New TARD champs

Panama-Sulagwalu claimed titled for first time THE annual To’abaita Authority Rural Development (TARD) soccer tournament in north Malaita has a new champion. They are Panama-Sulagwalu Football Club who claimed the title for the first time this year after beating Green Snails in a nail-baiting grand-final at Bita’ama on Christmas eve. Panama-Sulagwalu entered the TARD championship…

Three vie for mayor’s job

THREE candidates will contest the Honiara City Council (HCC) mayor’s post today (Tuesday). They are former mayor Andrew Mua and two newly elected councillors Alpheus Fatai (Vura ward) and Charles Cheka Aiwasuga (Naha ward). City clerk Charles Kelly declined to disclose the names of the candidates when nominations closed at 6pm yesterday, but the Solomon…

Patients touched by visits

MEMBERS of the South Sea Evangelical Church (SSEC) central church in Honiara yesterday visited patients at the National Referral Hospital to pray and share gifts. They are the latest group to visit the hospital during this Christmas season. On Christmas day, Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare’s family and Rotary Club of Honiara, paid similar visits. SSEC…

Call to rebuild Auki clinic

THE incoming Malaita Provincial government has been urged to build a new clinic in Auki. The call was made by members of the Auki public during a public forum held at the provincial capital with the newly elected members last week. One of the speakers said the existing clinic needs to be relocated because it…

Hearts of Hope to host big fundraiser

A LOCAL non-government organisation established to assist widowers, orphans, and elderly people is hosting a major fundraising on New Year’s eve in west Kwaio, Malaita. Heart of Hope (HOH) will stage the fundraiser at Bina village. The organisation’s founder and president Janet Justice Aihari said many activities will be featured during the event. These include…

Students demand explanation

AROUND 100 day-scholar students at Solomon Islands National University (SINU) have called on the director of National Training Unit (NTU) to explain the drop in their allowances last week. According to cheques received by the students, from the gross of $24,570, the government withheld $945 for rental. As such, the students each received only $23,625.…

Losing candidate contest illegally

A LOSING candidate in the recent Temotu provincial elections was allowed to contest despite violating electoral laws. Temotu electoral manager Luke Paul confirmed George West contested the Lata Luova ward although he was not a registered voter in the ward, which is illegal. Mr Paul said in the 2010 provincial elections, Mr West was disqualified…