vehicles are specifically designed for events like the Pacific Games.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau informed the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament recently that the additional vehicles are necessary as approximately 200 Correctional officers will be collaborating with the RSIPF to ensure security for visitors during the Games.

Responding to the proposal, Independent Leader John Dean Kuku said the influx of vehicles will contribute to the traffic congestion already experienced in the city.

He made reference to the National Hosting Authority plans to purchase 400 vehicles responsible for transporting athletes and officials during the Games.

Commissioner Mangau acknowledged the anticipated challenges regarding traffic and emphasized the need for collaboration to manage the Games effectively.

He acknowledged that there is only one road available and stated that measures are being explored to address traffic issues during the opening and closing ceremonies.

Commissioner Mangau added that the RSIPF will work closely with the National Hosting Authority and the Games Organising Committee to provide security at the Games venues and villages.

While these plans are set to go, Member of Parliament for West Are Are, John Maneniaru, expressed concerns about the potential damage and attacks on the police vehicles due to the nature of their work.

He emphasized the importance of maintaining the assets to reflect the RSIPF’s commitment to security. Karen Galokale, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, acknowledged the ongoing challenge of governing vehicle usage and stated that they are constantly reviewing and strengthening their internal systems and discipline.

Bonfire festival ready to rock the weekend  

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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From left to right Jaro Local, Billy Beddoes and Ratu Naitini of VT1S and Jahboy who are all set and ready to rock and light up the weekend with greatest hit songs of all time across the Pacific at the Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara with some of the local artists in the country tomorrow evening. Photo Credit - Mavis Podokolo

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE much-awaited bonfire festival scheduled for 27th May 2023 is all set and ready to rock at Crown Hotel in Honiara.

The show will lighten up the weekend with greatest hit songs of all time across the Pacific.

Speaking to a media conference yesterday Jarol Local said it is about time for Solomon Islands to host a bonfire festival to enable local artists in the country to market their songs to the Melanesian market where local musicians have struggled a lot on in terms of music.

“And we looked forward for the next bonfire festival after pulling through this event. This is the first ever bonfire festival. Big thanks to our major sponsor,” Local said.

Solomon Telekom’s Marketing Manager Sean Hiele said the bonfire festival is one event that they have planned and discussed last year.

“We have discussed it with our artists on our we can bring this into reality and the good thing I found in partnering with event organisers of this bonfire event it makes the work flow very easy . Working with this type of people will enable you to achieve success in the market especially in the music segment.

“I thanked VT1S to come and boost this festival, it’s going to be hot and it’s going to be fan and exciting,” Hiele said.

Pacific Crown Hotel representative on behalf of the Pacific Crown Hotel said his team have started the entertainment this year on a top note.

“We are having few big events in the hotel and have hosted few international artists as well as local artist.

“With this bonfire festival it will take it to another level. We have been trying to make the best entertainment for everyone here in Honiara .It is amazing to have the VT1S team here with us in Solomons not only for the PCH, not only for Our Telekom and not only for bonfire but it is for the country in terms of entertainment.

“We are proud to have these guys. Come and enjoy Solomon Islands best music and Pacific’s best music. We PCH proud to be the official host,” Waimora said.

Billy Beddoes of VT1S said they are privileged to be here especially in Solomon’s saying “it’s a big opportunity”.

“Thank you Jarol Local and your brother in the music industry and the sponsors for having us to performing in the Bonfire festival. We hope to see everybody there, it’s gonna be fire,fire ,fire. The next bonfire is also coming up after this,” Beddoes said.

Ratu Naitini of VT1S further adds Solomon Islands is beautiful and VT1S is happy to be part of the bonfire festival.

“It’s a dream come true for us to come and sing along with our Melanesian brothers and sisters. Being able to share Fijian and Melanesian music.

“It is about time the Melanesians come together and share the love of music and it is great to see and meet with some big names in the music industry that we often listen to back at home. Now we will be singing together. Thank you to our sponsors as well,” Naitini said.

