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Tale of backpacker turned Gizo businessman

Written by
Ben Bilua
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Danny Kennedy outside the Gizo Hotel. Photo Supplied

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

ADVENTURES are full of surprises; some cannot never be forgotten for years. The world is full of surprises and human beings must step out from their comfort zone to see what the world can offer.

This is what happened to a backpacker who left his home country in 1985 on an adventure to explore Solomon Islands.

His journey exposed him to the beautiful islands and people of Solomon Islands where he chose to become a citizen.

This is the story of Danny Kennedy, owner of Dive Gizo. He has run his business in Gizo for over 35 years.

With curiosity about his history, I sat down with Kennedy for a chat and I nailed it! Striking a conversation which brings back Kennedy’s fond memories of when he first set foot in the Solomon Islands.

“I first came to Solomon Islands in 1985 as a backpacker tourist. Back then there were no invasion of destructive development like logging. The Islands were beautiful with diverse resources.

“Not to forget the lovely people of Solomon Islands. I was young and strong then so I travelled to quite a few Islands in Solomon Islands. I’ve been to Malaita, Tulagi and of course Western Province,” Kennedy said.

He said his adventure brought lots of mix feelings one of which is to venture into tourism with much focus on diving.

Danny Kennedy second from right at Dive Gizo Office in Gizo

After spending sometimes in the country, Kennedy went back and return with his much anticipated plan that is to establish a Dive Shop at Gizo.

His plan went successfully and he set up a little Diving Shop now called Dive Gizo.

“I’m a dive instructor so the first time I visited Solomon Islands, I went with some of my friends on diving expeditions in a numbers of sites. I can’t express what I saw, the corals, fish and other marine resources are spectacular.

“The underwater world in Solomon Islands is different and that caught my attention,” he said.

The year that followed, Dive Gizo became one of the leading Diving destinations for tourists in Solomon Islands.

Being the first to establish in Solomon Islands, the news spread to the outside world which led to tourists flooding into the country trying to get a glimpse of Solomon Islands’ underwater world.

“It was gold, in the early days of my business and I managed to invest more and expands my business.

Coral Reefs in Western Province. Photo taken from Dive Gizo Website

“I managed to build few properties in Gizo and also help in provincial development undertakings.

“My contributions to the economy of this country helped be me to become a citizen, to which I’m proud off until today,” Kennedy said.

At one stage of his life as a Solomon Islander, Kennedy entered into politics at the provincial level winning three times as a Provincial Member.

He said he is not a fan of politics but became one due to suggestions from locals and he was happy to contribute towards Western Provincial assembly.

According to Kennedy, doing business in Solomon Islands has been a challenge with little opportunities for tourism operators.

“I’ve heard leaders talking about tourism development for years but there is not much happening on the ground.

“I’m of the view that the tourism industry is one of the sectors that is going to help drive the country’s economy if there is more support granted to the sector.

Underwater world of Solomon Islands. Photo supplied

“Solomon Islands for that matter has all that is required to put tourism on the world chat. We have beautiful islands, corals reefs, fish, birds, reptiles and many more as potential markets. Furthermore, we have a huge potential on other tourism activities like surfing.

“All these opportunities can be achieved and all these resources can be maximized if there is political will to drive tourism development in this country,” he said.

As a long time diver in Solomon Islands waters, Kennedy said Solomon Islands underwater world has the best offer to the outside world.

He said diving is one of the most attractive activities that brings tourists to Solomon Islands.

“There are marine species that counts as specific surprise for tourists. We have the beautiful corals and reefs that cannot be found nowhere in the world.

“I’ve been diving in Solomon Islands waters for over 35 years and I’ve been greeted by new things each day I go under water,” Kennedy said.

While all the glamorous adventures put Kennedy and his business on the top of diving business in Solomon Islands, the pandemic has crippled his business.

Border restriction has stopped tourists from travelling which is a major blow not only to Dive Gizo but also other tourism operators.

