THE Political maneuvering within the Malaita Provincial Executive is set for another test as Member of Provincial Assembly for ward 20, Jimmy Rerehe wants no part in Daniel Suidani’s regime.
This is despite being picked to fill one of the six positions vacant following the resignation of six MPAs earlier this week.
And in doing so, Mr Rerehe reject statements by Premier Suidani claiming him as part of the six joining the MARA government.
In an interview with this paper yesterday, Rerehe said what Premier Suidani announced was misleading.
“I was never consulted to join MARA by any his supporters or by the Premier.
He said the Premier is still in Australia and at no time has he been invited or approached to join MARA.
“I still remain on the opposition side of the government and I am surprised to see my name printed in the media that I was part of the six replacing those six who resigned from MARA.
“I don’t want Premier Suidani’s leadership style as all decisions made were not collective decisions from the executive, but from himself and his advisor”, Mr Rerehe said.
Premier Daniel Suidani on Tuesday this week announced picking six MPAs from the non-executive side to replace the six executive members who had resigned early this week.
He claimed that Jimmy Rerehe (Ward 20) was to replace Hon Alick Ofo’Ofo Jnr as new minister for climate change.
Rerehe also said Premier Suidani should not mislead the people with his statements as there were no consultations done with him to join his executive.
Bishop, Priests and Seminarians cutting the cake marking the 25th Anniversary and Feast of the Blessed Mother Mary
The Catholic Bishop, Priests and local Seminarian brothers from 3 dioceses in Solomon Islands celebrated the Feast of the Holy Name of Mary and 25th Anniversary of the Holy Name of Mary Seminary (HNMS) at HNMS, Tenaru over the weekend.
The celebration began with a procession of the Blessed Mary’s Statue, followed with the Holy Eucharistic Mass lively animated by the Seminarian students, and representatives from the 3 dioceses.
The celebration was officiated by Catholic first local Bishop, His Lordship Peter Hou Hou of Auki Diocese representing the two Bishops His Grace Archbishop Chris Cardone OP and Bishop Luciano Capelli.
In his Homily, he reflects on the formation of Seminary in Solomon Islands. The challenges and sacrifices the Bishops made to start this Seminary.
Joined His Lordship Bishop Peter Houhou(center) of Auki was priests from the 3 Dioceses
He acknowledges the Vincentian Fathers who agrees to look after the Seminary and the students who are willing to join the Priestly vocation.
He also reflected on the story of the Blessed mother Mary, and told the Christians about the Holy Name of Mary.
Mary was true daughter of Joachim and Anna, a true Mother of Jesus Christ. She has to make decisions every minute in her life. And the hardest decision was to accept the challenge to become the mother of the Savior.
‘The Angel came to her and said; “Peace be with you! The Lord is with you and had greatly blessed you!” Mary was deeply troubled by the angels’ message, and wondered what his words meant. The angel then said to her. “Don’t be afraid Mary; God has been gracious to you. You will become pregnant and gave birth to a son and you will name him Jesus” (LK 1:26-30)
Blessing of the Eucharist
Bishop Peter continued challenged the seminarians the parents and guidance of the seminarians on the way Mary followed Jesus in all his suffering and died on the cross.
“We honor Mary the way showed courage, humility and faith in God from the time her acceptance in the message of the angel to the last moment of Christ on the cross”.
“She was there with John when Jesus said; Woman this is your son, and to John; this is your mother. (Jn 19: 25-27) We honor Mary because she said; “I am the Lord’s servant, may it happen to me as you said.”(LK 1:38.) Because of the name MARY, her many hard challenges humility and faith in God, we have the Savior”.
Procession o f the word by St. Vincent Burnscreek community
“Therefore, the church see the important role of Mary’s life because it is through her faithfulness, undying faith and humility of saying yes to God has given us a Savior who died for our sins”
He added that the priests and Christians must be servants and are here to serve Gods people.
The Celebration ended with the Cutting of the Anniversary Cake, Feasting and entertainments.
FIVE voters of Gizo Kolombangara have accused their Member of Parliament, Lanelle Tanangada, over what they described as “inhuman treatment” towards them while in Honiara.
This after Tanangada reportedly refused to meet them on five occasions at her home and office to discuss their issues.
Spokesperson for the group, Ishmael Ropu said they came to Honiara in August to seek assistance from their MP to assist 14 boys in the constituency to get passports in order to travel and work in Australia under the Seasonal Labour Scheme.