Fans flooded Anslom show

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Anslom, a renowned reggae artist from Papua New Guinea. Photo supplied.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

DESPITE the rain, over a thousand Anslom fans showed up to watch his show last week.

Anslom, a renowned reggae artist from Papua New Guinea, performed at the Pacific Crown Hotel in Honiara, Solomon Islands last Friday.

The event was organized on short notice, but turned up successful with the support of Sol Brew and the cooperation of everyone involved.

Alex Waimora, a marketing staff member of the Pacific Crown Hotel, expressed his gratitude for the teamwork.

He salutes Anslom saying that he (Anslom) is an outstanding artist and with a humble character.

Anslom himself expressed his love for the Solomon Islands and the warm reception he received during his short stint in Honiara.

Anslom’s music draws inspiration from renowned reggae artists such as Lucky Dube, Bob Marley, Peter Tosh, Toots and the Maytals, and Inner Circle.

His songs touch on various social issues including motherly love, reforestation, politics, and health.

Anslom believes that his music can raise awareness and bring about positive change in Melanesian and Pacific communities.

Anslom has achieved notable recognition for his music.

He was named Artist of the Year on Galaxy 107 FM in New Zealand and received seven nominations for the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) awards.

He is currently preparing for his US tour in August, with performances scheduled in Nevada, Phoenix, Arizona, Utah, Los Angeles, and Hawaii.

In October, he will be attending the Saxophone festival in Noumea, New Caledonia, and will then travel to Fiji to headline a reggae festival.

In November, he will embark on another US tour, this time focusing on the red rock venues.

Anslom, originally born Ronald Nakikus in Rabaul, East New Britain Province, Papua New Guinea, was raised by a single mother.

Growing up in Rabaul, he was influenced by his uncles who played in the well-known local band, Barike Band.

He joined the band in 1993 and balanced his music career with his studies.

Anslom holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Papua New Guinea, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Language and Literature from the University of Goroka, Papua New Guinea.

The Pacific Crown Hotel expressed its gratitude to its director, Michael Leong, for believing in hosting Anslom at the hotel.

They also thanked the hotel staff, the stage crew, the video team of Niu Online, the lighting and sound system teams, and Stoney B.

Special mention was given to the amazing stage band, including the talented Rore daughters.

The hotel is now preparing for the BON FIRE FESTIVAL on May 27th.

Aqorau encourage youths to build personal brand

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0
Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor Professor Transform Aqorau.Photo supplied.

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands National University (SINU) Vice Chancellor, Professor Transform Aqorau has encouraged youths in Solomon Islands to build personal brand that can help them stand out in a competitive job market, establish credibility and attract potential employers.

Aqorau made the encouragement in his address at the weeklong youth gathering this week held at Multipurpose Hall area in front of a sizeable crowd of volunteers, youth leaders and young leaders.

“I am humbled to be given the opportunity to address you as you celebrate volunteers, youth leaders and young leaders for their sterling effort to ensure that the issues facing youth are addressed in Honiara.

“The theme of this gathering to “embrace the past, inspire the future” is appropriate for we can only look to the past, and learn from it, but we must plan for the future, and help build and shape it by what we do now. Pope John Paul II said, “The future Starts today, not tomorrow”. As we gather here amongst our youth, I am reminded also of what Samuel Ulman said that “Youth is not a time of life; it is a state of mind.”, so in a sense we can are all youths.

“I have been asked to speak to you about creating a personal brand. I do not claim to know much about it, but I will try my best. In today’s world, personal branding has become an essential aspect of career development.

“It is the process of creating a unique image and reputation for oneself that sets them apart from others. Personal branding is especially important for youths in Solomon Islands who are just starting their careers. Building a personal brand can help them stand out in a competitive job market, establish credibility, and attract potential employers.

