THE Prime Minister has assured Gold Ridge Landowners and communities that the Government is continually working to address the various outstanding issues relating to reopening of the Gold Ridge mine through the relevant Ministries and with the support of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Gold Ridge.

A statement from the Prime Minister’s Office said with the significant potential that Gold Ridge can offer the national economy does not warrant the Government turning its back on the project and neglecting the call of the landowners from the Gold Ridge community for continued dialogue.

A Statement said the Prime Minister’s Office acknowledge that a formal request for a meeting with the Prime Minister was submitted by the Chairman of the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council (GRCLC), Mr Dick Douglas on behalf of the Paramount Chiefs, Principal Landowners and the Gold Ridge Community GRCLC.

Unfortunately a meeting with the Prime Minister at the requested time was not feasible due to other urgent commitments prior to his departure for the UNGA, and the agenda proposed by Mr Douglas for discussion was deemed by senior OPMC officials, as matters already being addressed under the responsibilities of relevant Ministries including the Judiciary.

“According to procedures in the Prime Minister’s Office, any issue relating to sectoral engagement that requests an audience is first assessed by the Officials responsible for the subject being raised to the attention of the Prime Minister, in this case Gold Ridge, for purposes of reviewing the agenda for any proposed meeting with the Hon. Prime Minister.”

The Gold Ridge delegation had proposed 3 items on the agenda list for discussion: the Mining Lease for Gold Ridge; Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) – DAM; and Outstanding Royalties.

The evaluation by Senior Officers responsible for reviewing the agenda was as follows;

Regarding the Mining Lease, the matter is before the court, therefore it is prudent that it is left for the court to handle, not the Prime Minister’s Office.

The issue of the Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) is the responsibility of the Ministry of Environment (MECDM) as the appropriate authority with the technical support to substantively address any issues of concern rather than the Prime Minister’s Office. Therefore the recommendation was for the matter to be raised directly with the MECDM.

Finally, the issue of outstanding Royalties for Gold Ridge would be best served being discussed thoroughly with responsible Officials from the Central Bank, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, and the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification.

The Statement said the Officers responsible had referred Mr Douglas to these relevant Ministries rather than directly to the Honourable Prime Minister.

The misunderstanding is regrettable. However, the Government has assured the Gold Ridge communities and landowners that it remains committed to supporting legitimate efforts towards resumption of mining operations and Cabinet will soon sanction new approaches to the Gold Ridge issue in an effort to revive the long defunct mine in Central Guadalcanal.

The Government is working towards finalizing the National Mineral Policy which should address local partnership engagement with intending investors in the mining industry in Solomon Islands.

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Gold Ridge LOs lash out at Sogavare’s counsels

WHILST appreciating the Prime Minister’s response, Gold Ridge Community leaders’ spokesman Dick Douglas said landowners no longer have trust and confidence on Government advisors.

“The Prime Minister has been ill-advised by his advisors and this has taken toll on many of the Gold Ridge Mine issues,” Douglas lashed out.

Mr Douglas was responding to a statement from the OPMC Press stating that with the significant potential that Gold Ridge can offer to the national economy does not warrant the government turning a back on the gold ridge project and neglecting the call of the landowners from the Gold Ridge community to continue dialogue.

Gold Ridge landowners, through the legitimate body Gold Ridge Community and Landowners Council [GRCLC] that represents the 16 tribal owners of Gold Ridge mine, had requested three meetings with the Prime Minister in a span of one month but were all turned down.

The Gold Ridge delegation, consisting of paramount chiefs, Principal landowners and the Gold Ridge Community and Landowners [GRCLC] wanted to meet with the Prime Minister to follow up on the promises that the Prime Minister made to the chiefs and people of Gold Ridge shortly after he became PM.

“Whilst we appreciate the support and assurance made by the Prime Minister, a meeting with the Prime Minister is important to fully brief him about the real issues of Gold Ridge, including our royalties that have been misappropriated by Government officials who acted outside of the regulations [2011] in the Mines and Minerals Act,” Dick Douglas said.

Douglas told this paper that apart from the long outstanding Gold Ridge royalty issue, all other issues pertaining to the reopening of Gold Ridge are being pushed around by the PM’s sectoral advisor.

“The Prime Minister needs to be fully briefed and listen to our side of the story because we have evidence that numerous advices to the Prime Minister about the mine’s reopening have been cooked up by so-called sectoral advisors.

“We simply want to tell the Prime Minister that the outstanding royalty issue needs a political will to resolve it, thus we want to go and have a dialogue with the PM to propose a cabinet paper so that cabinet deliberate and decide on it.

“This misappropriated royalty issue as everyone knows is a long outstanding one, yet my people continued to show patience and continue to wait patiently on PM Sogavare to fulfil his assurance to us that money is available to settle the misappropriated royalties,” he revealed.

Douglas also pointed out that requests to meet the Prime Minister prior to landowners taking over ownership of the Gold Ridge Mine was easier compared to after landowners owned the GRML through a partnership arrangement.

“There is something fishy going on, therefore as custodians of the land and resources of Gold Ridge mine that has contributed significantly to the development of this country, we have the right to meet with the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands to express our views and find a way forward,” Douglas added.