He said it is important to help the boys engaged in useful activities than leaving them in engage in anti-social behaviour in the village.
“When we went to her home, she refused to meet us but instead sent her cleaner to talk to us,” Ropu claimed.
“She even did not give us water to drink at her home,” he added.
Ropu said this is very disrespectful because Tanangada, who is also the Minister of Education and Human Resources, should at least come out and hear their request.
“The MP is our in-law.
“The attitude she displays is not respectful because some of us come from the line of chiefs and leaders,” he said.
Ropu said the MP only gave them $400 to pay things during the lockdown period.
He said how can someone survive with $400 in the town.
“Some of us borrowed money to come to town,” he said.
Ropu said it is very shameful because the MP for South New Georgia, Rendova Tetepare, Danny Philip, and MP West New Georgia-Vona Vona, Silas Tausinga have assisted them during their stay in town.
In addition, Ropu, who owns Pine Metal Work that make iron, cooking platform, cloth line and coconut husk, said he sought assistance from their MP to compensate the costs of his business.
“I spent about $17, 470 to make the products and share to some friends in Gizo for free.
“I sent a proposal to our Constituency Development Officer for an assistance of $18,000 to support me in my business because I do it for the people,” he said.
However, Ropu said the CDO told him that there was no application received by the office.
As such, Ropu said in the coming election, the MP is likely to expect an unpleasant reception if she ever turns up at Kena, Hunda and Pine villages.
“We are ready to confront her in the upcoming election campaign,” he said.
Ropu claimed during her term, there was no development like sanitations and others in the three villages.
He said most of the developments were made by the people in the villages without the support of their MP.
“What our MP said during the last election campaign are just empty promises.
“So, this election we are thinking of shifting our votes to another candidate,” he said.
Island Sun sent a text to Minister Tanangada but has not receive any reply from her yesterday.
She also rejected a call we made to her mobile phone.
However, CDO for Gizo Kolombangara, Harold Amiki said there is no money from the Government receive by his office to assist the people.
He said they are still waiting for Government grants.
Amiki said they only received education grant, which was already distributed to recipients.
Island Sun understand MP Tanangada has arrived back in Honiara after attending the sixth National Education Conference in Gizo last week.
New City Clerk Justus Denni (2nd right) with the Mayor Eddie Siapu, Deputy Mayor Cr. Robert Oge, Works Director Eddie Gaza, Cr. Charles Aiwosuga and Legal Officer Vincent Kohata (far right) during the signing
Honiara City Council New City Clerk Justus Denni official assumed duties as of yesterday.
Denni was appointed by the HCC’s Executive and approved by the Full Council following the formal process of selection done by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
In welcoming the new clerk, Mayor Eddie Siapu said his Executive, HCC Management and staff are pleased to have him to his new appointment within the HCC Administration.
“Let me congratulate our New City Clerk, Mr Justus Denni.
“Denni, you are not new to the administration of Local Government. Your previous experiences as the Provincial Secretary for Guadalcanal Province will greatly assist in the administration of Local Government in the City Council.
“Denni, you are not new to the administration of Solomon Islands Government. Again, your previous connections as the Permanent Secretary of Traditional Governance and Ecclesiastical Affairs will build and strengthen the net-workings of the City Council with the National Government of Solomon Island.
“Let me add with more emphasis, that Honiara City Council needs your experience and qualifications to move the agendas of the Council forward. Congratulations and we welcome you on board with open arms as you manage the Administration of the Council,” Siapu added.
In response, Denni thanked Mayor Siapu, his Executive and the Full Council for the trust and confidence they have for his appointment.
“It’s a challenging position but I look forward in serving the Council and the people within Honiara City.
“I will be guided by the intentions of the Executive and Governance, and also I have the core administration team and all departments within HCC which I look forward in working together with them as a team in taking HCC forward.
“Honiara is our home and we must make it pleasant and a liveable city for all.
“As the new City Clerk, I’m looking forward in bringing together citizens, stakeholders, churches, business houses, Government Ministries and communities to have a mechanism in place to allow us to work together,” Denni said.
Denni is from Guadalcanal Province. He replaces former City Clerk Rence Sore.
A group of Kwara’ae men who claim to be ex-combatants in the 2000 ethnic tension have voiced continued support for Malaita’s MARA government.
This group also has distanced itself from Moses Su’u, an ex-combatant from Kwara’ae who recently made headlines when he reconciled with the national government.