“Building a personal brand is essential for youths in Solomon Islands who are just starting their careers. It can help them stand out in a competitive job market, establish credibility, and attract potential employers.

“To create a personal brand, youths should define their personal brand, build their online presence, network, and collaborate, and be consistent.

“By following these steps, youths can develop a personal brand that reflects their personality and values, and that sets them apart from others.  Eleanor Roosevelt said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”, while an unknown author said “Don’t be afraid to go after what you want in life. Remember, the greatest risk is not taking any risks.” Aqorau said.

Why delay the TRC report?

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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“Bishop Terry Brown wants TRC report tabled in parliament”

By EDDIE OSIFELO

ANGLICAN Bishop, Terry Brown has questioned the government as to when the Truth and Reconciliation Report will be tabled in Parliament.

During his presentation on the TRC report last week, he highlighted that, it is time for the Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) report to be tabled in Parliament.

Brown said ten years have passed since the report was compiled and failing to present the report in parliament is questionable.

He acknowledged the report can’t be tabled in the past due to threats from former militants and potential liabilities that the government will face.

“I strongly believe that it is safe to table the TRC report so that the healing process can be done ones and for all,” Brown said.

Since part of the report was tabled in parliament by Gordon Darcy Lilo government in 2013, he suggested SINU should compile the first Volume of the report and put together a research books for its history students as the report covers the history of the conflict.

“This would allow students to learn about the historical context of the conflict by incorporating it into the curriculum or classrooms,” he said.

Brown suggests SINU Management to seek the government’s approval and possibilities for the university to contextualise the report into research material when the time is right.

Recalling the report, he said, Volume 2 of the report holds the most important part of the entire report as it reveals the painful stories of human rights abuses.

“Volume 4 and Volume 5 of the TRC report are not as significant, but Volume 2 holds its own importance,” Brown said.

Brown was one among others who edited the TRC report and according to his testimony, the report accommodates emotional testimonies of people who were caught during the dark years of Solomon Islands history.

Island Sun understand that, Bishop Brown was accused by the former Lilo government of releasing the TRC report ‘illegally’ on April 28th, 2013 to around 60 individuals and selected media outlets.

Lilo government managed to table the TRC report in the last sitting of Parliament in the final four years but no debate has occurred.

The current Sogavare-led government is currently planning to table a summarized version of the TRC report in Parliament this year, titled ‘Rising from the Ashes.’

However, Member of Parliament for East Are Are, Peter Kenilorea, argued that the government should not present a sensitized or sanitized report, but instead focus on the original five-volume TRC report that has already been tabled in Parliament.

The summarized version distributed by the government omitted the names of alleged perpetrators and other sensitive issues raised in the original report.

Kenilorea emphasized that a summarized or sensitized report would hinder the deeper understanding and exploration of the Truth and Reconciliation Reports.

He urged the government to treat the report with dignity and respect it deserves, considering that it arose from one of the darkest periods in the nation’s history.

Kenilorea’s concerns were also echoed by Opposition MP Claudio Teiifi, who emphasized the need to address the original TRC Report to hold the government accountable for its actions in implementing the recommendations.

SI economy to recover by 2.7 percent this year

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands economy is projected to recover by 2.7 percent this year, largely due to the spin-offs of the Pacific Games that took place in November.

Raynold Moveni, Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Solomon Islands, made this confirmation while appearing before the Public Accounts Committee in Parliament recently, during their inquiry into the $371 million ‘2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill’.

Moveni explained that the spin-offs from the Pacific Games would benefit various sectors of the economy.

He said the accommodation sector, for example, is expected to experience increased occupancy in hotels and motels due to overseas visitors.

Furthermore, Moveni said the transportation sector will also see a rise in demand as visitors and people from the provinces travel to Honiara for the Games.

Further to that, he said agriculture will play a role in supplying food to the Games village and meeting the increased local demand resulting from the influx of people to the city.

Additionally, Moveni said there will be a demand for utilities such as electricity and communication services, as consumption in these areas is expected to increase.

