Home Blog Page 622

Tozaka not happy with teachers

Written by
Ben Bilua
-
0
Member of Provincial Assembly for Ward 10 in Western Province Freedom Tozaka.

BY BEN BILUA

MEMBER of Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Ward 10 in Western Province has expressed his disappoint towards school teachers who failed to turn up to their schools.

Freedom Tozaka said most schools are still without teachers but students are already in schools.

“As the MPA for ward 10, north Vella, I wish to echo our parents concern regarding teachers not at their schools since academic year begins 23rd January 2023.

“Most of our schools in ward 10 under United church Education Authority.

“I am calling on MEHRD and United church Education Authority to sort teachers not at their schools,” he said.

Tozaka said teachers’ absenteeism is like a chronic disease yet millions of dollars from tax payers continues to pouring into teachers’ salaries and other benefits.

He adds that teacher’s absenteeism is a slap on the face of parents who continues to search high and low trying to get income to send their children go to school.

Tourism documents expired, need review

Written by
Ofani Eremae
-
0
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) Bunyan Sivoro.

BY NED GAGAHE

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism (MCT) Bunyan Sivoro has said two of the ministry’s important documents have expired and need to be reviewed.

The documents are Solomon National Tourism Policy 2015 – 2019 and Solomon Islands National Tourism Development Strategy 2015 – 2019.

Sivoro revealed this at last week’s (Thursday) annual tourism in focus gathering held at the Heritage Park Hotel.

However, Sivoro said they have already secured funding to undertake the much needed review and hopefully will soon carry out the review.

He said due to the covid-19 pandemic MCT were not able to review the two documents.

“Moving forward this is a very important plan for us in terms of sector planning and coordination.

“We have this two very important document that have expired in 2019.

“We were not able to work on their review because of the covid-19 so this is our major priority.

“We have already secured the funding to help us review and hopefully come up with a new strategic plan that will capture the new changes in demand and also consumer behaviors.” Sivoro said.

WATER BLOCK THREAT

Written by
Ofani Eremae
-
0
Kongulai water source. Photo by MAVIS PODOKOLO.

LOs plan to shut down Honiara’s largest reservoir if government fails to review lease agreement

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

Landowners of Honiara’s largest water supply reservoir have threatened to close down the source over disagreements with the national government.

Paramount Chief of Haumbata Haniguana, Haumbata Taonavoa tribe, Chairman and Trustee of the Kongulae Water Source, Charles Keku Chilivi said they will shut down the supply if Government fails to review its lease as ordered by the supreme law of the High court of the Solomon Islands.

Mr Chilivi told the paper yesterday this is the resolution voted in a meeting on Saturday, between the landwners (LO) of the Kovi catchment area and five trustees of Kongulae Water source at Kouvare, West Honiara.

He said both parties have come to an agreement that the outstanding issues of Kongulae must be settled before any development can take place in the area.

“Trustees of the Kongulae Water source is currently observing a court order that’s still effective till today.

The court made aware the Solomon Islands Government that they must settle our arrears with the review its lease.

“Therefore the government settled our arears but to review the lease is still out of their topic and concern till today.

“That’s why we boycott the official ground breaking that took place last week at the Kongulae Water source,” he said.

He added, failure to comply with the matter will result in the shutting down of the supply for areas and outlets around Honiara.

“The resources owners and trustees did not agree to be part of the programme because they also avoid us to be part of the programme. If water is one of the impotent mechanisms in the capital I believe the Government should further consider the matter seriously.

“It’s an order from the High court-Supreme Law in the country to review the leash. So this means no reviewing of the leash means there will be no development taken place on site. There will be no development and infrastructure taking place at the Konguale water source unless the court order is met.

“So we are still waiting for the Government to respond on the matter but if the negligence remains as usual we will shut down the supply as soon as possible.

“We intend to shut down the source because we can’t wait any longer for a lot of fake promises and sweet talks,” Chilivi added

Stay away from problems: Police warns

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
Deputy Police Commissioner, Juanita Matanga.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

DEPUTY Commissioner  Juanita Matanga has called on communities in Malaita to stay away from involving in any stand-off and allow the democratic process to take place.

She said ahead of the election for a new Premier for Malaita today, Police are currently in Auki to monitor the situation in case anything may arise to disturb peace and security in Auki.

She said that police are not taking sides of any political group but are there in Auki to maintain Law and order for the people in Auki.

“We are there in terms of policing we are not involving in politics, our job is to ensure that peace and stability is maintained in Auki”, Matanga said.

She said police presence in Auki is a normal way of policing making sure that innocent people are safe from any situation that may arise,

She said if people are not happy with the process take a legal action.

Matanga also acknowledges the action taken by the former premier for applying for a judicial review regarding the process.