The Kwara’ae group held a meeting to consolidate their position on Sunday, Sept 12, at Gilbert Camp.
Their spokesman, Jezirel Mane, said they will not work together with Su’u, alleging he is involved in ‘dishonest’ dealings.
“We stand together with the Premier of Malaita Province Honorable Daniel Suidani and his government,” Mane explained.
“We will continue to stand together with MARA government and the Malaitans who supported MARA leadership, but not with those Malaitans that wants to disturb its leadership said Mane.
“Claims that Moses Su’u voice out in the media saying Kwara’ae x-combatants will not stand together with the Malaitans who want to stage any protests or petitions against DCGA gov’t is true, but we will not tolerate evil practices or work together with phony decision makings.
“It’s time to do things right for the betterment of our future generations, and not just like fools say one thing good on the other hand, but do things opposite of what they are saying.”
Meanwhile, responding to Mane’s claims, Su’u in an interviewed said it’s time for change thus Malaitans should be ironing out differences and move the province and the nation forward.
“We should now put our differences aside and work together for the common good of the people of Malaita province, and the country as a whole.
“We are running out of time, time is very important for such developments, but if we continue to drag or disturbing ourselves with such negative approaches we will not going anywhere.”
He defends his collaboration with the national government, saying:
“Reconciliation is vital for us in such trying times, we need to come together and work closely with our national government.”
Vaccination will no longer take place at the central field hospital (CFH).
This exercise ceased last week to allow the field hospital to resume its purpose as an isolation centre.
This was revealed by Ministry of Health and Medical Service office statement yesterday.
“All vaccination activates at the field hospital ceased as of last week with work soon to commence to return the hospital to an isolation ward.
“This will involve finalization of the work plan and workflow within the CFH including the systems and standard operating procedures, to be followed by the patients and health workers who will man the hospital,” the statement said.
This is to safeguard all slightest possibility of patients transmitting the virus to health workers is addressed.
Following the closure of the CFH, public are advised to receive their COVID-19 vaccination at the three sites in Honiara, the Children’s Park at Rove, space below Holy Cross opposite the ministry of infrastructure development and the Kukum field below Mbua Valley School.
Ministry of Health and Medical Services will inform accordingly as fixed vaccination sites in Honiara move.
Standing: PS Health Pauline McNeil and World Bank Health Specialist/Economist Wayne j. Irava. Sitting from left, Newly recruited staff of the MHMS PMU Phillipe Bukah, Financial Management Officer, Unity Kofana, Procurement Officer, Louisa Fakaia Project Manager & Jahreth Limarii Environment, Social, Health Safety and Community Engagement Officer.
THE Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) says it has established its Project Management Unit (PMU).
This unit, the ministry added, will start the implementation of the $40 million COVID-19 Emergency Response Project that was announced at the end of 2020.
“PMU will coordinate the overall implementation of the project and the management of its resources to ensure that the project development objectives are achieved in time and with quality,” a statement from the ministry said.
“With the completion of the office set up and key staff recruited, a welcome ceremony coinciding with launch of the unit was held today at the Ministry of Health’s headquarters where the newly recruited staff got the chance to meet with MHMS Senior Executive Management (SEM) and MHMS corporate staff including World Bank representatives,” it added.
Permanent Secretary McNeil at the event highlighted the importance of the unit.
“With increased donor funding towards our ongoing COVID-19 preparedness and response, the coordination, management and utilization of these funds is a challenge as the number of staff, which includes those of planning, finance, procurement etc. remained the same as pre COVID.
“Therefore, having this unit will greatly enable the ministry to properly coordinate and effectively utilize the funds for timely implementation of the project.
“More importantly, with the substantial amount of the project funds, the MHMS requires a dedicated team to provide the coordination, management, and tracking progress of the project’s deliverables.
“Having a Project management at the Ministry of Health is critical in ensuring timely implementation and execution of key MHMS projects and development.
“I am hoping that we can learn as much from this setup so that we can replicate for key strategic projects including the NRH Improvement and Development and other provincial projects.
“That said, I wish to express sincere thanks to World Bank for the support rendered which will greatly enhance our capacity and capability to prepare and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and more importantly continue to enhance health systems across the country.”
Meanwhile, McNeil encouraged the PMU team to strive for excellence as the set-up is first of its kind and therefore can be used to demonstrate how we can better manage, utilize and report on donor funding’s received.
