Home Blog Page 782

Huge Turn Out following Mayor’s Clean-Up Call

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Lord Mayor Eddie Siapu, third from right with his colleague councillors before setting out for the clean-up.

Mayor of Honiara City Eddie Siapu thanked business houses, NGOs, community and youth groups for responding to the call for a major voluntary clean in the City.

As the Head of Honiara City Council Governance, he said he is profoundly grateful for the overwhelming turn out.

“I highly appreciate your support in positively responding to my call for voluntary clean-up of our City. Honiara is our home. We live and work in Honiara so we must keep it clean.

“Despite of what happened in the past days, I am indeed grateful that hundreds of residents took part in the clean-up. There are so many of you so that I cannot mention names.”

“However, I give my big thank you to church leaders, community leaders, women leaders, youth leaders, government agencies, private sector companies and NGOs who mobilized your members to come out in numbers for the voluntary clean up. Tagio Tumas oketa wantoks.”


West Honiara youths take part in the clean-up.

“I must again register my appreciation to groups who did clean-up of Honiara City with their own initiative. I understand some groups cleaned up the City, especially China Town, on Sunday.”

“A big thank you to Fijian community, BSP Staff and others who came out voluntarily for this noble task. In addition, I must say thank you to EMCO and SRML company for cleaning the main highway in East Honiara of debris and wreckages on Saturday.”

“Thank you to the Koloale Youths for cleaning Koloale road and other groups who I do not mention. You know who you are so Tagio thank you,” he said.

HCC Media

Maringe leaders call on MP to resign from DCGA

Written by
Admin
-
0
Minister for Health and Medical Services Dr Culwick Togamana

LEADERS from the Maringe District House of Chiefs are calling on their Member of Parliament, Dr Culwick Togamana to leave the current government as a form of action and responsibility.

In a letter sent to the MP and Minister for Health and Medical Services yesterday, Paramount Chief, Clement Rojumana questioned why they have not heard from their Parliamentary representative on the looting and burning of properties in the city.

“The current turmoil has affected Our people in the villages in a way or another.

“Our people of Maringe have look to you to at least appraise us on the latest.

Cbief Rojumana said while they cannot control the individual attitudes resulting in the lawlessness seen, they are asking the MP to save the nation and the people he represents in Parliament.

“We ask you to take this stand and to give your best in this circumstance, If is not possible and what we ask means the Prime Minister will have to step aside, to enable the nations capital to return to normalcy.

“If we must bear the unbearable, and do the unthinkable, we would not want you as our MP to be part of a team that brings this nation to its knees,” Chief Rojumana explained.

The call came as two members of the current government reportedly tendered their resignation to the Prime Minister yesterday evening.

The Prime Minister earlier said the only way to remove him from power is through the rightful process within the floor of Parliament.

Listen to the people first: Suidani

Written by
Samie Waikori
-
0
Road block at the Kukum area yesterday. PHOTO: William Ekotani

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

PREMIER of Malaita province, Daniel Suidani wants the Prime Minister to address the demands of the people before he can make a call for peace.

Speaking to the local media in Auki yesterday, Premier Suidani said the situation in Honiara now needs national leaders of parties involved to come down and talk to the people and not run-away from them

“The people are there with their demand, and they want response from the Prime Minister or cabinet on their demand,” he said.

The Premier said he has been continouously bombarded with calls from leaders in Honiara to help calm the situation, but his question to them remains, “who are you?”

“These people come to you as their representatives on the national level, they voted you, just the same as they voted me to be their representative at the provincial level.

“And the issue is directed at you and not me, so it would be appropriate in my view for national members to address the issue and not to run-away from it,” he said.

Suidani said even if he makes a call to calm the situation it won’t work as people will turn on him, because the peoples’ demand is not directed at him.

He said the situation faced now has risen from the Prime Minister and cabinet’s continues tactic of evading people’s demand which has turned into frustration.

“Like every time they go to meet with the PM about their petitions, he avoided them and directed his staff to meet with the people,” Suidani said.

Suidani said the Prime Minister forgot that he is the leader of this country and of these people, so as a leader he must at all time see to the needs of the people when they want to talk to him.

“Everytime, I make calls the national government didn’t listen, now they come to you and it’s your time to deal with them.

“So I want to see if you can address them and I will call for peace, because even if I make a call now it won’t work unless you address their demand first.

“With that I call on PM that if the people wants you to resign, you resign!

“These are the people you lead and if they no longer have the confidence on you, step-down and people will calm down,” he said.

Suidani said this is the only solution to calm down the situation so that it will allow people to choose a government of their choice.

On that note, he called on Malaitan MPs in the DCGA to come out of their hide-outs and talk to the people they represent, otherwise resign from DCGA.