In a statement last week, Douglas said the action by the Prime Minister is very disrespectful towards the paramount Chiefs and leaders of the 16 tribes of Gold Ridge communities.

“It now seems that the Prime Minister is only entertaining selective groups of people who have his interests at heart, and not those who have contributed to economic development of this country,” he had said

Douglas also alleged that both the Mines Ministry, the Gold Ridge Sub-committee and officials of the Prime Minister’s office did not even respond to requests for meetings with them.

“The reopening of Gold Ridge Mine is a government priority but there is no commitment shown by the government as far as we are concerned.

“The work of the Sub-committee is yet to be fully utilised and realised. There have been no proper consultations with us to express our views about the reopening of the mine because we represent the 16 tribes of Gold Ridge who owns the PR title of all lands of the M/L 1/1997,” Douglas revealed to this paper.

Douglas also denied any misunderstanding as claimed by the OPMC.

“There is no misunderstanding as purported by the OPMC statement, the fact is we have no trust and confidence on the Prime minister’s sectoral and political advisors who rendered advice to the PM about the Gold Ridge mine issue.

“If one wants to add another ill-advice to the PM, you can count the reopening of Gold Ridge as one of them.”

He made reference to the Iron Bottom Sound resolution, where all parties agreed to work together to find a way forward for the reopening of the mine.

However, he questioned the meaning of working together as agreed by all parties, including the OPMC, Ministry of Mines, Ministry of Environment, Gold Ridge Sub-committee, GRCLC, Kolobisi Tailings Dam, Matepona Downstream Association, Paramount Chiefs, tribal chiefs and other community leaders of Gold Ridge and surrounding communities.

“In that meeting we all agreed to work together. Please show us what you mean by working together.”

Douglas told this paper that a meeting with the Prime Minister is timely and necessary to find a way forward.

“We fully understand the protocols but a meeting with the Prime Minister is timely and necessary to clear some misunderstanding created by the PM’s advisors regarding the Gold Ridge Mine, especially the reopening of the mine.

“If DCCG is serious about the reopening of Gold Ridge Mine then the head of DCCG, in this case the PM must be fully briefed to remain on top of the issue,” Douglas said.

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THE Guadalcanal Provincial government is working on plans to start the development of a Transular road or Peace Highway across Guadalcanal Island.

Premier Anthony Veke announced on Wednesday at the event to mark the Peace Road 2016, organised by the Universal Peace Federation, that the provincial executive is putting together plans to start discussing with landowners and to ascertain the actual access of the proposed Highway road.

“The executive government is also putting together plans, concepts documents to discuss with the Solomon Islands government, donor partners and global family including the universal peace federation movement with the proposed development of the Guadalcanal Road highway or the Guadalcanal peace Highway,” he said.

He said that the Guadalcanal peace highway road will be a dynamic development in the province and Solomon Islands and is fully supported governments of the province.

He said the Peace highway road will turn out to be the economic base for development in the province and nation.

“The highway road will link and encourage Guadalcanal people fully participate in economic activities and sustainable peaceful living. The road will also improve social services delivery in the province for its people.

“The road will also encourage our people utilise their potentials, skills in fishing, farming, creative arts and enjoy their environment, land ,sea, water and learn to value our heritage and appreciate our local locations of who we are and where we are across the Islands.

“This will help Guadalcanal people develop the sense of oneness and learn to realise that we are one people of Guadalcanal province, Solomon Islands and are part of the global concern family because we are all connected to that road, the Guadalcanal Peace Highway.

“I believe it’s only then that my people will fully realise that we are not alone, but part of a nation and global family as one people.”

He said that developing a ring road to encircle the Island is also part of his government’s development plan. And in addition to that will look at constructing more roads to link centres within the Island.

“To make sure we miss no one behind in the entire parts of the Island, because we are one people, one province, nation and are part of the global family,” he added.

Premier Veke appeals to the people of Guadalcanal, the Solomon Islands Government, the UPF and members of the global family to support the provincial government and the people in the development of the Highway road.

Meanwhile, Special envoy of the Family Federation for world peace and Unification Solomon Islands Daeyeon Goo said, “Roads are meant to be used for the benefit of humankind, for safe travelling and transportation of commodities that are beneficial to humankind.

“Peace road project is global project to make peace and prosperity to the world.”

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GUADALCANAL Province Town and Country Planning Board (TCPB) will apply strict measures regarding the enforcement of the TCP Act within its jurisdiction.

Board Secretary and Guadalcanal Lands Officer, Benedick Tova, said as the TCPB is now gazetted, the Guadalcanal province appeals to those who have legal title within Guadalcanal Province to apply to the board for planning approval.

He said the TCPB discouraged illegal developments and urge the public to comply with the board’s regulation as stipulated in the Act.

“Application forms are now available at the Guadalcanal Province lands Office,” Tova said.

Meanwhile, Chief Technical Advisor for the Ministry of Lands and Housing, Allan McNeil, during an induction session of the TCPB code of practice at the Provincial headquarter last week, said that it is good to see that the Board members are exhibiting critical thinking before making approvals on applications.

In an interview with the paper after the Board members deliberated on a sample plan, McNeil said that the board needs to cast a critical eye on applications, and to only approve developments with dependable planning responses for an area.