The Health Permanent Secretary also acknowledged the support from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, who provided significant inputs into the initial negotiations with the bank that led to the funding support.
Wayne Irava, Health Specialist and Economist, from the World Bank who also attended the launch said that World Bank is very pleased to be supporting the ministry in its response and preparedness efforts towards the pandemic but also contributing towards strengthening the health system.
“Therefore, while this COVID-19 presents us with many challenges it has also offered us opportunities to partner, cooperate and collaborate with each other and in this case, partnership between World Bank and the Solomon Island Ministry of Health,” Irava said.
“We can all appreciate that this is a new project and the success of it all very much lies in our commitment and dedication towards the project.
“Thus, I wish the Ministry the very best with the new PMU unit now established and we are here to work alongside and support you,” Irava stated.
The PMU launch also include brief description and outline of the Project by the Project Manager Louisa Fakaia, who also assured of the unit’s commitment and determination towards the achieving expected outcomes set out in the project’s work plan.
The $40 million COVID-19 Emergency Response Project comprised of three key components.
First is the Emergency COVID-19 Preparedness and Response, which is to provide immediate support to implement prevention, preparedness and emergency response activities for COVID-19 across all levels of health facilities across the provinces.
Second is health system strengthening aimed at supporting health systems strengthening activities to ensure continuity of delivery of critical health services and to cope with the surge in demand for care posed by COVID-19.
Third component is Project Implementation and Management Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) which will support management and M&E of project activities and outputs.
Economic Association of Solomon Islands President, Reuben Tovutovu
ECONOMIC Association of Solomon Islands (EASI) has achieved a lot since 2016 up until now.
New elected President, Rueben Tovutovu highlighted this during his presentation at EASI Annual General Meeting at Heritage Park Hotel last Thursday.
Tovutovu said some of the achievements of EASI since November 2016 are:
April 2017: Undertaken research to quantify the cost and impact of traffic congestion in Honiara with the Ministry of Infrastructure & Development, and Ministry of Lands and Housing.
Attended the launching of ADB’s flagship report, The Asian Development outlook 2017.
Hosted a seminar on ‘Public Finance reform’. – presenter Gordon Darcy Lilo.
June 2017: Co-hosted a seminar with SICCI on Honiara’s traffic congestion.
September 2017: Collaborated with SICCI on the review of PAYE tax with Ministry of finance and treasury (MoFT).
2017: SINU seminar talks on the theme ‘Economics and Finance’. – Dr. Luke Forau.
January 2018: Paid a courtesy call to the Prime Minister.
March 2018: Country partnership framework.
: Australian Volunteer for development programme.
March 2018 (23rd) – presentation by the Deputy prime minister – Leadership and Development in Solomon Islands.
April 2018: ICT events budget panelist.
2019: Seminar Presentation with Tourism Solomons
2019: Collaborated with SICCI on a written submission to reduce electricity tariffs
2019: Seminar on Intellectual property Rights with Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs
2019: EASI Members participated in the VAT review with IRD
2019: Seminar of the Tina Hydro Power Project and its socio-economic benefits, with MOFT
2020: Oxfam Project: Issues based study on SIG Budget and service delivery
August 2020 – January 2021
2021: Collaborated with SICCI on “Private Sector Pathway to COVID-19 Recovery Strategy” Launch –
2021: Co-host the launching of ADB’s flagship report, The Asian Development outlook 2020 at Heritage Park Hotel
Telecommunication Commission of Solomon Islands (TSCI) Project: Market Analysis of Telecommunication Data from March – April 2021
May 2021: Awareness talk at Tenaru Secondary School
Tovutovu said EASI short term plans are to:
Continue to increase and expand awareness programmes to schools.
Continue partnership talks with TCSI
Continue to liase with Australian Volunteers Program
Its Medium and Long Term are:
Continue to strengthen the association by increasing membership.
Organise economic debates and quizzes for schools.
Continue to network with other organisations.
Establish economic research centre/institute.
Enhance teaching and learning of economic science in Solomon Islands
EASI was established in 2001 by prominent economist in Solomon Islands and registered as a charitable organization under the Charitable Act No. 41 of 2001.
Since establishment in 2001 association went through an optimistic path coupled with challenges mostly due to financial constraints and weak membership base.
Since 2001 and 2015, EASI went through rigorous planning and transition
EASI has regularly involved in policy dialogues with the Parliamentary Accounts committee and the bills committee.
