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MPCW looks forward to working together with MPG

Written by
Samie Waikori
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MPCW newly elected president Mrs. Martha Rurai

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

MALAITA Provincial Council of Women (MPCW) is looking forward to strengthening its partnership with Malaita’s government and other partners this year.

President Martha Rurai told SunAuki yesterday that a close partnership with stakeholders is paramount to boosting their work on women’s issues.

She said MPCW as known was a local organisation supporting Malaita provincial government with its women’s policies.

Rurai said MPG supports MPCW with its programmes on 16 days activism and others that advocate and promote women issues in the province.

She said MPCW is eager to work closely with the Women Development Desk (WDD) officer under MPG to establish a recognised connection between them.

Rurai said through the link the two stakeholders can work stronger to deliver services through programmes to people especially women in the province.

She said MPCW only implements its plans and activities through support from donor partners.

She said another important area provincial government should look closely on is to increase allocation for women in its new budget for 2023.

“Being a non-profitable local organization, they need partnership with other stakeholders and work to address issues of gender Based Violence in the communities,” Rurai said.

On that note, she called on women in the province to uplift and support each other in all challenges face and continue and face them again this year.

Arnon Atomea to provide USP courses starting 2023

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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Arial view of Arnon Atomea Provincial Secondary School in Malu'u Station North Malaita. Picture supplied.

BY NED GAGAHE

Principal of Arnon Atomea Provincial Secondary School in Malu’u North Malaita Mr Henry Bare has thanked The University of the South Pacific (USP) for approving the school to franchise the Foundation Arts Programme commencing this year.

Bare told  Island Sun from Malu’u yesterday that he is pleased after learning that the school was successful in its application to host the programme.

“I am really pleased and grateful indeed for accepting our application.

“The community was so thankful because their vision has become a reality.

“Such a setup is really needed to allow access and reduce the gap due to lack of space,” Bare said.

Bare said the community, school and people will immensely benefit from the establishment.

He said such move is not only welcoming but timely as well because it will provide  access to University programmes at the students’ doorstep.

He said this is really rewarding where fees will be cheaper and it will ease fee payers’ multiple burdens.

On January 9, in a letter USP’s Deputy Vice Chancellor and Vice President (Education) Professor Jito Vanualailai has informed the school that their application was approved in accordance with the USP Pacific TAFE Franchise Policy and Procedures.

Arnon Atomea and Kilusakwalo Christian High School were the two schools first to provide such programmes in the province commencing this year (2023).

Principal of Kilusakwalo CHS Christian Mekope also echoed similar sentiments following the approval of the school.

Mekope told The Island Sun on Wednesday this week that he is also excited about the outcome.

He said it’s a dream come true for him under his leadership to secure such a vital programme that will improve access to a university programmes.

Meanwhile, Pacific TAFE Campus Coordinator in the country Primo Ugulu also welcomed the news and describing it as very timely.

Ugulu said he is pleased to work with the schools that have interests in providing University like Education accessible to the rural communities who have the required technology.

He said he really appreciated the effort and the leadership of both schools in requesting the accreditation process to take place which consequently led to the approval.

“Their preparation is timely and that they met our essential requirements to Franchise Pacific TAFE

Foundation Arts program. Foundation Business Program will also be available to students who intend to pursue the business stream.

“In giving the offer to franchise our programs, the schools have obtained a higher status equal with any other schools around the country that offer our Foundation programs.” Ugulu told The Island Sun this week.

Premier Tabe names executive

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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The new Government of Choiseul Province led by Premier Tongoua Tabe, after their appointment on Wednesday. Photo Tabe.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

PREMIER Tongoua Tabe on Wednesday named his ministerial line-up to lead Choiseul province for the next four years.

This was following his election as the new premier on Monday, after defeating David Deva, 10-6 during the election.

Tabe was given a full responsibility to lead the 30,000 people of the province after being bestowed with a shell money (Jiku Kesa).

Tabe said his government is still working on their policy.

He said it should be ready in few weeks’ times.