In relation to the enforcement on Lungga land, Premier Anthony Veke mentioned during the induction that Levers has agreed to allow a land space at Henderson for the infrastructure development.

However, he said that dealing with the roadside vendors is another issue.

Furthermore, McNeil clarifies to the Board that there’s no provision in the applicable Act that will hinder the Board in engaging Law enforcers to remove roadside stalls.

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THE Guadalcanal province soccer tournament the G-Cup has kicked off on Monday in Honiara.

Guadalcanal Football Association (GFA) Executive member Francis Loxie told Sun SPORTS that the competition will run for two weeks.

Mr Loxie said matches will be played on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the SIFF Academy and KGVI north fields.

“I’m very happy with spirit of sportsmanship shown by the teams in Day 1 of the competition yesterday.

“We have nine teams competing in this tournament. All eight constituencies in the province have registered their teams for the G-Cup,” Loxie said.

“GFA has agreed to allow GPPOL to register a team because the company over the past years has played an important part in sports development within the province.

Loxie said he is happy with the spirit of sportsmanship shown by teams on day one of the competition, adding they expect to play the finals at Lawson Tama on October 9 and October 10.

“We hope this competition will help us identify players to represent our province with FC Guadalcanal in the second round of Telekom Soccer League (TSL),” he said.

Mr Loxie on behalf of the provincial football association thanked the Member of Parliaments for the eight provincial constituencies for their positive responses in enabling the competition to successfully kick off.

“On behalf of GFA I wish to acknowledge the respective MPs for helping us kick start this important development of soccer and sports in the province.

“on the same note a big thank you to Solrais, GPPOL and the Solomon Islands Football Federation for also helping us kick start the competition,” he said.

Results for matches played on Monday saw South Guadalcanal defeating East Guadalcanal 2-1 at the SIFF Academy field while Taritasi of North-East Guadalcanal defeated West Guadalcanal 4-2.

Resuts from Pool A matches saw Ghaobata drawing 2-2 with East Central Eels while Central Gold from Gold Ridge also drew 2-2 with GPPOL at the KGVI north field.

Matches for the G-Cup will resume today after a brief break yesterday.

Fixtures for today will see North-West Guadalcanal taking North Guadalcanal while East Central Guale Eels takes on GPPOL in pool A match actions.

Pool B match actions for today will see South Guadalcanal taking on North-East Guadalcanal while South Guadalcanal takes on North-West Guadalcanal.

Matches start at 8am and Mr Loxie is calling on teams to be on time for their respective pool games today.

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40 SCHOOLS in Guadalcanal plains and surrounding communities will be rescued from poor sanitation status this year and 2017.

Guadalcanal province education minister, Lazarus Alfred Rima, said that UNICEF and New Zealand Government are stepping in to address the critical health issues in the schools.

He said a lot of schools in the province are still without proper water and sanitation facilities.

And, a recent report from his office shows that more than 70 percent of schools in Guadalcanal are without adequate water and sanitation.

He said his department continues to seek assistance from the donor partners to address the issue.

“Many of the schools still use bush, sea and Beach Rivers for conveniences. Safe water is also a big challenge through the province,” he said.

“The provincial government regards water and sanitation issues as one of the priority for improvement today.”

He said responsible officers are collecting information of infrastructures and water and sanitation for the development of action plan to improve the environmental health in the schools.

He said such improvement will result in healthy living at the school that will also have positive impact in the students’ education.

Rima, in his remarks at the handover of water and sanitation facilities to Tenavatu primary school by UNICEF and Live and Learn last week, said the school is one of the fortunate ones in the province.

“I wish to congratulate the Tenavatu School Board of Management, school administration, parents, Teachers and students for the cooperation and commitment in to the completion of the project,” he said.

“You had proved to our donor partners and the provincial government that you are ready and committed to your schools development, and to the wellbeing of our students at school for better learning environment.

“I salute you all and thank you sincerely and may the good lord bless you for the services to our school, province and nation.”

Rima thanks UNICEF and Live and Learn for realising the importance of water and sanitation in schools and availing the fund.

“Please continue to support GP schools with the same lifesaving project.”

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CANADIAN businesses will see more Solomon Islanders in their hotel and tourism industry after it was announced that 7 more Guadalcanal CITREC graduates would be making their way to Canada to be employed by a major international hotel chain when the seasonal worker hiring begins early next year.

Canadian International Training & Education Corp Chairman Ashwant Dwivedi told Canadian media during a conference that a major international hotel chain has decided to hire 7 more of the Guadalcanal CITREC graduates on an ongoing basis for the next five years.

The international hotel chain has asked that its details not be released allowing government process being completed in a fair manner.

“The employer has already started the process with the Canadian government making an application to seek approval of the Canadian government to hire 7 more of the CITREC-GP graduates. Once the Government of Canada has made its determination those shortlisted GP graduates will be confirmed to their appointment and the hiring process will begin.” Chairman Dwivedi said.

“This is the same process the two current GP graduates underwent who are employed in Canada. We want to ensure that the contract that the Canadian hotel chain offers to GP graduates meets or exceeds Canadian labour laws. Especially in area of salary, compensation and other associated benefits. Therefore it is very important that Government of Canada through its Ministry of Labour is a party to the contract. This binds and protects the rights of the employer and employee,” Chairman Dwivedi said.

