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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.

Malaita implementing 213 projects for 2021/2022

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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

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.

JASON BENNETH’S UNIQUE AIR SPRAY ART SHOWCASED

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Local airspray artist Jason Benneth’s work on display on the Sportsman’s Pub external walls.

SOLOMON Breweries (SolBrew) recently unveiled a unique air spray art by local artist Jason Benneth on the Sportsman Pub exterior walls at the Bahai area. The artwork featured SolBrew brands SolBrew Lager, Canoe Lager and SB.

Following on from the success of SolBrew’s partnership with artist Brian Feni in late 2020 they commissioned work from Jason Benneth for a more contemporary style.

SolBrew’s Trade Marketing Executive, Sean Hiele explained that Jason’s art caught their eye because it was something different and unique in the Solomon Islands.

Mr Hiele said “This art form is not very well known in the Solomons which why we were very pleased to work with Jason and allowed him the avenue to showcase his unique art, it is also a bonus that it give’s one of our customers, Sportsman Bar a great new look.”

We are very pleased with Jason’s work, like Brian Feni, he has made an eye catching, fun piece of art on the Sportsman’s bar wall for many onlookers.” Mr. Hiele said.

The soft-spoken, shy artist, Jason Benneth is thankful for the opportunity provided by SolBrew to showcase his art and is hopeful for future projects where he can create artworks for public spaces, adding value for the community and at the same time inspire many other young artists.

“I am grateful for this project because it provided the means to meet my financial needs and I know I am skillful in this unique art but being a shy person, it is not easy to really show myself. This opportunity that SolBrew has given me to show my art to the general public has really built my confidence. It has been a great experience to help SolBrew showcase its brands through air spray which helps its customers like Sportsman Pub.” Mr. Benneth expressed.

Jason’s Benneth’s air spray artwork is the second large scale work commissioned by SolBrew to feature on public facing walls, the first being by Brian Feni on SolBrew’s own event venue SolBrew@Sea.

Private Sector maps pathway to COVID-19 Recovery

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Outgoing SICCI Chairman, Jay Bartlett (left) and President of EASI, Reuben Tovutovu with Strategy Document after the launch. Photos: SICCI Media

THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) in partnership with the Economic Association of Solomon Islands (EASI) officially launched the Private Sector Pathway to COVID-19 Recovery Strategy with members of the businesses community on Wednesday 24th March.

The launching coincided with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and election of new Board members for the Chamber of Commerce.

The recovery strategy highlights focus areas for the Government to prioritize and create the right settings for future private sector growth to bolster the COVID-19 economic recovery

The strategy document contains the private sector’s perspectives on how the Solomon Islands Government can best support business in the economic recovery in the next three years.

SICCI Chief Executive Officer, Natalina Hong has said “This Strategy will be used to focus SICCI consultations and collaboration with Government on the 2021 national budget that to ensure tangible action on key reforms.

This Pathway to Recovery Strategy has already been submitted to Government during its consultation process.

In his speech from the Throne recently, Governor General, Sir David Vunagi has highlighted that the DCGA have noted the ‘Private Sector Pathway to COVID-19 Recovery Strategy’ submission by SICCI and EASI. It demonstrated that the Government are serious about their inclusion of the private sector as key players redirecting their policy in the recovery of the COVID19 impact economy.

EASI President, Reuben Tovutovu hopes Government will take on board what is recommended in the document to support the private sector.

“EASI is pleased to collaborate with SICCI in the finalization of the document and our Association stand ready to render support to SICCI in the areas that our members have the expertise such as economic analysis, research and other developmental related areas,” he said during the launch.

Mr Tovutovu said as an association representing professionals who rely on and use data every day, EASI wants to see both the private and public sector invest in data collection and storage.

“I know it is expensive, but the returns to having timely, reliable and accurate data cannot be overestimated. We live in the global economy that is now heavily relied on data and information,” he said.