“We want to launch a do-able and realistic plan, priorities, policy; hence, we are now consulting our key stakeholders to help my consultative executive government,” he said.

The ministerial arrangements are:

Tongoua Tabe – Premier and Minister responsible for Planning and Administration;

Harrison Ngosu Pitakaka – Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Forestry and Natural Resources;

Lincoln Galo – Minister of Finance and Investment;

Patson Sualalu – Minister of Education and Training;

Jones Galo Sepu – Minister of Health and Medical Services;

Simon Polotovae – Minister of Works, Transport and Communication;

Samson Takubala – Minister of Agriculture and Lands

Deputy Speaker – Stiudy Salekana

IT’S AN INJUSTICE

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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MP Silas Tausinga. Photo: Opposition.

Tausinga hits out at proposed pay rise for MPs

MEMBER of Parliament for West New Georgia & Vonavona Silas Tausinga has described the proposal to increase MPs’ salaries and entitlements as an ‘injustice’ to Solomon Islanders.

In a statement yesterday, the Opposition MP joined his colleague Opposition members, unions and citizens around the country in condemning the proposal by the Parliamentary Entitlement Commission (PEC).

The Opposition MP said the proposal does not justify the need for any increase to MPs’ salaries and entitlements when ordinary citizens in this country are struggling to make ends meet.

“It is embarrassing, shameful and insensitive to be in this situation when nurses, teachers, police, public servants, our private sector and even people in our rural villages are struggling as a result of the current economic decline faced in our country,” he said.

“I had been admitted several times at the National Referral Hospital and I have experienced the hardships faced by our people and the sacrifices by our nurses and doctors.

“These are the very people that need a pay rise and not us MPs.”

He said if extending the life of parliament was not controversial enough then this proposal would add more salt to the wound for citizens of this country.

Tausinga called on the PEC to reconsider and revoke its proposal.

“I am calling on PEC to revoke the proposal.

“I believe the 50MPs of this current House does not need a pay rise given our current economic status and the injustice this will have on our citizens,” the Opposition MP said.

Opposition Press Statement .

Malaita health workers still waiting for covid allowance

Written by
Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Direct staff under the Malaita provincial government and provincial health authority at Kilu’ufi hospital are still waiting for their covid-19 allowance.

These allowances date back to last year, and the workers are questioning authorities when they will be paid.

They are pleading for authorities to stop giving false reassurances and promises to settle them.

The workers convened a meeting yesterday to follow up on a letter submitted to the director of Malaita’s Health last year.

Outcomes for the meeting will be made known today.

Concerns noted in the letter submitted last year are:

“We all know the situation encountered during the covid-19 lockdown and we also well understand the formal arrangement done with us Director Workers to assist Provincial Health covid-19 operation team at the high-risk zones.

“We wanted to stress important point of concern in which all of us should fully aware of, that we all did the same job and for same purpose helping our citizens in the fight against covid-19.

“We also faced challenges when working under pressure from our divisional heads and makes it worse we had some sleepless nights and very tiring moments.

“By far, we now know that all provincial health officers (seconded staffs) served during the height of covid-19 (SOE) had received their due allowance.

“This raised question for clarification from your office as head, chair of PEOC and member to the PDOC.

“We heard rumors and received information which are likely to be untrue with promises of fortnights after fortnights making false expectations and hope within ourselves which raised anger and frustration to us.

“With all due respect, we have felt been misled and such if continue is of inhuman cause of action that immediately needs attention,” it reads.

According to one of their leaders, its 2023 and they don’t think there is still budget for covid-19 that even slim their hope to get their allowances.

Even then, he said they will exhaust all resources available in pursue of their claim ensure it addresses accordingly.

Marking of national exams underway

Written by
Ofani Eremae
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0

BY NED GAGAHE

Marking of examination papers for forms three, five and six is ongoing, says National Education Assessment Division (NEAD).

Speaking to this paper yesterday an official in NEAD said marking will continue next week as well.

It is unclear when marking is expected to complete and 2023 school placement results available for public.

When asked how soon the results will come out the official said “not yet”.

She said “at the moment marking is still continuing and will depend on the progress of marking”.