“Once again let me tell the nation that Canada does not discriminate salary and compensation it will offer for its citizens and that which is offered to a seasonal worker. However we want to ensure that this policy and principle is well binding between all parties,” Chairman Dwivedi said.

Chairman Dwivedi said that there is significant interest from many other, Canadian Provinces to be part of the hiring process of CITREC-GP graduates.

He said that as this employment is with a major international hotel chain, selected students will be given a pre-departure course of few weeks to make themselves familiar with the hotel procedures which includes and is not limited to service standards which is part of the hotel chains internal human resource arrangement.

“I can confirm that CITREC is in negotiation with 2 more Canadian Provinces who wish to hire GP graduates. We are hoping to conclude an agreement in the coming weeks and we remain hopeful of making an announcement on our achievement.”

In June of this year 2 GP CITREC graduates have entered the Canadian job market working in the restaurant industry as kitchen helpers. Their seasonal employment is between 2-4 months.

In October of last year a high-powered Guadalcanal Government delegation visited Canada and entered into a Labour Mobility Agreement with Province of Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan is Canada’s Oil and Grain rich province which employs thousands of foreign workers.

The Honourable Jeremy Harrison, Minister responsible for Immigration, jobs, skills and Training signed on the dotted line on behalf of the Saskatchewan Government witnessing the agreement between CITREC, Guadalcanal Government and Saskatchewan Hospitality sector.

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COFFEE growers of East Central Guadalcanal have linked up with one of New Zealand’s most successful coffee roasteries, in a move that can open up new markets in the Asia-Pacific region.

The owner of the old soap factory in Ranadi has provided Labuhila Coffee Framers Association (LCFA) with a processing machine that will process coffee beans for export to New Zealand’s Joop Incafe Roastery.

Incafe describes itself as “a small but passionate team”, and their coffee brands have won numerous awards “and captured many more hearts both within New Zealand and internationally”.

LCFA spokesman Liston Veni said the association started processing Friday last week after the first order arrived for a two-tonne consignment.

Further processing, roasting and packaging will be done in New Zealand.

A machine to be delivered next year will allow the association to sell their products locally and also export grounded coffee.

He said they found Incafe through former New Zealand businessman David Nunn, who is now helping them start up.

Incafe is based in the Taranaki capital of New Plymouth with a brew bar and training centre in Auckland. It started in 2007 and still remains a family business.

“Our coffee is distributed throughout the Asia Pacific region. Our unwavering focus on quality provides you with superior beans, crafted by our roasters to create coffees that have won numerous awards and captured many more hearts both within New Zealand and internationally,” said Incafe on its website.

“Founded on the belief that organically grown product produces a superior taste, our coffees are all certified organic, Fairtrade and shade-grown at high altitudes.

“We take great pride in personally sourcing beans from carefully selected growers from around the world, who understand that natural environments, complementary plantings and non-chemical treatments create rich, healthy soils essential for growing bountiful, full-tasting coffee crops, the benefits of which are transferred into every bean that we roast.”

Veni said, the association has been growing since 1986 and selling the beans to Varivao Holdings for $5 per kilo.

LCFA began their partnership through Nunn in 2014 to formalize trade certification. He said by June 2017 the association will be eligible to do both processing and packaging for local sale and for export.

Veni said that such achievement is not attained overnight and farmers have to work together to promote the commodity in order to attract partners from overseas.

He pointed out that farmers have to be self-reliable and not to always expect assistance from the Ministry of Agriculture, and farmers have to do the cultivation and exporting themselves in order to get the maximum benefit.

He said their agent had also talked with the New Zealand Government to solve the road access need of the constituency.

The Ministry of Agriculture has assisted 143 coffee growers who are members of the Association with planting materials under the livelihood project.

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PROVINCIAL Assembly Members of Guadalcanal, Central Islands and Renbel successfully completed a three-day workshop in Marau Sound, East Guadalcanal last week.

The 2016 Local Elected Leaders (LEL) workshop for Members Provincial Assemble (MPAs) from the 3 provinces commenced on Monday September 26 and ended on Wednesday Sept 28, at Hatare Community Marau Sound.

LEL workshop was an initiative facilitated and funded by the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) co-hosted by Guadalcanal province.

This year’s training was a historical occasion as it was the first for such event to be hosted for three provinces in one location.

In presenting the introduction to the training, MPGIS- Director Governance Division Mr Robert Kaua highlighted to the MPAs that the LEL training module was not a cooked up manual by MPGIS.

It was actually an international handbook used by over half a million LEL and officials around the world, in our case it was promoted by the Common Wealth Local Government Forum based in Suva Fiji.

What MPGIS simply does was localise it to our realities, settings and context proper.

The workshop is a training module for MPAs which primarily focusses on developing competencies to enable cultivation of quality leadership for sound and good governance.

The training covers six competencies namely; representations roles, exercise of power, policy making, enabling, communications and leadership.

MPGIS-Under Secretary of Governance Mr George Eric highlighted to the MPAs that understanding and practising these competencies properly shall help them set clear visions and strong ambitions in preparation to achieve their plans and future endeavours.

Mr Eric expressed that it is the facilitator’s hope the competency training will “cultivate the aspirations of the elected leaders to study the past, live the moment, plan and create the future”.

He furthered that the training is to fine tune attitudinal behaviours of MPAs that are very significant in exercising leadership powers that enable and build collaborative relationships to maintain trust and confidence politically vested to them by their ward constituents.

“Serve with honesty, integrity, accountability and transparency with common vision and goals to improve the livelihood of our people,” Mr Eric said.

Day one covered two competencies on ‘representation’ and ‘policy making’. Day two covered the remaining four competencies on; exercise of power, enabling, communications and leaderships. Day three was a retreat day whereby the MPAs enjoyed a day out at Kosa Island followed by visits to Tavanipupu resort and surrounding villages.

Post workshop commentary, Premier Hon Anthony Veke expressed that the environment was great, the food was awesome and they enjoyed the hospitality received.

“We also get to meet our fellow MPA colleagues from Renbel and Central Islands Province and share our experiences. The training itself is very enriching by this I mean the module contents and the way in which it was delivered and presented,” Premier Veke Said.

Meanwhile, Premier of Renbel Hon Collin Singamoana feels the programme was timely, as it provided them an avenue to share and raise their common problems with regards to provincial assembly matters.

“It also makes MPAs feel confident in raising issues of concern to them.

“We also learn a lot by visiting this beautiful places, it is no difference to the look and learn leaders get by exposing overseas, we came here, look and learn internally within Solomon Islands, how they prepare food, build houses, organise their village etc. Further the involvement and participation of locals with this programme is empowering, we are empowering them, and we support the local economy. I highly comment the facilitators (MPGIS) and G-Province and our host families here in Marau, the venue is awesome,” Premier Collin noted.

Premier of Central Islands Province Hon Patrick Vasuni also expressed positive feedback on the outcome of the training more especially how to utilise the competencies they were thought in as tools to use in fulfilling their duties to people.

His side commentary is more of a challenge to the ruling Guadalcanal provincial government and assembly in developing Marau Sound as a tourism hot spot for the Province of Guadalcanal and Solomon Islands as a whole.

“We all will leave this beautiful place with lasting impression and stories to tell our families and friends, and hope to one day return to Marau Sound,” Premier Vasuni said.

The delegation returned to Honiara on September 29 equipped with their competency tools to help them perform in their wards and leadership roles.

The local communities who participated in the programme have indeed impacted the lives and left lasting impression views the delegation have on Marau.

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SOUTH Pacific Oil has donated a brand new generator to St Joseph Tenaru School.

Team from South Pacific Oil, which comprised of different departments, went up to Tenaru School on Tuesday this week to officially hand over the generator and also carry out awareness talk for the students.

Presentations were made based on the background of SPO, functions of different departments within SPO, products of SPO, and SPO safety standards.

In his speech during the visit, Accountant Manager of SPO Mr Joseph Huta said the donation and awareness programme are part of SPO’s 10th anniversary programme which will be held later this year.

“South Pacific Oil will be celebrating its 10th anniversary on November this year and as a company 10 years operation we are celebrating our success through raising awareness on health, safety, and quality environment as well as donating small gifts to communities and schools,” he explained.

Mr Huta said SPO has an obligation to give back to communities as part of its Corporate and Social Responsibility.

He said a total of six schools have been selected for the first part of the programme and they are; Selwyn College, Lata Community High School, Choiseul Bay School, St Joseph Tenaru, King George School and Goldie College.

Mr Huta said SPO has already donated 500 litres water tank for Choiseul Bay School, one set printer for Lata Community High School, one GENSET for Selwyn College and another GENSET for St Joseph Tenaru School.

He said SPO team will visit and also assist King George School and Goldie College later this month.

Mr Huta said awareness talk on SPO in general and other functions are part of the community and school visit programme.

He said awareness programmes have started beginning this year and will continue in the future.

Mr Huta said part of the programme was the visit to SPO Agents and Distributors in the provinces.

“We honour and humbled to present this Genset to St Joseph Tenaru School Management,” he said.

Mr Huta acknowledged St Joseph Tenaru School Management for accepting and also giving time for SPO to give awareness for the students.

Principal of St Joseph Tenaru Mr Abraham Hihiru described the donation as timely and will boost both students and teachers’ daily school activities.

He said student learning has often been disrupted by power black-outs and that the brand new generation will be a relief and greatly benefit the teachers and students.

“This donation will very, very helpful and we are very grateful for this important gift.

“This is a first of its kind for St Joseph Tenaru to receive from organisations that visited our school.

“It is huge and I do believe that students will remember the great support you have done for this school,” Mr Hihiru said.

He also salutes SPO staffs for taking time to provide students with awareness talk and also words of encouragement.

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A former Guadalcanal MPA has called on the Guadalcanal Provincial Government to focus more on developing the province rather than just concentrating on paper works.

Mr Silvanus Gii told the paper yesterday that there a lots of areas in need of development in the province.

He said there is a great need for improvement to be made on the infrastructures in the province.

Mr Gii said the issue has been around for quite some time in the province but no attempt has so far been made by the provincial government to address it.