Key thematic areas were detailed in the SICCI Strategy to shape Government’s focus for 2021 and beyond. These areas emphasis that recovery lies in getting the basics right to create certainty for businesses and provide immediate support to alleviate pressure on business. Medium to longer term actions to stimulate economic activity and improve productivity via infrastructure and sector support; and fundamental Reform to create a better business environment for future growth and prosperity.

The Pubic Accounts Committee (PAC) amongst others written submission requested were also presented with copies of this Strategy when representatives of SICCI appeared before the Committee earlier this week on Monday 22 March.

— SICCI

Journos end training with excursion to Barana nature park

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Alfred Pagepitu
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The media excursion to Barana Nature and Heritage Park was an eye-opener for participants including Public Relation officer from TSI, SINU journalism students, Senior Journalists from SIBC, Island Sun, Sunday Isles and Solomon star who successfully completed a three days MASI workshop on Extractive Resources & Endemic species workshop, here Participants pose for a photo at the Davigouri over looking Betikama river and Guadalcanal plains on the background.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

ABOUT 10 local Journalists including five journalism students undertaking media studies at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) have attended a three days training workshop for journalists reporting on the Extractive Industries and Endemic species in the Solomon Islands.

And to sum up the training an excursion was made to the Barana Nature and Heritage Park, on the outskirts of Honiara on Friday to observe the park as part of the training Worksop.

The field trip was to expose Senior Journalists and media students to the field work and give them an opportunity to visit the park and officers of the Barana Nature and Heritage Park.

The training was organised by the Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) and Internews’ Earth Journalism Network (EJN) to improve the knowledge and skills of Solomon Islands Journalists in reporting on environmental issues, especially the governance and impacts of the extractive industries, the endemic species export and the environmental implications of Covid-19.


Three SINU Journalism students who also participated at the workshop and day 3 field trip

David Hui, a media student said the field trip provided an opportunity for them to apply the knowledge and understanding of the subjects learned in class by observing the actual event, especially the training workshop and field trip to report on environment issues.

“It’s good to see and know other media personnel who attended the workshop as well.

“Such visit is very good for us student to learn more on how Organizations, Government Ministries and media work together”. 

Another media student, Thompson Pada said such trip exposed the students to the real work done by journalists in the country and to learn and build relationship with the organization and the media.

Barana Nature and Heritage Park staff briefed Journalists on the background and history of the Barana Nature and Heritage Park.

The Barana Nature and Heritage Park is for community-based conservation in Solomon Islands.


Journalists briefed at the Barana Nature and Heritage Park office

Owned by the Barana Community, the park spans approximately 5,000 hectares of forest area in the upper catchment of the Mataniko river, one of the largest river catchments draining Honiara city.

Management objectives include the conservation and rehabilitation of vulnerable ecosystems to safeguard their role in building social and economic resilience to climate change.

The park includes an Environment and Resilience Resource Centre built using traditional designs.

The area also includes a number of World War II viewpoints and battle sites which makes it an important part of the heritage of the greater Honiara.

Development of the park will include activities such as reforestation to reduce flood risks, replanting of stream or watershed areas to reduce soil erosion, sustainable land-use management activities, land-use mapping, development of eco-tourism activities and nature-based income generation activities.

The development of the park formed part of SPREP’s assistance to Solomon Islands under its Pacific Ecosystem-based Adaptation to Climate Change (PEBACC) project. The project was selected following a comprehensive and participatory ‘ecosystem and socio-economic resilience analysis and mapping’ (ESRAM) study carried out for Honiara.

Local journalists were eager to ask questions and have learned allot about the Nature and Heritage park history and challenges.

One organizer of the training, Priestly Habru encouraged the participants to continue in their career in the media to report on environment issues affecting the country.

Habru thanked the Journalists for their participation and observations during the field trip to the Barana community.

“The Journalist are very enthusiastic and asked lots of questions,” said Habru.