“My business had survived many crises but the pandemic is the worst one ever. I’ve survived the ethnic tension and the 2007 Tsunami. I was able to bounce back quickly with business operation and recover.

“This pandemic is different, I’ve lost my employees due to limited financial resource some of my employees were forced to stop working while others are on casual basis. It’s a sad decision but I have no choice but to do what’s best for my business to open its door,” he said.

Kennedy said the pandemic and also challenges in running a business in Solomon Islands has taken its toll on him and that he is planning to deracinate his business and look for new opportunities somewhere.

“As I’ve said, doing business here is very expensive and challenging. Everything is expensive, from electricity to other bills and I thing I had enough.

“My decision will be based on how I can survive this pandemic and also the growing expenses of doing business here,” he said.

Dive Gizo not only contributes to the country’s tourism industry but also provide employment for locals.

Last week, Dive Gizo officially opened its new office.

Danny Kennedy far right with Provincial Minister of Tourism cut the ribbon to officially open Dive Gizo new Office (1)

For those with an interest in history, Dive Gizo have researched the local WWII war history in Washington, USA, and have information on well-known subjects, such as John F. Kennedy and the PT109.

Diving highlights are the intact Japanese transport Toa Maru, three WWII aircraft, unlimited wall diving, coral gardens and exciting drift dives for the more experienced divers.

Bush walks to WWII land sites, village tours and bird watching excursions can be arranged.

Dive Gizo assisted the Institute for Exploration headed by Dr Robert Ballard and National Geographic in their successful search for the remains of PT109 in 2002.

Dive Gizo has well-trained local drivers who have the potential to help in underwater activities.

MTGPEA commences review

Written by
Press Release
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MTGPEA staff group photo at the workshop

The Ministry of Traditional Governance, Peace and Ecclesiastical Affairs has commenced its scoping workshop towards a broader review process of its Human Resources Development Plan (HRDP) 2013-2017.

The review was held on Wednesday, 15 December 2021 at the Rock Haven conference room.

The workshop was held internally for the Ministry staff with presentations from the Ministry of Public Service and Solomon Islands Tertiary and Skills Authority.

Speaking at the official opening of the workshop, Permanent Secretary, Peter Mae conveyed his appreciation to all staff for attending the HRDP review scoping workshop.

 “Your presence continues to demonstrate our corporate effort towards the implementation of the ministry’s key priority activities for 2021 – for which this said review scoping in this workshop is part of”.

Group work at the HRDP workshop policy planning division

 The Permanent Secretary also acknowledged the efforts of past officers who were instrumental in leading and facilitating the developing process and the completion of this HRDP 2013-2017, which is the first Human Resource Development Plan of the ministry.

 Cabinet in early 2013 endorsed the said HRDP and was amongst the first few ministries at that time to have such a strategic pathway in building and strengthening the intellectual capacity of the ministry.

 He also highlighted that with the current Ministry’s HRDP, the Ministry has made progress and attainment in the building and strengthening of its intellectual capacity and program development.

PS Peter Mae deliver his openning remark at the MTGPEA HRDP review workshop

Few of these are the establishment of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute (MPI), the establishment of the research capability framework with SINU Research department, undertaking professional peacebuilding upskilling trainings in New Zealand, Philippines, the Eastern Mennonite University in US and long-term academic studies at USP and SINU by its staff.

He further highlighted that given the newly emerging social, economic and political challenges at the national, regional and international level, this has given the need for competency and resilience of the ministry including the importance to keep relevant and the ability to act rightly in the midst of these compounding impacts and shifts, and to the furthest extent to effectively deliver its functions and mandate and as well for a well-resourced and equipped workforce.

Group presentation at the HRDP workshop

The Permanent Secretary further reiterated to all attending officers that this is an opportunity and to draw our acts together and map out for the next four or so years on how the ministry can be seen as futuristic in its institutional and ethical obligation and aspirations including the development of its workforce in order to keep relevant and competent.