“As leaders it is our responsibility that what we do we abide by the rule of law”, Ms Matanga said.

Therefore, she urges leaders, church leaders, women leaders, youth and political leaders in Malaita to work together and let alone the democratic process take place peacefully without violence.

India ready to provide assistance: Sundaramurthi

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
India's Ambassador designates to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Inbasekar Sundaramurthi.

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

INDIA’S Ambassador designate to Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands Inbasekar Sundaramurthi says India is ready to provide assistance to Solomon Islands.

Mr Sundaramurthi confirmed this in his recent visit earlier this week.

“India is ready to provide assistance in capacity building, technical expertise and projects to mitigate the impact of climate change, natural disasters renewable energy.

“We are ready to do that under grants and aid that is why I came to request foreign Minister and line Ministers education and health,” he said.

Sundaramurthi stressed in the education sector India is willing to build classrooms and help out in the revising of school curriculums. 

“In education, I told the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development that India is willing to build classrooms, revised school curriculum and India can send experts here who can print school text books on education and we can send teachers for a short period,” he said.

He said there is also scholarships for India called the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation Programme (known as ITEC in short) is a capacity building program. Sundaramurthi said India has been offering assistance to Solomon Islands in capacity building by allocating four training slots per year in diverse fields under the ITEC programme

Tourism going well: PM

Written by
Ofani Eremae
-
0
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare.

BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands tourism is recovering much better than expected.

The industry employs thousands across the country, and was brought to its knees during the covid-19 border restrictions across the globe, and more so, during covid-19 transmission last year within the country.

But, kicking off 2023, tourism in Solomon Islands is announced as making a huge comeback, even for the Pacific region.

Yesterday the major event, Tourism In Focus, was successfully staged by Tourism Solomons, bringing together the industry’s authorities, operators and stakeholders.

Testimonies shared by speakers in the event reflected an industry recovered and ready for growth in the new year – 2023.

In his speech, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said the local tourism industry is performing quite well with an average growth rate of seven percent.

Using pre-covid statistics, Mr Sogavare pointed out the peak which the industry is aiming to retake.

In 2019, visitor arrivals reached more than thirty thousand, Sogavare said.

“The industry has contributed an estimated $500 million in the local economy.

“Provide 3.1 percent of total employment in the country.

“This is how significant this very important sector is.

 “And so much untapped potential and so the theme repositioning the brand therefore means we ought to unlock this potential,” Sogavare said.

More than a hundred attended the Tourism In Focus which is said to be the most significant gathering where tourism stakeholders met, discuss, dialogue and share ideas to drive the industry forward.

Tenelle to visit schools today before show

Written by
Ofani Eremae
-
0
Tenelle poses for the cameras at yesterday’s press conference. She’s excited to be in the Solomons and is looking forward to woo fans tonight with her beautiful voice and music at the Coral Sea Casino and Resort. The show starts at 7pm. Photo credit - Elton Lonaratha Jnr

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

A lot of kids and fans will today have one of their dreams come true – meeting a mega star in person.

Tenelle will be visiting schools today before her show tonight.

American Samoan singer-songwriter from Carson, California, USA, Tenelle Christine Luafalemana also known by her stage name Tenelle is currently on tour in Honiara for a one night Love and  Reggae live show tonight at Coral Sea Resort and Casino.

The Samoan, Tokelau and Africa-American and Portuguese original will be touring the Solomon Islands as her final tour until July. She will end her tour at the Western Province, Double A club-Noro tomorrow night (Feb 11).

Speaking to the media yesterday she confirmed kicking off her tour in Honiara by visiting schools before the show tonight, adding her expectations for the show tonight.

“In every Island every tour I took, I always make an appointment to visit schools and talk to the kids.

“Yes we supposed to visit couple of schools tomorrow before the show. Visiting schools is also one of my passions because I love children. It’s just the kids. I’m a huge fan of the children because they don’t know who I am even their parents. It’s not about allowing them to know who I am but I just want to be with the children and share the same space with them and just spend the time with the kids with prayers and to hear their stories and their upbringing and stuff like that,” she said.

She requests public to come and enjoy the show and be responsible, saying 10 songs will be delivered tonight.

“I’m looking forward for the people to see how they receive me. One thing about me on stage is I’m the same person both on and off stage. So I just pray that they receive me, see me as themselves, as a family. It’s really exciting and I won’t go into things with expectations and I’m ready to have a good time

“My advice for people that will be coming over to the show is, I would just say let’s all drink responsibly, let’s have some fun and its nothing but good vibes and a good time and that is what we are here for. I want to make people feel happy if I can help them escape something in their lives because all of us are going through things that nobody knows about

“I know that music is something that allows people to escape. So come to the show and just escape with me.

