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NOW OR NEVER!

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WPG Members pose for a photo opportunity after the Assembly meeting. Both side of the house stand side by side demonstrating they are ready to roll out the 2021-2022 financial year operations

Western Province reiterates federal system call

BY BEN BILUA
In Gizo

WESTERN Provincial Government has again expressed its stand that the province is ready to accept the federal government system.

This was highlighted during the recent provincial assembly meeting with majority of the house stand in favor of the call.

Speaking during the meeting, Premier of Western Province, David Gina said Western Province is ready for the state government system and is waiting for all the legal formalities to become a state government.

“The process and establishment of legislations for Federal System have been completed – it’s a matter that we as a province to adopt the system.

“It comes back to the province. It’s a goal to the process for over 20 years and we will take it,” he said.

“It would be a great a brilliant idea if the national government provides a provision to allow provinces that are capable to become state to adopt the Federal system,” Gina added.

However he reminds members of the house that such ambition can be achieved through cooperation and greater partnership in planning towards state government.

Gina highly recommended that there must be no mix feeling towards the idea of state government.

“We need collective support and work together on this matter,” he said.

Gina reiterated that Western Province is ready get it’s the blessing to become a state government should the government allows.

Western Province takes steps to revive Investment Corporation

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Western Province Assembly meeting currently taking place at the Imagination Island outside of provincial capital, Gizo

BY BEN BILUA
In Gizo

THE David Gina led Provincial Government has made positive steps to reinvigorate the Western Province Investment Corporation (WPIC).

An Audit report of the province’s business arm has been tabled and adopted during the recent Provincial Assembly since its establishment some 20 years ago.

The Audit was carried out by an appointed Auditor from the Auditor General Office with opinions and forward plans required to strengthen the institution.

Finance Minister of Western Province, Christian Burley Mesepitu said the task to audit the institution was difficult as accounts were lost and outdated.

He told the assembly that there were virtually no accounts, so as transactions to prepare any financial statement for the date preceding 31 March 2011 back to the day the institution was established.

Mesepitu said the Gina Government has displayed commitment to the transformation of the entity and should be commended for the job well-done.

FIFA CONGRATULATES H/ EELS

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Taromane Martin
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Henderson Eels FC for winning the 2020-2021 TSL seasons. Picture Supplied

By Taromane Martin

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has congratulated Henderson Eels FC for winning their first Telekom Soccer League title (TSL).

The FIFA President in a letter to Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) President William Lai said Henderson Eels FC achievement is without doubt, the result of hard work, passion and commitment, and everyone at the club can surely be proud of this important achievement

“Congratulations to Henderson Eels FC Dear President, please allow me to congratulate Henderson Eels FC for having been crowned 2020/21 champions of the Solomon Islands,” Infantino stated.

“This title is, no doubt, the result of hard work, passion and commitment, and everyone at the club can surely be proud of this important achievement.

“I would be grateful if you could please extend my congratulations to everybody involved, whom I encourage to continue working with determination and motivation in the future.

“On behalf of the international football community, I finally take this opportunity to thank you and your Federation for your contribution to the development and the prosperity of football in the Solomon Islands, in your region and around the world. I look forward to seeing you again soon. Yours sincerely,” the letter adds.

SIFF President William Lai meanwhile said it is indeed a proud and historic moment for the Eddie Marahare, Advance Technology sponsored Henderson Eels side.

“No doubt for Henderson Eels being the first title meant a lot of people connected to the club,” the SIFF president said.

“A wonderful achievement as the club is only at its Fourth season. It needs a lot of sweat, dedication and team work.

” A Proud moment for the history of the club. TO the President, Hudson and your executive, enjoy this moment and look forward to Henderson Eels to achieve greater in the coming season to retain plus the OFC Champions League,” Lai adds.

Henderson Eels FC were crowned TSL champions on March 21st after their final match with former champions Solomon Warriors FC at the Lawson Tama.

Eels clinched their first title finishing their 2020-2021 TSL seasons with 50 points while Solomon Warriors FC finished their season with 49 points.

New seasons of the Telekom Soccer League is likely to return in June, 2021 according to TSL Chairman Anthony Makabo.

EASTER ROAD RACE CONFIRMED

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The Solomon Islands Athletics team

By Taromane Martin

Athletics Solomon Islands Federation will host the 2021 Easter Road race on April 3rd, Federation President Nelson Kabitana confirmed.

Kabitana said this Easter road race is one of the federation’s activities and events that will help identify elite and potential athletes for National athletics training team in preparations for upcoming international and regional events.

“After two years the newly elected Athletics Solomon executives will host the National Easter road race 2021,” the statement reads.

“The program will be on 3rd April 4pm and will commence at the Bishop Dale at Riffle Range and finishes at the Lawson tama stadium.

“The launching of the race will be facilitated by the Patron Mr Francis Kelsie and finishes at the Lawson tama with medal presentation ceremony.

“The Executives look forward for other provincial associations’ elite road and long distance athletes to compete, the associations such as western athletics association, Makira, Central, Malaita, Guadalcanal and Honiara city athletes for the one day event.