And further so, encouraged all the attending staff to render their most valuable and resourceful inputs and to provoke meaningful discussions in this review scoping workshop in order to collaboratively reach a well-represented and realistic reviewed Human Resources Development Plan for the next four years.

—MTGPEA

Churches assist Chinese families

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Press Release
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LOCAL faith-based organizations have teamed up to assist Chinese families affected by the recent unrest in Honiara.

In a statement this week, The Church Agencies Network for Disaster Operations (CANDO) comprising of the Solomon Islands Christian Association (SICA), Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACoM), South Seas Evangelical Church (SSEC), United Church Solomon Islands (UCSI), ADRA for Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) and Caritas Solomon Islands for Catholic Church (CC) (CANDO) said it is working in the interest of Collaborating and Coordinating in the humanitarian sector to enhance community resilience to disaster and conflict.

These faith-based organisations have responded by involving in humanitarian activities in an effort to assist the Chinese families who have been affected by the recent social unrest with local garden food items.

More than 80 Chinese families who have lost their businesses and homes were displaced and are temporarily sheltering with other Chinese families in and around Honiara.  These Chinese victims are still in trauma at this point of time and their freedom of movements in the public spaces has been denied because of fear and insecurity.

This is where the Church Agencies Network for Disaster Operations (CANDO) in its collaborative effort continues to response and facilitates the collection of local food items from communities in both East and North West Guadalcanal.

 This week on Wednesday the 15th of December is the second batch of fresh garden food items collected from communities in East and West Guadalcanal, communities that responded includes; Maravovo, Marubo, DiViT RTC, Doma,Vatukulau 1&2, Masa, Ghorabau and Komavoghi .

The final round of local food assistance will be on the 22nd December 2021, and will continue depending on the needs of the affected families.

 Coordinator of CANDO program, Lionel Dau has stated that the humanitarian actions taken by the kind-hearted people in our communities have reflected the true love of Christ for us Christians to live by daily.

Those that are affected should not be neglected especially in such a challenging time like this.  In spite of everything, we need to understand that “humanity has no borders” regardless of ethnic group, race, color, creed, religion, and social status.

Malaita gets major share of PCDF

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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(L-R) Actiung Premier of Malaita province, Hon Lenty, Minister, Hon Seleso, Faiako School Princpal, Mr Jones and MPA for ward 3, Hon Martin Fini are cutting the ribbon to officially open and hand over a project at Faiako, Malaita this year.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MALAITA Province has received the biggest portion of the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) since 2014.

Originally, the Provincial Government Strengthening Programme (PGSP) under the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening has delivered 1500 projects, totaled up to $500 million since 2008.

Minister Rollen Seleso said since 2014, the PCDF allocations for all provinces totaled to $350 million.

He said out of this, Malaita has received $63 million, which is 18 percent of the whole allocation.

“Most of the provinces received below 10 percent,” he said.

Seleso said out of the 1500 projects since 2008, Malaita has received nearly 200 projects, costing nearly $80 million in terms of the formular and distributions the province has received so much funds and projects in comparison with other provinces.

“The benefit of the projects is obvious and has real impacts in the lives of the people in the communities.

“It is obvious the PCDF changes the physical features of all our provincial headquarters. It has built fishery centres and water supply for certain communities,” he added.

Seleso said a community hall of a village in Ambu near Auki is now complete and ready to officially handed over to Leader of Opposition Mathew Wale’s community in early next year.

He said this project costs around $1.5 million and will benefit the community including schools and church administration as well.

“It must be noted that the community in Ambu has struggled for more than 40 years to have such infrastructure, but thanks to the PCDF, the people of Ambu will now benefit from this programme,” he said.

He said there was another project funded under the PCDF in Fataleka in Ward 5 which was officially handed over to the community already.

Under the PCDF, the projects funded comes in many forms including classrooms, staff house, clinics, small jetties, small bridges, fishery centres, copra shades, storage facility, women resource centre, provincial government office, Provincial Assembly chambers, markets, and the list goes on and on.

Seleso said according to the design of the programme, it is performance based.

“The more you perform better, the more you receive in terms of funding and more projects.

