Fatai is new city mayor

HONIARA City Council has a new mayor. He is Alfrence Fatai of Vura ward. