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EASTER ROAD RACE CONFIRMED

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Taromane Martin
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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

Written by
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

Written by
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.

Malaita implementing 213 projects for 2021/2022

Written by
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

COMMUNITIES across Malaita province are benefiting from 213 micro projects that the provincial government is implementing under its Ward Development Fund for the 2021/2022 financial year.

Minister of Finance and Treasury under the MARA government, Hon Nelson Lenty recently said the projects cover 14 sectors and are executed under the total capital expenditures of SBD$10, 399, 788.

He said the breakdown of project implementation under each sector are, 21 projects for agriculture, nine projects for commerce and investment and 29 projects under education.

Lenty said there are only one project under environment and climate change, eight fisheries projects, 13 health projects, seven projects under mines and energy and 47 projects under social service infrastructure.

He further explained that two projects under the traditional governance, 56 projects under water and sanitation, five projects under women development, five for works and transport, eight for youth and sport and two projects for investment services.

Lenty said these ward developments funded projects continues to be distributed throughout the province as they are aimed at contributing to the development of the province.

On that note, he highlights the importance for MPG to look at some pressing sectors that are of great need to people in the communities.

“You will notice that the MPG lacks proper water and sanitation in most of our wards followed by social service infrastructure, education and agriculture,” Lenty said.

He said despite these mentioned sectors making good percentage of the 213 projects that are implemented, there is a need for more of such project in communities.

He adds that with current trends, the future looks brighter as more of people have felt that needs will be addressed through Ward Development Grants in the next five years.

Motion against Premier Maka’a withdrawn

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Makira Premier, Julian Maka'a

The first attempt to oust the Premier of Makira Ulawa Province, Julian Maka’a on March 23 in Kira Kira, the Provincial Capital since his provincial government came into power 12 months ago was withdrawn because it lacked the number.

The Provincial Assembly Member for Ward 5 in Arosi 2, and former Member of Parliament for West Makira, Jackson Suna’one said after a long speech on the motion that he decided to withdraw the motion because his side of the Assembly did not have the number.

In the Assembly Chambers nine Assembly Members who are non-Executive members sat on Non-Executive Bench, while 10 Executive Members and one Backbencher sat on the Premier’s Bench.

One Backbencher was absent from the meeting but turned up after the motion was withdrawn.

Before Mr Suna’one withdrew the motion, he presented eight reasons why he had decided to move it against Mr Maka’a and his Government.

He said the first reason is Mr Maka’a and his Government had failed to observe or comply to the Legitimate Government and ideal rules set in the Devolution Order No.1 of Makira Ulawa Province, thus it had failed to deliver required services and development as stipulated in the 2020/2021 Budget.

And secondly, he said Mr Maka’a is incompetent to control his Executive and Administration because he allowed his Ministers to manipulate the power and authority of exercise for personal gains and ego and Officers to advance irrelevant and passive programs to keep their personal attachment to the system and machinery of governance.

The third reason, Mr Suna’one said, is the Premier clearly had lost control over his oversight role to ensure the orderly management of the Provincial Government funds as set in the 2020/2021 Budget and as such, he had failed to meet the people’s service delivery needs and their desired development.

And obviously, he said the Premier does not align his Policies, if any at all, to the National Government policy initiatives to advance development and services to the Province, but has instead allowed total fallacy programs and fictitious ideals to be maintained for no good courses at all.

For doing this, he said, Premier Maka’a has put his genuine efforts to provide good governance to question.

The fifth reason for the motion, Mr Suna’one said, during Mr Maka’a’s one year of reign, his Government had not governed upon the framework of policies, fundamental tools to operate the Government machinery, so he lands his office in a room of doubt for transparency and accountability.

And for the Maka’a Government to agree to repeal the Ward Development Ordinance and the Makira Ulawa Province Investment Cooperation (MUPIC) Ordinance to expedite the interest of Provincial Government Strengthening Program is a complete REAP OFF  of “our people’s ownership of this land and their Constitutional and Birth Right over the natural resources and advantages they hold over Makira Ulawa Province, allowing hawks to hoover our land”.

In this instance, he said, the Maka’a Government which professes of, for and by the people of Makira Ulawa Province is questionable, but its performance and conduct, clearly proves a case of irresponsibility, no patriotism and no care attitude towards being proud, protective and standing tall to uphold, honor and defend “our traditions”.

And the 8th reason, Mr Suna’one said the motion sternly called for and appealed to those of “us rulers to be committed and subscribed to the principal ideal of Makira for Makira and let us do plan and decide the Makira Way.

