July, 2017
Immunity for MPs
No arrests until December 17, 2018 THERE will be no arrests of politicians until after 17th December next year with sources citing political instability as the reason for delaying police action. Sources spoken to yesterday say the government fears that mass arrests of politicians including some senior Cabinet Ministers would result in political instability, which the government is trying to avoid at all costs. “The confirmed line-up for immediate arrest is 11, but it could be more,” one source told Island Sun. “The fear is that such a large numberRead More
Youth interns learn new things from Y@W
YOUTHS in Honiara say they have learnt five significant lessons while joining the Youth At Work phase 11 programme. A Youth representative, Ms Natina Taisau said during their engagement in Y@W programme they have learnt five important areas, believing it will set as foundation for employment opportunities. She said, number one is giving back to community, they realise it is important for them as youths – developing their mindset to think active. From the programme young people acquired positive knowledge and skills during the trainings and job experience over 15 weeks of internship. Ms Taisau said despite educational background, the Y@W gives young people another chance to learn, seeRead More
Hundreds graduate under Y@W programme
NEARLY 200 young people graduated from the Youth@ Work phase 11 programme at the National Auditorium yesterday. Among them are people with special needs. A total of 107 females and 80- plus males completed the Y@W programme and received their certificate. These youths graduate with useful skills and knowledge in entrepreneurship, work experiences, capacity trainings and work ethics. The Acting Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, Mr Hugo Hebala in his keynote address persuaded the graduates to apply these skills and knowledge gained in their future opportunities. He said trainers and mentors have given them basic tools important for job opportunities and if embraced willRead More
Konofilia banned from Solomon Cup, accepts decision
THE head coach of Avaiki Chiefs Joel Moffat Konifilia has been banned for the entire duration of the 2017 Telekom Solomon Cup. This follows the physical assault of referee George Hugo after the Pool B Solomon Cup match between Avaiki Chiefs and Western Turtles, won 2-1 by the latter. During the match, Hugo ordered Konifilia off the pitch following the coach’s continues protest from the sideline against the referee amid the alleged ‘controversial’ decisions made on the pitch. After the match ended, Konifilia physically assaulted the referee as he wasRead More
Honiara Warriors aims for top two finish
HONIARA Warriors remain in contention for a top two finish in Pool A of the Telekom Solomon Cup after they clinched a 2-0 victory over Guadalcanal Hornets yesterday at Lawson Tama. Two goals in each half by Arnold Rhodi and Davidson Tome secured the much deserved win for the capital side. The win propelled Honiara to go top of Pool A with six points and one match to spare. The loss by Hornets made it three in a row and points them to the exit door of the competition withRead More
Fire trucks and firefighting equipment from NSW
DEAR EDITOR, it is reported that the Fire & Rescue Department of New South Wales (NSW), Australia as gifted three fire trucks and other equipment which will support the work of the local Fire and Rescue Department. New South Wales, in particular, the New South Wales Rural Fire Services, has had a long history of supporting the RSIPF’s Fire Services. I recall the NSWRFS sending the RSIPF new sets of firefighting uniforms in the mid ‘90s when the members of the RSIPF, working as fire service officers, proudly wearing theirRead More
Recording the truth
DEAR EDITOR, the Honourable Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, spoke last week at a high-level symposium on the legacy of RAMSI. The PM said it was important that future generations are fed the right information about what actually happened during the period of the country’s ethnic tensions, because as he said, “This is going to be referred to by people who are yet born.” Prime Minister Sogavare said the existence of academic and written records reflected a personal insult to his integrity as a leader. I understand the Prime Minister’s remarksRead More
Former PM urges gov’t to gazette public finance act
FORMER Prime Minister Gordon Darcy Lilo has strongly urged the Government to gazette the Public Financial Management Act (PFMA) as soon as applicably possible as a step to dose the country’s current financial situation. Lilo made the strong statement in an exclusive interview with Island Sun yesterday. According to the former Prime Minister, if the Government were to gazette the PFMA, there would be a stronger and more transparent slant to boost its fiscal responsibility. “If we were to gazette the PFMA, we would not be in the situation weRead More
Lack of communication in Ministry of Public Service exposed
THE Ministry of Public Service is seemingly oblivious or is in the dark regarding what goes on around it. It has told Island Sun that it is not aware of the 28-day notice put out by medical doctors last week for their industrial strike. A follow-up by the paper somewhat exposed the ministry’s lack of awareness, and break down of communication among its hierarchy. Phone calls made to the Executive Personal Secretary and other staff of the ministry received similar replies of not knowing that a strike notice was putRead More
Preparation for Premiers conference delayed
PREPARATIONS for the 9th Premiers conference to be held in Auki is being snail-paced by slow submission of allocations for the local organising committee (LOC) and other sub-committees. Everybody seems to be waiting for the provincial secretary and the provincial treasurer who are in Honiara. It is also reported that renovations on the provincial chamber is yet to be done. This hold up is blamed on the provincial government’s slowness in allocating work on the chamber. This paper is also understands that budget for the preparation programme has already beenRead More