The official said that they will give an update tomorrow, Friday Jan 13.

She said hopefully the results will be available before the 2023 academic begins in January 2023.

Parents over the recent week have eagerly anticipated the results before the academic year begins.

Most parents and fee payers said that they need to know the results to allow them to plan ahead and sort out school related issues such as travelling, school fees, stationeries and other important things before school starts.

Meanwhile, all schools in the country are expected to resume normal classes by January 23. Just two weeks away.

MEHRD Deputy Secretary James Bosamata was contacted yesterday for comments but was in a meeting. He said he would get back after the meeting.

Attempts to contact him in the evening was unsuccessful.

Tabe given mandate to lead Choiseul

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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New Choiseul Province Premier, Tongoua Tabe, being bestowed the shell money (Jiku Kesa) to lead the 30,000 plus people in the province. Photo: Tongoua Tabe/Facebook.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

NEW Choiseul Premier, Tonguoa Tabe, a descendant of the minority Kiribati community living in the province’s Wagina ward, has been given full responsibility to lead the 30,000 people of the province.

This was after the caretaker government that looked after the province for the last six months, led by Provincial Secretary, Nelson Kere handed a shell money (Jiku Kesa) in a short cultural ceremony in Taro, yesterday.

“Please do accept to wear our shell money (Jiku Kesa) to symbolize that you are the paramount leader of Choiseul Province for the days and years to come,” Kere said.

“This Jiku in our Lauru custom, only the Chiefs can wear,” he added.

“So today you carry the full responsibility of looking after the 30,000 plus people of Choiseul Province.”

Premier Tabe accepted the shell money graciously by kneeling down to receive it.

Speaking after receiving the shell money, Tabe said it is the proper time to undertake this ceremony because “I can now affirm you that my Executive is in full force, full position”.

“I have all the support from the backbenchers,” he said.

Tabe said this is a consultative government and this is “your government and we will make sure to make you happy to work extremely hard to please everyone in this province”.

“Together with the shell money, this is a test that the spirit of our forefathers of this land will bless us as we deliver for the next four years and beyond in Jesus’ name, thank you,” he added.

Wickham: We compromise to save Western Province

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Newly Elected MPA for WPG Jeffrey Wickham.

BY BEN BILUA

WING Leader of Gizo camp, Jeffrey Wickham says his team compromised for the sake of Western Province.

Speaking during a press conference yesterday, Gizo Camp which is chaired by Rence Sore explained why they compromise during the election of the Speaker and the Premier.

“We clearly understand that if today’s (yesterday) election came as a tie, the assembly will definitely dissolved and God know when will be the next provincial election.

“This is the very reason why we compromise our votes. Let me be clear, we are not part of the winning side or the result today (yesterday) does not mean that our team has joined the other camp, what we did was, we gave our vote but we remain as team,” Wickham said.

He said the reason why his team remain is that they established a policy that he believe would encourage better services and development.

Wickham adds that the policy was crafted based on ideas and understanding that the members of the team heard and suggested to their people during their campaign.

“My team’s dream is to establish a government that has conducive policy that would align with national policies as well as the interest of the people of Western Province.

“Now the result is not in our favor, we will try our best according to our legal mandate to make sure the newly elected provincial government delivers services and developments that are vital to Western Province,” he said.

Camp Chair, Rence Sore shared similar sentiment saying that to comprise is not losing but a show of maturity.

“Let me tell you this, Western Province is in the heart of this camp. We came together as team with strong ambition to serve our province.

“Our mission was for a united government because if we have united government, we will deliver expected services and development we inspire,” he said.

Sore reiterated that the result of Speaker and Premier’s election shows his team’s maturity and the heart to save Western Province from another catastrophic outcome.

“We have the interest of Western Province in our hearts. We do not want the 10th Assembly to be dissolved because our province has already suffered for six months.

“Now the ball in on the other camp and we will play our role as watch-dog to make sure there is check and balance in the province’s operation,” he said.

Responding to comments on Social Media, one of the team’s member, Opportunity Kuku said people should understand the process before painting a bad picture on people.