“There are lots of bridges and roads need upgrading and proper maintenance both in West and East of the city that needs improvements.

“The infrastructure in both areas mentioned remain the same and for years people in the areas are crying to address the issue but nothing at all happen upon their desire.

“The provincial government seems not to really consider the importance of infrastructure and how valuable it has for the people in Guadalcanal,” he said.

Mr Gii said in Guadalcanal land transportation plays a major role in the lives of the people since almost all of their economic activities depend on it.

“I know there are lots of revenue been collected by the provincial government on the existing business in the province, where it caters to do development on the island.

“But to my surprise we don’t know where all these monies were spent because even in the island people never experience developments from our provincial government,” Mr Gii said.

He said the provincial government must do enough to ensure issues of concern for its people to be addressed.

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GUADALCANAL provincial government (GPG) Executives and officials attended the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Workshop facilitated by the Office Of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) at the Honiara Hotel.

In line with the Democratic Coalition for Change (DCC) Governments policy on combating corruption, this consultation workshop was a commitment to realise that policy intention.

In that effort, a National Anti-Corruption Strategy (NACS) will be developed after wider consultations with provincial governments and yesterday was Guadalcanal’s turn.

The workshop was organised into five sessions: i) legislation; ii) enforcement; iii) natural resources development (especially forestry and mining); iv) public financial management; and v) the role of provincial governments and the Honiara City Council (HCC).

All inputs by the GPG will be captured and compiled in a report to be produced by consultants Dr Tarcisius Kabutaulaka and Dr Tammy Tabe and submitted to the anti-corruption stirring committee within PMO.

Guadalcanal Premier Hon Anthony Veke in delivering his remarks highlighted that provincial governments are important stakeholders as second tier governments and, “to lessen corruption we have to regulate our conducts by law”.

“We certainly gain a lot from this workshop and so do believe shared a lot to your team,” Hon Veke said.

In that note, “I subscribed to the DCCG and this workshops introductory preamble that corruption undermines development and sustain poverty, inhibit economic growth, drives political instability, enable the unsustainable use of natural resources, impacts the delivery of services and undermines good governance and the rule of law. I hope what we’re doing now will contribute to our future to raise our people above the poverty line index.” Hon Veke expressed.

He then thanked the consultants and facilitators from PMO for bringing this opportunity down to consult with GPG.

Guadalcanal Provincial Secretary Mr Timothy Ngele noted that within the provincial government system, “we have a draft financial management ordinances (FMO) and financial instructions (FI) that should be very clear in guiding our financial managements and conducts. Further our staffs in G-Province are reviewing our staff instructions (SI) which are essential tools to curb official corruptions.

Guadalcanal Senior Lands Officer Benedict Tova commented post workshop that the two bills; Anti-Corruption and Whistle Blowers Bills discussed, were timely since they run parallel to current fundamental reforms and sectoral reforms currently underway. Harmonising these bills and said reforms will narrow the gaps and curb corruptions.

He furthered that “whilst we talked about corruption regarding extractive industries such as forestry and mining, an important process that needs to be seriously considered is the land reform. Proper recording and codification of land ownership will curb the practise of unilateral decision-making by individuals hence curb corruption with extractive industries”.

In his closing remarks, Special Secretary to Prime Minister Mr Andrew Muaki told the GP participants that another consultation will convene next month and that some members of GPG will again be invited.

Overall the workshop was a success and the facilitators are happy with the useful and constructive inputs by the Guadalcanal Provincial participants.

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LEADERS of the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly said the province will introduce a Korean concept to its people during a conference hosted by Universal Federation Solomon Islands yesterday.

The one-day conference featured heads of UPF Oceania, local government leaders of Guadalcanal Province and its departmental employees in discussing development strategies for the province.

The gathering was closed with leaders raising their hands with GP to adopt this new village movement initiative, a Korean concept called Saemaul Undong.

UPF Regional Director Mr Richard Yoo shared New Village Movement to the assembly house. He encourages GP leaders, the idea is not a theory it is what Korean experienced, and it happens for real that change Korean

On the right UPF Solomon Island representative Mr Peter Chaniel Tome and other members of UPF Oceania

Premier, Anthony Veke said the concept is significant for his government’s continuous search for an appropriate model for rural development, and advancement of Guadalcanal.

“In our search for a model of rural development, my government wants to come up with what are best approaches that will drive government programmes down to locals—where at the end will raise the lives of people,” Mr Veke said.

Premier Veke said the New Village Movement will be introduced to his assembly, executives and heads of division for further discussions.

“Based on the knowledge acquired from the conference, we might create policies that will drive rural development programmes, and through those policies we can carry out rural development activities,” Hon Veke said.

UPF Regional Director Mr Richard Yoo said introducing New Village Movement to the assembly is part of UPF Oceania promoting World Peace.

“Actually after this conference many leaders realized the future of this island nation, and they started to discuss it with local people and they start by themselves to change our society,” Mr Yoo said.

Mr Yoo said Saemaul Undong is not a theory, it’s a real life changing concept Koreans used in their success to date and introducing it to these leaders will support locals not to rely on government assistance.

“Solomon Islanders are very active, when I saw young people they are active, and also when I talk to leaders they are smart, that’s why this nation is ready to begin New Village Movement to change our future,” Mr Yoo said.