“And my call is for nine Malaitan MPs in the DCGA to resign now so that it would help in addressing the current situation,” he said.

Sogavare loses two

Written by
Admin
-
0

THE Prime Minister has reportedly lost two of his political supporters after events of the past two days.

While the alleged resignation of the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Senley Levi Filualea is yet to be confirmed despite doing the rounds on social media. There is confirmation that government backbencher and Member of Parliament for West New Georgia and Vona Vona constituency, Silas Vangara Tausinga has tendered his resignation as a member of Manasseh Sogavare’s “Our Party” and subsequently the ruling government.

He made the confirmation to local media outlet, the Solomon Business Magazine Online this evening.

In confirming his resignation, MP Tausinga said it has been a valuable experience being a member of the party, however, due to personal reasons he can no longer remain with the party when his allegiance is no longer with the Parliamentary wing leader which is the Prime Minister.

The Minister of Agriculture and member of the north Malaita constituency had earlier assured constituents that he would resign from the ruling government, however, Island Sun could not verify this report.

The Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare announced that he would not be forced to give up power, as that right can only be taken from him on the floor of Parliament.

This despite calls by both the leader of Opposition, Matthew Wale and Malaita Premier, Daniel Suidani for him to step down in light of the current destruction of Honiara city.

Sogavare said any moves to remove him can only be done on the floor of Parliament.

Despite the departure of the two political supporters of the government, Sogavare expects to have the upper hand in Parliament with the support of 36 Parliamentarians out of the current 49 filled seats. One seat being that of West Kwaio on Malaita remains vacant following the death of its parliamentarian, Titus Fika last week.

AFP here to assist local Police

Written by
Admin
-
0
The first team of AFP deployment at the Henderson Airport this evening. PHOTO SUPPLIED

THE first Australian Federal Police Officers deployed to assist maintain law and order in Honiara following two days of rioting have arrived at the Henderson Airport, a couple of minutes ago.

The first deployment touched down around 10:40PM with 23 members of the Australian Federal Police’s Specialist Response Group.

The Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison earlier this evening said “Our purpose here is to provide stability and security.

He made the announcement following a meeting of Australia’s National Security Committee of cabinet this afternoon. The meeting was convened after his Solomon Islands counterpart, Manasseh Sogavare urged Australia to help under a security treaty both countries signed in 2017.

According to the Prime Minister Morrison, another 50 AFP officers will be deployed to support critical infrastructure on Friday, as well as 43 Defence Force personnel from Army units based in Townsville.

Mr Morrison said he expected the Australian deployment to last “a matter of weeks”.

“Our purpose here is to provide stability and security to enable the normal constitutional processes, within the Solomon Islands, to be able to deal with the various issues that have arisen,” he said.

???????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ????????????????????

Written by
Admin
-
0
Vehicles being burnt on the streets of Honiara today.

Guadalcanal Province Premier Francis Belande Sade condemns the continuing violence, looting and destruction of properties in Honiara and appeals for peace.

He also calls on the National Government to urgently convene a meeting of Members of Parliament and Provincial Premiers to discuss a solution to the situation.

The violence started on Wednesday following a demonstration calling on the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare to resign. It quickly degenerated into looting and the destruction and burning of properties.

Premier Sade calls on “our people to do the right thing and stop the violence and return to your families and communities.”

He said while he understands that some people might have political disagreements with the Central Government, violence and the destruction of properties are not lawful means of expressing political discontent.

Premier Sade says, “we can resolve our differences in a civil manner and by respecting our country’s laws. We cannot correct a perceived wrong by committing another wrong.”

He said the looting and destruction of properties we now see in Honiara is criminal. It is not a lawful political expression.”

“History shows us that similar incidents in the past have not led to positive outcomes. Instead, they have set our country back decades and brought disrepute to our image internationally,” Premier Sade said.

Meanwhile, Premier Sade appeals to Guadalcanal people to refrain from participating in these criminal activities and ask them to return to their homes and ensure the safety of their families and properties.

He also calls on national and provincial leaders to stop politicizing the events by making statements that could potentially worsen the situation. “As leaders, it is our responsibility to calm the situation and facilitate dialogue,” says the Premier.

Premier Sade also thanked members of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), doctors, nurses and other professionals who are working to ensure the health and safety of our people.

“I know this is a difficult situation. I therefore thank you for your tireless efforts to ensure the safety of properties and people. Please know that your efforts are appreciated,” Premier Sade says.

–GP Media

“Parliament right place to unseat me”: Sogavare

Written by
Admin
-
0
Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare

PRIME Minister, Manasseh Sogavare says any move to remove him can only be done on the floor of Parliament.

He made the statement at a televised conference this evening.

The Prime Minister said he has faith and respect in the democratic process of the country and would defend it with his life.

He further blasted opposing politicians for misleading people with their own agenda.

“Our unsuspecting people have continuously been misled and are victims in this sad and unfortunate situation.

“I do not blame the people who are protesting and rioting, they are citizens of our country, and unfortunately they have been used by certain politicians and individuals to further their own selfish and narrow agendas,” He added.

He said while he has contemplated giving in, the effect of such a decision is what weighs heavy in his heart.

“Are we saying to our young children and youths that whenever we are not happy with those in authority, we take the laws into our own hands? If we do this, it is a very dangerous message to our people and future generations.

“We are effectively saying to our children, take the law into your hands if whenever you are not happy.

“This must never be the message we send nor the conviction we instill in our citizens if we are to progress as a peaceful democracy.

The Prime Minister therefore said he was in contact with the governments of Australia and Papua New Guinea over the matter and assistance is forthcoming.

Australian Prime Minister earlier this evening confirmed that Australia Federal Police and Defence Force will be deployed in the next 24 hours to assist.

A number of business houses east of Honiara were burned down during the course of today. Major businesses such as Bank South Pacific, Island Enterprise and others along the Ranadi Industrial area were looted and torched by angry mobs.

SICCI calls on leaders to dialogue with protesters to defuse situation.

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Burnt our building at Ranadi. PHOTO: William Ekotani

“Private Sector & businesses are becoming victims”

The Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) on behalf of the private sector and the business community is calling on the country’s leaders both in Government and the Parliamentary Opposition to come out and hold dialogue with protesters to immediately defuse the protests, looting and burning down of businesses in Honiara City.

SICCI Board Chairman, Mr. Ricky Fuo’o has condemned the violence seen in the looting and burning down of businesses and call on political leaders both in Government and Opposition to dialogue with protest leaders or protesters to work out a response to put a stop to this.

“This needs to stop as businesses and the private sector are becoming victims of the political unrest. That has to start at the top in terms of political leadership,” he said.

“On behalf of the Chamber and the business community, we call to immediately resolve the issue before it gets out of hand and affects the recovery of private sector in these trying times,” Mr. Fuo’o said.

SICCI also calls our leaders to immediately deal with the root causes of the recent violence, which will take its toll on business confidence and the country’s image as a safe place to do business.

“This is not protest. This is vandalism and acts of criminals.”

“Events like Wednesday and today’s opportunistic violence can have significant negative impacts on business activities as we have witnessed these past two days so as a Chamber, we strongly condemn the disturbances that has occurred.

“The resulting damages can set businesses back in having to rebuild and restock. The costs in non-operating days also impact on the everyday Solomon Islander. In most cases the customer at the end of the chain will meet these costs,” Mr. Fuo’o said.

SICCI reminds leaders that such violence as shown this week will not do anyone any good.

“It will only affect the lives of the innocent people in our communities including women and children.

“It will also affect businesses which provides employment for our local people and in turn provides revenue for the Government to fund much-needed public services including hospitals, schools and roads,” Mr. Fuo’o said.

The least our leaders can do is to work together and find an amical solution to this situation.

-SICCI Media

West Honiara residents against city chaos

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
West Honiara residents providing assistance to local Police.

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

COMMUNITIES in West Honiara have come out in numbers to help protect buildings and other infrastructures within the Central Business District and areas close to them.

Communities within the area today showed solidarity by working alongside with fellow police officers to look after half of the Honiara city spared from the destruction and looting seen east of the capital.

One of the youths when speaking to Island Sun said the lawlessness happening and people resorting to violence and destroying infrastructures is not the way of resolving issues.

“Our innocent people, elderly, mothers and children are now affected because of this situation.

“All communities in Honiara should come out and condemn this action, because it will not do us any good, yes we are not happy with our leaders on whatever decision they made but the situation we are facing now is just too much”, the youth member said.

 However, he also called on leaders as the situation is continuing and why not the leaders come out and solve the problem rather than hiding away from what is happening.

The youth member also called on youths involved to refrain and stay from problem as engaging in such activities has no benefits.

Unhappy youths and protesters have burnt down buildings including Schools, Businesses houses, Banks and shops in the East and Central since Wednesday and is currently continuing.

Australian personals heading here

Written by
Admin
-
0
Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has confirmed Australian personals are on their way to the Solomon Islands.

AUSTRALIAN Police are being deployed to the Solomon Islands to help bring to control the ongoing riots in Honiara.

Australian Prime Minister, Scott Morrision confirmed in a press conference organized in the last hour.

An initial number of Australian Federal Police are already up in the air and moving to Honiara from our base in Townsville, another contingent will be leaving tomorrow,” Prime Minister Morrison said.

He also confirmed that a naval ship will be deployed to assist in the situation.

—MORE UPDATES LATER

1...781782783...1,663Page 782 of 1,663