“This is where the Premier lacks stamina, capacity and strength in his duty”.

Six non-Executive Members who spoke in support of the motion included former Deputy Premier and MPA for South Ulawa, Joe Takeli, former Premier and MPA for Santa Anna, Stanley Siapu, the MPA for Haununu, Matthew Taro, the MPA for Ward 9 of West Bauro, Faga Kira, the MPA for Ward 13, East Wainoni, Silas Wagatora, MPA for Ward 12, West Wainoni, Andrew Higa, while Finance Minister and MPA for Ward 8, Arosi 1, Douglas Kuper supported the Premier in opposing the motion.

By George Atkin  Kira Kira Correspondent

NZ-SI relationship honoured ahead of monument unveiling

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Chief Willie Besi, called out messages in his language, Ghari, across the ocean and on the winds to Aotearoa, New Zealand on behalf of those assembled on top Hill 27

A small ceremony was organized by the New Zealand High Commission in Honiara to honour the significant involvement of Solomon Islanders in World War II, and ahead of a scheduled unveiling of a new monument in Aotearoa, New Zealand honouring the Pacific.

The new monument was unveiled by New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon. Jacinda Ardern yesterday.

The Pacific War Memorial, in the shape of a giant bronze conch shell, is named ‘Te Reo Hotunui o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa – the deep sigh of the Pacific.’


The monument, in the shape of a giant bronze conch shell, is named ‘Te Reo Hotunui o Te Moana Nui a Kiwa – the deep sigh of the Pacific.’

In acknowledgement of the significant involvement of Solomon Islanders in the Second World War, and the ongoing impacts felt and connections both shared, a small ceremony was held on Friday, ahead of the unveiling, to convey their voices down to Aotearoa New Zealand.

Invited guests included representatives from Solomon Islands Government, other diplomatic partners, and the Solomon Scouts and Coastwatcher’s Trust including their patron Honourable Peter Kenilorea.


New Zealand High Commissioner H.E. Georgina Roberts with Chief Willie Besi of Barana Community and Solomon Islands Scouts and Coastwatchers Patron Hon. Peter Kenilorea Jnr

Chief Willie Besi of Barana village and New Zealand High Commissioner Georgina Roberts called out messages across oceans and on the winds on behalf of those assembled on top Hill 27.

Chief Willie Besi, speaking in his own language – Ghari, called out “we pay our sincere honour and respect to all the individuals who lost their lives during the war and to their families. As it is part of our culture and way of life, Solomon Islands acknowledge the sacrifice that these people have shown irrespective of which country they are from, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, United States of America or our Pacific neighbours and we respect them for that.

“We know innocent lives were taken away from us too,” Chief Willie Besi added, “but we join our hearts together and send our warm comforts out to all our fellow Pacific Island family who are also part of this history that we share together.”


Heading up to the top of Hill 27 where the small ceremony was held to acknowledge Solomon Islands’ wartime experiences and the ongoing connections we share

High Commissioner Georgina Roberts emphasised the whanaungatanga (connection) and manaakitanga (support and generosity) that we share.

“We stand together as whanaunga and friends here in Solomon Islands, to acknowledge the service given, the sacrifices made, the courage shown, the lives impacted and the connections that bind us together.”

She then called out to the people who will assemble in Aotearoa New Zealand on Saturday, with an incantation of love and support:

Ka tukuna ta matou whakaaro pai ki a koutou katoa – whakarongo mai ki ta matou karanga atu, a matou karanga aroha ki a koutou!  Kia tau, kia tatou katoa te atawhai a to tatou Ariki. Me te aroha o te Atua, me te whiwhinga tahitanga ki te wairua tapu, Ake ake ake tonu atu.


Young girls and women of Barana community listening to Chief Willie’s call down to Aotearoa as they look out from Hill 27 across Iron Bottom Sound

The main focus of New Zealand’s Pacific war effort in World War II was in Solomon Islands, where all three services (army, navy, and air force) saw considerable action. Royal New Zealand Navy ships served alongside American forces and from late 1942 Royal New Zealand Air Force fighter and bomber squadrons flew from Guadalcanal. The following year, Guadalcanal was a staging point for men of the New Zealand Army’s 3rd Division, who occupied Vella Lavella and Mono Island.

The unveiling ceremony in Aotearoa New Zealand, was livestreamed on Facebook and broadcast through Pasifika TV, and watched on TTV or online.

Solomon Islands Acting High Commissioner to New Zealand John Kemakeza and Melanesian Women’s Association President Glorious Oxenham will represent Solomon Islands at the ceremony.

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