“The reality of our decision is totally different from people’s view on social media. While we accept their freedom of expression, they should or must understand the reason behind the results.

“Freedom of expression is part of our rights, but to comment on something that you don’t understand is something else.

“As my colleague already mentioned, we get to the point that there is no reason to play cheap politic but to save the province from another disaster, that is dissolution of the 10th Assembly and go for a fresh election,” he said.

Only one female in Choiseul Assembly

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Member of Provincial Assembly for Choiseul Province, Florence Vasaro, is the new minister for Lauru Affairs.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

CHOISEUL Province saw only one woman elected into the current Provincial Assembly.

Florence Vasaro made her way into the Assembly after winning the Babatana ward.

She is the only female MPA in the 16 male-dominated Assembly.

She received praises from a lot of women leaders in the country.

One of them is a respected woman from Choiseul and member of Solomon Islands National Council of Women, Ruth Liloqula.

Liloqula said Vasaro is a strong and outspoken woman in her community, who has a strong support from family and extended family.

She said Vasaro has only reached Secondary level of studies but a strong community leader.

“I met her when Transparency Solomon Islands went down to her village.

“I saw her people respected her when she talked in the public,” she said.

Liloqula said she has a lot of respect for her and glad she won the election.

Further to that, Liloqula, also Chief Executive Officer of TSI, said Vasaro will make a good MPA because she gets backup from her family, community and the church.

Furthermore, Liloqula said Vasaro’s winning election is a result the Lauru Land Conference of Tribal Community (LLCTC) push to see women take part in all aspects of leadership in the community, including politics and church.

She said as a result of this, LLCTC has increased the number of women in the executive.

LLCTC is a non-government organization founded in 1981 by Bishop Rev Leslie Boseto.

It belongs to the people of Choiseul Province – known locally as Lauru.

LLCTC is recognized both locally and internationally as a grassroots, ecumenical indigenous NGO.

Apart from Vasaro, Choiseul Province has also elected a first ever elected Premier from the minority Kiribati ethnicity, Tongoua Tabe.

Tabe represented Wagina ward, an island allocated and occupied predominantly by people of Kiribati-descent.

Unions to meet further on proposed MP’s pay rise

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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0

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Solomon Islands Council of Trade Union (SICTU) has passed a resolution yesterday to do further consultation with their respective union members over the proposed 10 percent pay rise for MPs.

This was agreed following a meeting in Honiara yesterday, attended by Union leaders of doctors, nurses and paramedics, Solomon Islands National Teachers Association (SINTA) and Solomon Islands Public Employment Union (SIPEU).

SICTU President David Tuhanuku said they have agreed for the Union leaders to hold further consultations with their members.

He said they will return next week to discuss the issue, based on the feedbacks they get from their respective members.

The meeting came about after Cabinet approved a $13,000 increase to the fortnight salaries of all 50 Members of Parliament under the Parliamentary Entitlement Commission.

The Commission is expected to meet in March to decide on the proposal.

Prior to the meeting, PEC also invited MPs and beneficiaries to attend a consultation meeting on 15th February 2023 at their conference room at AJ City Mall Room 42.

The Commission is currently in the process of reviewing the Members of Parliament Entitlement Regulation.

The PEC proposal will see the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare awarded an extra $30,000, on top of his annual salary.

This will give the PM’s new annual salary of $338.000.01.

The current annual salary of the MP is $307,919.30.

Furthermore, the Deputy Prime Minister’s new annual salary will be $304,872.67.

Ministers, Leader of Opposition and Leader of Independent Group to get $266,123.00.

The Deputy Speaker, Chairperson of Parliamentary Caucus, Chairpersons of Parliamentary Standing Committees to get $241,166.24 and the members to get $218,231.60.

Other benefits include:

  1. meal allowance that increases from $200 to $500;
  2. education allowance increases from $10,000 to $25,000;
  3. appointment grant increase from $10,000 to $15,000;
  4. Clothing allowance (to be differed from outfit) none, with Members to get USD$3000 while PM, DPM, Ministers and Leaders to get USD$7000.

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