Mr Greg Stone, Secretary General for UPF Oceania said GP is the first to introduce this Korean initiative, and Oceania is open to other parts of the Solomon Islands.

He said the conference is important for GP leaders to understand the new movement to think about whether it could be applicable here.

“I think I am very excited that leaders take the lead and work to establish this new village movement for the benefit of the Solomon Islands,” Mr Stone said.

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THE Universal Peace Federation Solomon Island conference held at the Guadalcanal Provincial Assembly Head Quarter closed after a remarkable round-table discussion attended by top leaders yesterday.

The UPF conference was opened with congratulatory remarks by Premier Anthony Veke along with stirring speeches from the Secretary General UPF Oceania, Director Mr Richard Yoo, and also facilitators and UPF Solomon Islands representative, Peter Chaniel Tome.

A special remark was also given by Mr Peter Trena, Chief Training Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.

Meanwhile, the setting of the symposium is under the theme: “A Partnership for Sustainable Development with the Provincial Government of Guadalcanal”—along with the New Village Movement ideology.

Minister for Women with female employees of the assembly part of the UPF conference

UPF in Solomon Islands representative, Peter Chaniel Tome said GP is privileged as the first province in Solomon Islands to open discussions on the new movement for their leadership to change the nation.

“I think it is right time for our leaders to learn of the “New Village Movement”—a concept to further the development of our capacity in leading and directing the future of our nation,” Mr Tome said.

He said UPF Solomon Islands believes in this idea as recommended by United Nations, an ideal model for rural development, especially Solomon Islands as they lead towards peace building and national building.

The Chief Training Officer for MAL Mr Peter Trena encouraged the assembly house of GP saying that the concept is not hard to achieve—it is a down to earth approach acceptable to the society.

He said this initiative is not from politician or leaders, but it is a village idea.

“Now is the time we stand up to work together for a good cause, to enhance livelihood of our society or communities”, Mr Trena said “that spirit is what New Village comes from”.

He urged the Premier and his government to look at this concept as a way forward for people of the people in terms of social and economic development.

However, Mr Trena said MAL on its budget is working on establishing a centre for mindset development for leaders in Solomon Islands as one area they are lucking.

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THE premier for Guadalcanal province Mr Anthony Veke praises New Village Movement concept, and wanted it exercised in the assembly house.

Premier Veke said the Korean concept called “New Village Movement” is an ideal ideology GP should exercise for its people—an appropriate way forward for development.

He said it has been 38 years since independence government adopted any appropriate strategy that could change lives of rural people—this is the right one.

Mr Veke also said the concept reflects their search for a model of rural development, and his government wants to come up with best approaches that will drive government programmes down to locals.

Mr Veke says it was a perfect match to Solomon Islands especially GP people to practice attitude of struggling; a spirit all should embraced for a better cause.

He urged his assembly members to look at this seriously, and re-emphasised that they must do it for their people.

“I am very happy with the idea was introduce by Universal Peace Federation Solomon Islands so that we can move it with our people,” Mr Veke said.

“Guadalcanal province is serious; we don’t want to just keep on waiting to be spoon fed by government—we have to do something on our own,” Premier Veke said.

With the concept Mr Veke said in all Guadalcanal leaders want to see GP change – they don’t want a Guadalcanal that remains in the past but want an Island that is looking forward for something brighter for its people.

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Guadalcanal- CITREC graduates working Hard in Canada. Careka Volly (left) and Amelia Muse seen working at Kitchen in Saskatchewan Canada

GUADALCANAL Provincial Government is making positive progress in its scholarship programme.

A total of 46 pre-service and in-service students have been graduated from the scheme, with an additional 165 students expected to graduate from Solomon Islands National University this year.

Minister of Education for Guadalcanal Province Hon Lazarus Rinnah said Guadalcanal Province has sponsored 314 this year to undergo further studies at SINU.

He said the scholarship programme will continue in 2017 for students and those who want to upgrade their qualification.

Hon Rinnah adds that other education opportunities outside from the Pacific region have also been secured.

He said Guadalcanal Province Education Authority has sealed a partnership agreement with Canada.

Hon Rinnah explained that the agreement aims at providing opportunity for outstanding graduates of Guadalcanal to work and at the same time gain experience in Canada.

He said Guadalcanal Provincial Government has already sent two graduates from Guadalcanal to Canada under the CITREC programme.

Hon Rinnah stressed that Guadalcanal province, through his ministry, is planning to improve the partnership with aims to send more students to Canada.

He said there is green light that more students will be deployed to Canada under the labour mobility scheme early next year.

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Posts and bearer of the Marau Sound Women Resource Centre, which was a 2014-project of the Guadalcanal provincial government

THE Marau Paranikeni Association in east Guadalcanal province have highlighted the serious need to revive the women’s resource centre in their area.

They are also calling on the Guadalcanal provincial government for help.

The centre has been neglected for three years after initial construction stopped.

And since then, there have been challenges facing the community, especially when it comes to conducting training for rural women.

In an interview with Paranikeni Treasurer, Mrs Betsy Toata, she said they understand assembly is faced with many challenges but a talk on this matter is crucial for both of them on solutions for developing the resource centre.