“I would like to thank the Barana Nature and Heritage Park for arranging such a visit for our participants,” he added

600 people vaccinated in 3 days.

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St John Ambulance Team showing V sign indicating that they have taken their first

THE first three days of COVID-19, vaccination roll out in Honiara saw national leaders coming forward to receive their first jab of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

On day one, Honourable Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare opened the vaccination roll out by receiving his first COVID-19 jab, followed by Minister of Health and some of the Ministers of the crown, the Attorney-General, permanent secretaries and Miss Solomon.

Day 2 of vaccination started off with the vaccination of His Excellency Governor General Sir David Vunagi and the Speaker of the National Parliament Patterson Oti. Day 3 the leader of the opposition group, Honourable Mathew Wale with some of the opposition members receiving their first round of vaccines.

Honourable Prime Minister receiving his first vaccine shot

These leaders were amongst over 600 people that included COVID-19 operation frontline workers, persons 55 years and above and with underlying health conditions who have come forward to receive their initial COVID-19 vaccine jabs in the first three days.

“I also thank all our frontline workers both health and non-health including those 55 years and above and with underlying health conditions for also coming out and receiving their first COVID-19 jabs. This is important to assist health efforts to swiftly protect our most vulnerable people first before moving to vaccinate our remaining population”, said Mrs McNeil.

Vaccination in the first three days did not record any serious side effects, no anaphylaxis, severe allergic reaction to the vaccine.

The Ministry received reports of pain at injection site, headache, fever, join pains which are all expected adverse events following immunization and all subsided within one or two days.

Vaccination in Honiara will continue in the coming weeks until all 7000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines allocated for Honiara in the initial batch received is administered. Vaccination will continue again on Monday next week.

Honourable Prime Minister receiving his first vaccine shot

THE ROCK OF SADE GOV’T

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Charles Kadamana
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Guadalcanal MPA, Rose Tala was instrumental in warding off a motion of no confidence tabled against Premier, Francis Sade last week

Female member hailed a ‘true leader’

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

GUADALCANAL’S only female provincial member has been hailed the “rock” of the Francis Sade-led Government.

Rose Tala, who is also Minister for Women, Youth and Sports, stood toe-to-toe with Premier Sade to ward off a motion of no-confidence the non-executive tabled against him, Thursday.

“You are the rock of this government,” Sade told Tala after the mover Cecil Manakako of Wanderer Bay ward, withdrew the motion.

“You have been offered a vehicle and a large amount of money to move to the other side, but you turned down the offer,” the premier continued.

“You believe in stability and a better future for the people of Guadalcanal when you rejected this attempted bribe.

“You have demonstrated what true leadership is.

“I know you will be targeted by the lobbyists and my fear is you’ll easily fall for whatever is offered to you to cross the floor.

“But now I know you are a leader who cannot be drag by the nose.

“You stood your ground because you love your people and province.

“In fact it was through your steadfastness during these difficulties and challenges over the past days and weeks that kept our government together.

“You are the rock of this government,” Sade said.

Sade, a first-time premier and provincial member, was challenged for the leadership position after he took legal action against Sino Capital, a Malaysian logging company that has been operating in the province in the last 10 years.

He stated the logging company failed to pay his province business licence fees worth around $1.5 million.

His government had suspended Sino’s operations and asking the High Court to stop the logging company’s operations on Guadalcanal.

The case is before the High Court.

Sade believes the motion to oust him was sponsored by loggers.

Rose Tala has confirmed she was offered a vehicle and around $70,000 if she switch sides.

She claimed the spouse of a serving national MP from Guadalcanal sent her the offer via text message.

Tala said she disregarded the offer because she does not believe in bribery.

“Guadalcanal needs leaders who stand for the interest of their people; not those who fall for bribes,” she said.

Sade said he believes Tala is a potential future premier of Guadalcanal.

“I will not be surprised if you set history and become the first female premier for Guadalcanal,” he said.

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