Renbel Premier Hon. Willy Tuhagenga taking the first COVID-19 jab for Renbel province
RENNELL and Bellona (Renbel) launched their COVID-19 vaccination roll out last Wednesday.
Makira-Ulawa Province followed on Thursday.
This leaves Temotu, the only province yet to launch its COVID-19 vaccination roll out program before nation-wide launch and commencement of roll out is completed.
Over 200 people gathered at the Renbel provincial capital, Tingoa, to join the launch program.
L-R Health Director George Pego, Premier Tuhagenga and National Director of Nursing Michael Larui cutting the ribbon to launch the COVID-19 vaccination roll out.
Delivering his address at the event, Renbel provincial health director George Pego, welcomed the provincial premier, executive and assembly members, community and church leaders, elders and chiefs and health workers in Honiara deployed to Renbel to support the roll out.
National Head of Nursing, representing the Ministry of Health and Senior Executive Management and the public were also present during the event.
“I welcome you all to this important event that marks the official launching and commencement of the roll out of COVID-19 vaccines in Rennell and Bellona province. Big welcome indeed and thank you for making the effort to attend this launch”.
Pego outlined the preparations that the provincial health team have undertaken prior to the launch.
Seventh Day Adventist Pastor, Solly Tengemoana receiving his first jab
“Cold chain assessment to ensure that storage capacity meets necessary requirements conducted and happy to inform that we are now ready to distribute and administer the vaccines,” Pego said.
“All personnel to be engaged in the roll out of the vaccines have been trained ready to receive their jabs today as part of preparations to roll out the vaccines,” he added.
“While waiting for further support we have mobilized provincial health resources to ensure timely deployment of teams and vaccines.
“Roll out plan finalized and will involve three teams, Tingoa, Tegano and Bellona, which will comprise of 8-10 members that constitute the tasks involved for pre vaccine health check, registration, administration and monitoring for side effects as well as risk communication.
“We are ready.”
Senior Catechist, Anglican church receiving his first COVID-19 vaccine dose.
Michael Larui, MHMS National Director of Nursing in his remarks acknowledged the support from Renbel premier, executive and assembly, the provincial health director and emergency operation centre team, community and church leaders and elders for supporting preparations for vaccine roll out and the launch itself. “Allow me to share that with the recent 36 hours lockdown in Honiara, health conducted its lockdown operations review and found that whilst there are improvements, there are also gaps, challenges and issues, therefore our best option for now is to ensure that all persons 18 years and above get vaccinated,” Larui said.
People lining up the vaccination centre to get their vaccine dose.
He also conveyed regional statistics of cases and deaths including those of neighbouring countries like Fiji and Papua New Guinea where COVID-19 has greatly impacted their health systems and people.
“So let’s not wait but get vaccinated.
“That said let me wish the Renbel province all the best in its roll out of COVID-19 vaccination across the province.”
Premier of Rennell and Bellona Willy Tuhagenga expressed sincere thanks towards the National and Provincial Ministry of Health for efforts to deploy the vaccines to Renbel together with all necessary preparations.
He also acknowledged donors and development partners such as People’s Republic of China, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the COVAX Facility with support from WHO and UNICEFF who have to date donated and provided COVID-19 vaccines, part of which has been allocated to Renbel.
Part of the crowd that attended the launch event.
“Getting these vaccines into the country is not an easy task, therefore I thank the DCCG government, Oversight Committee and all others for contributions made towards getting these important vaccines into the country and our province,” Tuhagenga said.
“My good people given the state of our health systems, challenges with access to specialist health care and our population size, a community transmission will indeed be devastating for us,” he added.
“Therefore, you will not regret your choice of taking your jab as of today.”
Health workers too getting jabbed with COVID-19 vaccines during launch event
He called on the people of Renbel to not believe any rumours or information that are not from reliable sources such as social media and non-health workers and to only trust vaccine information from Health authorities and technical agencies such as WHO and UNICEF.
“That said, I wish to call on community chiefs and elders, church leaders, and all persons 18 years and above to come forward and get vaccinated against COVID-19.
“Let us support this roll out program.
“My government assures of its commitment to support the roll out and to demonstrate this I am offering myself to be the first to take my jab and urge you all to follow suit,” the premier said.
On the launch date 54 people came on that day to get their first vaccine dose including government ministry personnel, health and police, community and church leaders.