“The Athletics Solomon encourages expats who wish to participate in the Easter Road race, to come forward and fill forms to participate.

“Athletics Solomon continues to encourage all athletes from the province and here in the city to keep train, discipline as the national championship will be in end of May here in Honiara.

“Last week the Athletics held their first training trials for Team Guadalcanal and Honiara city at Lawson Tama stadium, with impressive time by the both men and women.

“Registration and entry for the Easter road race the executives encourages coaches and athletes to see the Development officer and the executive, registration opens Monday and closes Thursday 11pm,” the statement adds.

MAN UP 15s RUGBY CHALLENGE

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Crusaders player charges forward against a MOI player

The Solrais & Fletcher Kwaimani Man Up 15s rugby challenge wrapped up its round 4 fixtures yesterday at the Town ground rugby stadium.

Islander Brothers beat SOSA rugby club 47-23.

Malaita Crusaders defeated MOI Warriors 37- 12 and Henderson Hammerheads runs over Diesel 43-10.

HHH player charging through
Islander forward moves in against SOSA
Islander winger escapes a tackle to score a try against SOSA
A line out between Henderson Hammer Heads and Diesel
An action of the Crusaders vs MOI clash yesterday
A MOI player goes in to a tackle from the Malaita Crusaders defence. The game came out victorious from the men from the mainland who walked away with a 37-12 win

Premier Maka’a regards motion as frivolous

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Makira Premier, Julian Maka'a

THE Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Julian Maka’a has described as frivolous and unnecessary the motion of no confidence against his leadership and Government.

He said this is because the motion was moved against his Government for Unity, Reform and Advancement which has been in reign only for 12 months.

In other words, Mr Maka’a said he and his Government were being measured and judged by leaders who did not seem to appreciate the period in which “we came into power which was December 10th 2020, a time the financial status of the Makira Ulawa Province was on its knees”.

He said since being put to power, they used the first two weeks to brainstorm on the common path to collectively identify ideas to pursue as a basis for the formation of the new Government.

Premier Maka’a said these included following up of long overdue and outstanding infrastructure needs of the Makira Ulawa Province and its people like the Kira Kira Wharf, Improvement of telecommunications hiccups, Establishments of growth centres around the Province and the Rawo Bridge.

He said his new Administration wanted to give ownership of the Government to the people, and in general it wanted to ensure the voters of the MUP feel they are being served because for 36 years they have not achieved these important and crucial infrastructure services.

Premier Maka’a said the accusation that he, as Premier did not have the capacity to ascertain development was surprising after five 3-G towers are already operational and will be officially launched on April 15, work on the Kira Kira Ramp will be completed also in April and will be followed by the construction of the first wharf for Kira Kira.

Are they not development, he asked because the ordinary people have spoken highly of the achievements, adding more such projects as the Rawo Bridge and the wharf are expected this year.

 And he said the Government will further address the Mamaloni Town this year after long delays in demarcating and pegging it last year, adding town planning and physical planning once completed should allow Ministries and businesses build and develop the township so more revenues for the Province can be earned.

Mr Maka’a said these are long outstanding issues for MUP, but these are now possible following the signing of a Communiqué between MUP Government and the Prime Minister’s Office that alludes the Maka’a Administration will align its polices with the National Government.

He said people on the streets and public are happy with the achievements so far, and are looking forward for many more, adding “we are not bragging here, but we humbly think they are developments that will improve service delivery and help people to improve their living standards as well”.

And on the accusation that the Maka’a Government lacks providing an orderly, responsible and respectable governance, he said “we are a new team, humble and willing to learn as we go along and if we are not orderly, responsible and respectable, we would not have attracted the attention of the National Government, our ordinary citizens and Solomon Islands people as a whole.

“Our achievements speak for us, for instance Members of Isabel and Choiseul Provinces had asked two of my Ministers in Honiara what had we as a Government done to attract so much support from the National Government?

“And even the Anglican Bishops of the Church of Melanesia who attended the consecration of the 4th Bishop of the Diocese of Hanuato’o, Arthur Stanley Abui in Kira Kira March 23 commented very positively on the developments and my leadership of this Government.

“If outside people are seeing the good things we are providing for Makira Ulawa Province and its people, what is wrong with your eyes elected leaders?”, Mr Maka’a asked.

By George Atkin  Kira Kira Correspondent

Mayor on City Clerk’s removal.

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Elections would be held to replace the Lord Mayor of Honiara City Council Wilson Mamae.

HONIARA Mayor Wilson Mamae has refuted claims he has delayed his move to remove City Clerk Rence Sore.

In response to what has been published in the media, the Mayor in a statement said the issue over Sore will be resolved in an appropriate time and manner.

“The claim is coming from someone who is not in my Executive, and what has been mentioned in regards to the removal of the City Clerk is misleading.”

“I would like to make it clear that considerations are in place and the matter will be done in an appropriate time accordingly,” Mamae said.

Mamae implied that we are all humans with conscience and such actions must be cautiously and considerably taken.