Furthermore, he said road construction is anticipated to commence after the Pacific Games, contributing to economic growth.

Despite these positive projections, Moveni emphasized that there are significant uncertainties, particularly due to the ongoing Ukraine war.

He warned that the projected economic recovery is still fragile and subject to downside risks, depending on how the external and global economy unfolds, as well as recent financial turmoil.

Ahetaha Forest Enrichment training

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Group photo of Participants and facilitators taken during the training at Ahetaha Conservation Village. Photo credit – Felix Naitoro

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

THE Ahetaha Water Conservation Association has successfully strengthened the capacity of its local rangers in a three-day Forest Enrichment training atAhetaha of Manawai Harbour, East Are Are Malaita province from May 9 – 11.

Forest Enrichmentis about tree replanting approach for communitywhere they used ranger to ranger sharing experiences on community forestry.

Founder and advisor of AWCA, Mr Eddie Haikau Huitarau said its was a total new experience for the rangers to learned on key message to restore the forest, watershed and mangrove ecosystem for a greener future that required all rangers to plant one tree for the future.

The Forest Enrichment training was conducted by Wai-Hau Conservation Foundation in partnership with AWCA under a funding support from Global Green Grants fund.

Areas covered during the training were.

a. Nursery and Wilding Seedlings

b. Nursery Establishment and Management.

c. Tree Planting.

d. Maintenance

The training was attended by 17 rangers including five females from AWCA. This is part and parcel of the broader rollout of the local rangers and will support the preparedness efforts of AWCAs’ work and resourcing their respective ranger’s daily operations.

AWCA Homebased Chairman Mr Keith Hatamane said the forest Enrichment project is an innovative achievement for the people of Ahetaha.

“This training has been a dream for the people of Ahetaha and I am glad that it was through the vision of our Founder that this dream is realized and eventuated,” he said.

Also, during the training, AWCA rangers snatched the opportunity to do a hands-on job by identifying best mother trees and weed around the tree for wildings.

This is to prepare the site for seed collection or natural regeneration for collection of wildings and collecting and transplant in the nursery.

During the activity, rangers planted 160 mangrove seedlings, 10 bamboo stalks, 150 native species mainly Akwa (Pometia pinnata) and Ba’ula

A woman ranger, Ms Mirriam Haroka said: “We are so happy and so proud that this project has now come to reality and now we witness different methods of transplanting of wildings.

AWCA man ranger, Mr Tom Moukote explained the project was initiated because of the dire need to replant and restore pioneer ephemeral (or short-lived) nurse trees in the degraded sites.

“We are grateful indeed for the partnership with Wai-Hau and AWCA where we learn different methods of Production of planting materials including; Seed collection from readily available sources and seed collection from identified superior mother trees.

He further added that AWCA is not competing with anyone, but to complement the work that their rangers are already doing.

Eddie H Huitarau thanked Mr. Willie Atu In-Country Coordinator, and the Global Green Grants fund for the financial support.

GP’s stakeholders challenged to stand up for children

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Supervising Premier for Guadalcanal Provincial government Lazarus Rina.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

GUADALCANAL Provincial government has challenged all their stakeholders to continue standing up for children and speak for them.

Supervising Premier for Guadalcanal Provincial government Lazarus Rina made this call on behalf of the GPA during the launch of the Early Childhood Development (ECD) 2023 to 2026 earlier this week.

“As the provincial ECD action plan serves a guiding tool for multi-sectoral delivery of ECD programs and services, partnership, resources mobilization, and allocations, I challenged all our stakeholders to continue standing up for our young children, speak for them, and preserve their rights to ensure achieving their fullest potentials,” Rina said.

He said the commitment that the province together with its partners made for young children, now translated to an Action Plan, underscores the strategies central to the needs of communities and households with young children with key actions to improve access, equitable and quality delivery of ECD related programs and services responsive to the needs of young children, their families and communities.

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