“The formular of the project is designed in such a way where population play a decision in this funding,” he said.

Seleso said it is obvious that the province with bigger population such as Guadalcanal, Western Province and Malaita Province benefited a lot from the distribution of this PCDF.

In addition, Seleso said because of its attractive model, the PCDF has attracted donors including European Union, World  Bank and agencies such as UNDP, UNICEF, UNCDF, and other friends including DFAT and Japan.

“Negotiations are currently underway and we are grateful, there are potential that the PCDF will be funded with our partner with about $200 million USD for the next five years.

“The beneficiary includes health, education, and productive sectors as the redirection policy of the government,” he said.

Seleso said more focus will be on the economic growth and productive sector in the next five years.

“We will ensure provinces, communities and individuals engage more in economic and income generating activities,” he added.

Failed Malaita motion to be probed: Seleso

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

The Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening will probe into the failed motion of no confidence and passage of a budget by Malaita Provincial Assembly recently.

This after the non-executive members could not table the motion of no confidence against Premier Suidani due to public protest in Auki.

As a result, the mover Elijah Asilaua has withdrawn the motion to avoid further national security issue.

In addition, the Malaita Province government has passed its budget without the security of the Public Accounts Committee after the members have resigned.

Minister Rollen Seleso told Parliament last week they will further probe into this and seek dialogues with the provincial government concerned and hopefully rectify the anomalies.

Seleso said despite Western and Choiseul province have new executives following their political impasse, he was saddened with the recent event had occurred at Auki in November 2021 in the name of peaceful protest that has hindered the Assembly meeting from convened.

“As a minister responsible, I am deeply concerned about this event unfold and may impact on the Provincial Government Act.

“And I will cordially bring this matter with the province concern so that the issue can be ironed out,” he said.

Furthermore, he is also concern about some revised budgets that have not gone through the right process.

“By this I mean not following the proper scrutiny of the provision required under the Provincial Public Accounts Committee and properly debated in the provincial Assembly.

“Such matter should be brought up to the attention of the Ministry before being tabled in the Assembly Chamber,” he added.

Eighteen-year-old denies stealing gold chain necklace

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

A girl, 18, accused of stealing a gold-chain and JBL blutooth speaker on an unknown date in September this year has pleaded not guilty to the charge of larceny yesterday.

This is the case of Nicola Taru of Santa Anna Makira Ulawa Province and she is charged with one count of larceny in dwelling house.

When appeared in court yesterday before Principal Magistrate Felix Hollision, Ms Taru deny the charge and a pre-trial conference is set to be conducted on her case.

The case will come back to court today for the PTC to be conducted.

The allegation against the accused said that on an unknown date between 1st of September 2021 to 30th September 2021, the defendant Taru went into the complaint room at King Solomon Girl’s hostel in Honiara and took away 1x JBL blutooth speaker and 1 x gold chain necklace.

Police said at that time the complainant was away from her room and went to her sister at Tandai in west Honiara, on her return from her sister’s residence she went back to her room at King Solomon Girl’s hostel and found that her JBL blutooth speaker and her gold chain necklace was missing from the room.

Later on, in September 2021, the complainant went back to her sister’s house at Tandai and she saw her gold chain was on the accused’s neck.

It was at that time she told her daughter to ask the accused where she got the gold chain from, the defendant said that a male person by the name of Junior bought it for her at one of the Chinese shops at Chinatown.

Police also said the complainant upon hearing that the chain was bought by Junior, asked Junior but Junior denied buying any chain for the accused.

The gold chain necklace cost at $500SBD and JBL blutooth speaker cost at $2000 SBD.

The complainant them reported the matter to the police and the accused was charged for simple larceny.

Police also alleged that there was some admission made during the record of interview by the accused.

Police Prosecutor Iete Tebakota prosecutes the case in court.

Pfizer launched in Honiara

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

THE Pfizer-Biontech COVID-19 vaccine was successfully launched and rolled out in Honiara yesterday at the National Referral Hospital.