The Mayor further states that those who have issues should forward them to him rather than making unnecessary claims in the media.

–HCC MEDIA

MPG allocates nine PCDF projects for 2021/2022 financial year

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Samie Waikori
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Minister for Finance and Treasury under MARA government, Hon Nelson Lenty delivering the 2021-2022 budget speech during the full assembly meeting in Auki last week

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA provincial government has implementing a total of nine PCDF projects under the capital expenditure budget for 2021/2022 financial year.

Minister of Finance and Treasury under the MARA government, Nelson Lenty recently announced they are already implementing some projects.

He said for the 2021/2022 development estimate, the Malaita Provincial Government will implement nine PCDF projects as revised by the Provincial Planning Development Committee (PPDC) in February this year.

Lenty said the projects range from sectors including administration, works & transport, education, water supply and sanitation health and investment service.

He highlighted that four projects included are Waneagu CHS, Sinasu assembly hall, Ote RHC and Sikaiana crushing mill were already signed by contractors and construction is underway.

Lenty said the next project to be awarded is Maka primary school in Ward 23 of Small Malaita constituency.

He said Sulufoloa market building and Busu sanitation already were completed and their outstanding payments are part of the defect liability period which can be accessed only after six months of project completion.

Lenty said the remaining two projects are Malu’u and Atori administration office upgrade that will quantify and advertised soon.

He said the total cost of these nine PCDF project is at SBD$6, 570, 288.

Western Provincial Assembly ends meeting on high note

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WPG Members pose for a photo opportunity after the Assembly meeting. Both side of the house stand side by side demonstrating they are ready to roll out the 2021-2022 financial year operations

BY BEN BILUA

Gizo

WESTERN Provincial Government Assembly meeting has ended on a high note with members of both side of the house agreeing to support the ruling government with its development plans.

The spirit of cooperation was echoed from both side of the house – meaning Western Provincial is in a strong footing as they approach the next financial year 2021-2022.

Premier David Gina said his government appreciate and takes forward all the suggestion and ideas shared during the meeting.

He said important points raised during the course of the meeting will be part of his government’s priority programme.

Gina said criticism are very important in shaping the province with sound decision for positive outcomes in the future that his government welcomed all the criticism raised during the meeting.

 In his statement when opening the Sine Die Motion on Wednesday, he said the Western Provincial Government is confident that completing the next financial year cooperation is needed from both side of the house.

Gina said the priority areas to fish in revenue to support the province’s business have already been identified with policies and strategies already in place to fulfil the task.

He said one of the priority is to enhance local revenue collection to improve the province’s revenue base.

“While we acknowledged that much remains to be done to increase our revenue collection, I can say that since the establishment of the Revenue Task Force, we have increased our local revenue in the past couples of years by more than 2million and this could have been more if not for the COVID-19,” Gina said.

He told those present that the revenue taskforce will revise and formulate its strategies and push for a better implementation to realize or exceed the province’s annual revenue forecast.

Gina acknowledged leaders for the passing of the budgets and at the same time reiterate the call for greater cooperation as Western Province journey into the next financial year.

MPG expects to pass SBD$25m budget next week

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Samie Waikori
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

MALAITA Provincial Assembly expects to pass its provincial budget for 2021/2022 financial year next week as a full assembly meeting is still underway in Auki.

The proposed budget prepared was estimated at SBD25, 442,574, a drop of SBD12, 267,998.31 from $37, 710,572.31 budgeted for under the 2019/2020 financial year.

The budget drop was due to cuts in provincial grants under the national budget that will affect all provinces in the country.

Minister for Finance and Treasury under the MARA government, Nelson Lenty in his 2021/2022 budget speech, highlighted that the total revenue budget summary 2021/2022 financial year is estimated at SBD$25, 442,574.

He said the total expenditure budget summary is estimated at SBD$25, 442,574 and the total recurrent revenue for 2021/2022 at SBD$18, 872, 285.

He said of this total recurrent revenue, it is estimated that the local revenue will contribute around SBD$6, 909, 288, the national government through service grant to contributes SBD$11,636, 456, Second Appointed Day grants of SBD$30, 000, timber rights of SBD$180, 000 and the UN Market grant of SBD$116, 541.

“From the difference of total recurrent revenue (SBD$18, 872, 285) less total recurrent expenditure (SBD$15, 042, 785) we expect a surplus of SBD$3, 892, 500 to cover the Ward Development Projects in the capital expenditure.

“We have been marginalized to co-fund our own developments due to the significant slush of FSG budget of around SBD$3.9 million and the priority budget requirements under the 2021/2022 planning and budgeting framework.

“The administration shall monitor our financial situation and fiscal discipline, and any proposed co-funding will include into our budget revisions in October 2021,” Lenty said.

He said for the total recurrent expenditure for 2021/2022, it is estimated at SBD$15, 042, 785. The disbursement of this expenditure covers core expenditure levels of the provincial government include.

On that note, Lenty thanked the provincial administration office for drafting the budget ensuring the figures are accurate and closest to the proponent truth.

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