“I just like the people to look at me on the stage and say Yeah that’s my sis so that they can relate to me and I think this is one of my very important things in how I pursue. One thing I always say in any band is just play like yourself,” she added.

WANETA vs FINI

Written by
Samie Waikori
-
0
Chairman of PAC , Glen Waneta.

Election for new premier for Malaita province today in Auki

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Glen Waneta or Martin Fini could be Malaita province’s next premier, today.

Mr Waneta (MPA for ward 8, Maluu, North Malaita constituency) is the former executives’ nominee, and Mr Fini (MPA for ward 3, Buma, West Kwara’ae constituency) is the candidate for the former non-executives.

MPA for ward 3 (Buma), Martin Fini.

Fini was the mover of the motion that successfully dethroned former premier Daniel Suidani on Tuesday this week.

The election for new premier today will be held by way of secret ballot in the provincial chamber in Auki at 9.30am.

Speaker Ronnie Butala told SunAuki that as of 4pm yesterday, his office has received two nominees for the election.

Waneta is nominated by MPA for ward 21 of Small Malaita constituency, Dickson Pola and MPA for ward 24 of West Are Are, Peter Clay Taraumae.

Fini is nominated by MPA for ward 14 of Fataleka constituency, David Solo Baerara and MPA for ward 22 of Small Malaita constituency, Martin Mae.

Butala said his office has accepted the nominations.

He said the election is expected to take an hour, after that the new premier will be announced.

Both candidates have served up to three terms each in the Malaita provincial assembly and have experience in the province’s politics.

Fini’s camp reportedly has the majority of the house with 17 MPAs, while Waneta’s 16 MPAs.

A great blessing for Nusa Roviana & Baeni Communities: Vana

Written by
Ben Bilua
-
0

BY BEN BILUA

Health Inspector of Western Province has described the recently launched water supply project at Nusa Roviana and Baeni communities as a great blessing.

Speaking to Island Sun Merilyn Vana said both communities were without proper water supply for decays.

She said both communities rely on rain water and dug-out walls to get water for cooking, swimming and also drinking.

“A total of 20 hand pumps and four cement tanks with the capacity to store 5000 gallons of water were installed in Nusa Roviana while 20 water standpipes set up at Baeni village.

“Now enabling community members to access water with greater ease,” Vana said.

She said four to five households are enjoying one water-pump at Nusa Roviana.

Vana adds that similar arrangements was also established at Baeni community.

She acknowledged the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, through the R-Wash Project for funding and successfully implementing the project.

Gaena’alu movement demands government pass fed bill, March

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Special Secretary to the Prime Minister Albert Kabui. Photo supplied

By EDDIE OSIFELO

The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) needs to pass the Federal Constitution Bill in this March’s sitting to prepare each province for State government.

President of Gaena’alu Movement Jerry Sabino expressed this after Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Albert Kabui said it is not simple since the Government has the number.

Kabui said this would not mean just simply amending the Constitution, rather it would mean repealing the full Constitution.

“So, the draft Federal Constitution, when you repeal the Constitution, technically speaking, when you repeal the whole constitution, it means all the existing structures don’t have legal effects.

“Which means automatically all the new structures in the Constitution need to take effect,” he said.

“So, the question is, are we ready for this to happen?

“Because once we repeal the current constitution and we like new constitution to automatically take place or automatically take effect,” he said.

Kabui said what it means is Guadalcanal Province must have a High Court, Director of Public Prosecution, own police force, own medical authority to pay its own nurses and own education authority.

“Do we have that in place or not?” he asked.

Kabui said it’s not a matter about number, there are steps in place.

“It is the question of putting the right institutions in place so that transition period is smooth,” he added.

However, Sabino said Schedule 13 of the Federal Constitution talks about general provisions on transition and transformation.

He said if Parliament passes the Federal Constitution, the country will operate on an interim Constitution that provides for the transition and transformation programme, to happen on each state.

“For example, Malaita has a 10 years transition period to prepare it for State Government.

“Once Malaita is ready after 10 years, it will be declared a State Government,” he said.

Sabino said under the current British’s unitary system adopted by Solomon Islands in Independence, it cannot prepare any province to become states, until Parliament passes the Federal Constitution.

Apart from that, Kabui said the draft Federal Constitution needs to go through a cost analysis and peer review before the Government can proceed with it.

He told media on Tuesday, a consultant was supposed to come and do a cost analysis, but was deferred due to Covid 19.

He said Constitutional Reform Unit is also suggesting to get lawyers to have a second look on the bill.

The draft Federal Constitution was handed over to the Government in October 2018 after 10 years of consultation throughout the country.

It aims to change the British’s unitary system to a Republic system.

1...621622623...1,662Page 622 of 1,662