These vaccines have been prioritised for youths aged 12 to 17 and pregnant mothers.

Speaking to the official launching event Director US Embassy office in Solomon Islands, Russell Comeau said these vaccines represent a critical step in the fight against COVID-19 and the journey back to normalcy here in the country.

A female nurse withdraws the vaccine from the vial

“The first jab of the Pfizer vaccine today represents a next step towards reopening-smartly, safely and securely-with every eligible individual-man, woman, and child in Solomon Islands vaccinated against COVID-19,” 

Minister for Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Dr Culwick Togamana said the ministry is delighted to wrap up 2021 by launching 2021 important health preserving life serving opportunity especially for our children as well as expecting mothers.

“This Pfizer vaccine is not difference to difference to Sinopharm as well as the AstraZeneca that we have already used in the country but the beauty of this Pfizer is that children age 12 and below 18 can receive it because it is safe as well as for pregnant mothers”.

Minister for Health Dr Culwick delivers the key note address

“It is so kind of the US government to provide this vaccine for us 100,620 Pfizer vaccine doses that will allow and provide the opportunity for segment of our population who may not be able to vaccinated using the AstraZeneca as well as the Sinopahrm and that I’m grateful for,” Togamana said.    

 Dr Sevil Huseynova World Health Organisation country representative said the official launch of this vaccine is a prodigious achievement for the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and for the people of Solomon Islands. “It marks the day where we have an opportunity to fight against the common enemy, the coronavirus,” Huesynova said

Malaita received more grant from MPGIS than others.

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Rollen Seleso

By EDDIE OSIFELO

MALAITA Province has received $146 million of the total $639 million fixed grant from the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening since 2009.

This is 23 percent of the total allocation provided by MPGIS to all the provinces.

Minister Rollen Seleso told Parliament during the Sine Die motion last week that this was the biggest allocation due to the population factor.

“But Malaita also shares the geographical challenge faced by all provinces as well which has severely impact service delivery mechanism including transport and communication.

“Service grants are used for utilities, bills and normal operations plus salary and wages for all direct staff,” he said.

In addition to the grants, Seleso said provinces have also received revenue through their own source revenue including basic rates, property rates and passengers’ levies and other fees and licenses.

“To make unfold claims that province do not receive grants and expense for their own operations would be unfair and bias since this grant allocation has been the main functions of the Ministry since the establishment of the Provincial Government Act.

“On top of these grant allocations and operation expense allocations, the Ministry also work with Provincial Governments on how best revenue can be utilized and share,” he said.

Seleso said this is the main demand of the provincial government in ensuring the proceeding that came out of the National Revenue be allocated to provinces to determine their own operations.

“In addition to the mandate and allocated functions, this is what the Ministry has been working very hard on, particularly on the area of absorption, capacity where provinces must be able to receive capacity, expertise and capabilities require to tackle this bigger responsibility,” he added.

PM highlights importance of unity

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Press Release
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare. Photo supplied.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare spoke strongly of the need to maintain national unity no matter whatever we do as a nation.

The Prime Minister made the reminder during the celebration of the Western Province’s Second Appointed Day in Gizo this week.

Prime Minister Sogavare emphasized the importance of caring for each other as one nation and one people.

“The challenge that we are grappling with as a nation is to ensure that whatever we do, we do not undermine our National Unity and that our collective responsibility to look after each other as one nation and one people is maintained”, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare said.

PM Sogavare further added that together as one nation and one people is a commitment that we have declared to the world through our national anthem.

“This is a commitment we expressed to the world through our National Anthem. We reminded ourselves with these words: “Our Solomon Islands, Our Solomon Islands, Our Nation Solomon Islands Stands Forevermore”, the Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare strongly emphasized.

The Prime Minister thanked the Western Province’s past and present leaders’ for their humility and leadership in putting up with the unfairness over the years and remain resolute in ensuring that as a country we remain one nation.

 PM Sogavare further highlighted that with the prevalent view for state government system, that should not take away the notion of one nation.