“During times of our meeting we still sitting under trees, sometimes inside hospital where it is not use yet but it’s only on privilege given to us – it was challenging for us women,” Mrs Toata said.

Mrs Toata said the centre is important for providing trainings, and services needed for women now and in the future – it will benefit women in the Tasimauri constituency.

Mrs Toata said at the moment they are still waiting on the assembly as to who is responsible for the developing centre.

“Paranikeni stands to help every women, we see our challenges is finance, if they let down funding to us we can do it because we will not travel far, it’s in our place,” Mrs Toata said.

“It was situated within our boundary which we will not neglect or ignore,” Mrs Toata said.

She said at least assembly house do their part in sourcing funding for developing the building.

The Vice President Dorothy Marahare said women’s centre is one of their goals for sustaining activities according to the association’s setup.

“Even though the situation, it is in our plan that we see association much have a centre so that everyone can access services,” Mrs Toata.

The women resource centre in Marau Sound sub-station is a project under GP targetting main areas in this island.

Three centres earmarked for main GP areas had seen two failed and only one, at the Henderson, being successful.

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THE Deputy Premier for Guadalcanal province assures Paranikeni association in Marau Sound that the provincial government approves of their initiative, which launched on Wednesday Oct 19.

Peter Aoraunisaki said the initiative marks a milestone for Birao ward, especially Marau Sound, and its women.

Mr Aoraunisaki said the ideology is crucial for society especially rural setting fitting for them to save their money, and access to loans.

He expressed his excitement that the association has placed a big movement for development aspiration in the rural setting.

Mr Aoraunisaki said Paranikeni has fulfilled one of the goals stipulated in GP policy relating to gender equality.

“I want to assure you, GP government for the first in August this year through assembly we passed Guadalcanal women policy on gender equality and equal participation on development for 2015 to 2019,” DP Mr Aoraunisaki said.

He also said assembly and United Nation Development Programme are glad Guale develop a women’s policy that could deliberate women’s affairs in community level.

With that, Mr Aoraunisaki said the real thing is working towards unity and peace – whatever they set up will unite them with lasting peace.

He encourages women that changes come in three aspects; diligence, self-help and community support.

The Vice President for Paranikeni Association, Mrs Dorothy Marahare acknowledges Deputy Premier for gracing their launch with his presence.

She said this gives them confidence and courage that provincial government is with women throughout Guale, and equal participation of women is considered, shown clearly in the GP policy.

“On behalf of the Paranikeni association I want to thank you Deputy Premier for supporting us women of Marau Sound to witness our official launching,” Mrs Marahare said.

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Coconut plantation that is being washed away by sea level raise on Kosa Island

A coconut plantation in one of the recreational islands in Marau Sound has been washed away due to sea level rise, leaving people fearing and questioning their future.

An island called Kosa Island in Marau Sound, in east Guadalcanal province, is now half of its former size; locals saying that the other half, which had contained a coconut plantation, is now under water.

Amongst the many islands in Marau, Kosa is the only Island used for creational activities for both male and females – fishing, picnic and other adventure activities.

The other islands are restricted from females because of cultural beliefs.

Along with that, Kosa is also a breeding place for turtles and sea birds.

The community which uses the island question what will happen in 5 years’ time since it is obvious that it is sinking.

They say that during high tides the sea goes deep into the island’s interior, hence eroding the island.

Mrs Dorothy Babra, who is health worker in Ministry of Health, said the islands belong to her father, and they used to have a big coconut plantation.

She said it is sad to see the state the island is in, especially when comparing how much it has degraded compared to its former beauty.

Meanwhile, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, SPREP and SPC are working on a project with the communities there.

Now many islands in Marau, including Kosa, are conserved and marine protected area.

However, the community highlights the major challenges faced including logging that happens there which affects their terrestrial and marine bio-diversity.

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MEMBERS of the Roha Tribe Cooperative Society in Central Guadalcanal last Saturday took delivery of three 3-tonne vehicles for their business.

During the launching at Kaimomosa village, Chairman of the Roha Cooperative Society Mr Daniel Una, congratulated his members but warned them to take care of the business for the benefit of all Roha members.

“These three vehicles don’t belong to me, my executive or a few only. They belong to all of us Roha members. Today, I hand them over to you to look after them for our collective benefit,” he said.

A very emotional Una, who broke down during his speech, also said as a not highly educated person, he is determined to work together with all members of the Roha Cooperative for their collective benefits.

He also assured all tribe members that he and his executive will continue to strongly support the Tina Hydro Project until it materialises.

Roha Cooperative Society Business Manager, Mr Thomas McKenzie also appealed to all tribal members to support the initiatives created by their executive and promised he would do his best to manage the new venture.

Deputy Project Manager of the Tina Hydro Project, Fred Conning said the vehicles were an investment decision and the result of all the hard work by the Roha Cooperative executive members

“We did not have any say at all in this decision as the Cooperative is yours and therefore the executive is in charge. The Project Office will continue to do all it can to support investment decisions from the Co-operative executive and will respect such decisions he stressed.

Mr Conning also thanked the Roha tribal Leaders for showing strong leadership which is enabling the Tina Project to progress this far.

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