He pointed out that he is hopeful that the new state government system will still build a united country even though, resource wise, other provinces are more ready than few others.

 “I would like to be optimistic that the new state government system will strengthen our solidarity and unity, and stronger states will translate into a stronger country. Some provinces are more ready than others to become states but since all provinces are calling for this state system, it is becoming very difficult not to take heed of these calls,” Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stressed.

PM Sogavare reiterated his personal trust in God that through Him as a nation we can navigate through the new journey that we intend to partake in.

“I pray that as we move forward we do not lose sight of what hold us together as a family of Solomon Islanders. I put my faith and trust in our Father in Heaven to be the guiding light of wisdom as we move forward together on this new journey,” the Prime Minister stated.

—OPMC

Bishop Seka retires

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Press Release
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Bishop Seka lying down the pastoral staff on the alter

THE Right Rev Ben Seka, Bishop of the Diocese of Central Solomons (DOCS) in the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) officially laid down the diocesan Pastoral staff that was handed to him when he was consecrated Bishop of the diocese on February 20, 2011.

The laying down of the pastoral staff on the altar of the Diocesan Cathedral symbolises the act of relinquishing the authority vested upon him as the Diocesan Bishop of Central Solomons.

During the laying down of the Pastoral staff, the Retired Bishop said; “In compliance with the requirements of the Laws of the Anglican Church of Melanesia, I do hereby relinquish the authority vested upon me as the Diocesan Bishop of Central Solomons, by laying the Pastoral staff of this diocese on the Altar of this Diocesan Cathedral.”

Seka is the second Bishop of the diocese succeeding the late Bishop Charles Koete.

He served as Bishop of DOCS for 11 years. He was the Principal of Bishop Patteson Theological College (BPTC), Kohimarama when he was elected Bishop.

Procession to the Alter

Archbishop of ACOM, the Most Rev Leonard Dawea in his acknowledgment speech after the ceremony, thanked Bishop Seka for his enormous contributions to the ACOM as a Priest and Bishop.

“Seka participated in various provincial decision-making bodies of the Church including the General Synod, Executive Council, Council of Bishops (CoB), Diocesan and Provincial electoral boards. Given his heavy involvement in these important decision-making bodies, it is not hard to see the extent of Bp. Seka’s influence in the life of the ACoM over the last 11 years.” Dawea said.

Retired Bishop Seka also thanked the ACOM and all members of the church for the support rendered to him and his family during his term as an active Priest and Bishop of the ACOM.

Archbishop Leonard, retired Bishop Seka and clergy after the service

“To my diocesan staff who have been with me in the past and those who have just came into the diocese; we have shared, worshipped and celebrated together in the past 11 years. I thank you for your unceasing love and support in one way or the other. It’s time for me to move so that another Bishop will come and continue the work that God has chosen him to carry on.”

He also thanked the Member of Parliament for Ngella Constituency, Bartholomew Parapolo; the Premier, Stanley Manetiva and the Central Islands Provincial Government, other sister churches, business houses and stakeholders in Central Islands Province for the excellent working relationship, and the support rendered to the Diocese of Central Solomons during his eleven years as bishop of the diocese.

“Without your support, DOCS will not be able to achieve some of the achievements we have seen in the diocese.”

Newly commissioned Bishop Seka building

Representatives from the various parishes, districts, ministerial groups, institutions and family members have all echoed the same sentiment of acknowledgement to the retired Bishop for his fine achievements in the diocese and the whole church.

The newly completed and commissioned Bishop Seka Building that will house the diocesan head office with huge conference rooms both upstairs and ground floor, with kitchens and other amenities is one major achievement of Bishop Seka before retiring.

The Archbishop calls on the whole church to pray for Bishop Seka and his family as they take on a well-deserved retirement.

Bishop Seka will be succeeded by Rev. Stephen Koete (Bishop-Elect) who will be consecrated bishop on 27 February 2022. The Archbishop will be the supervising bishop of the diocese during this period of transition.

–ACOM PRESS

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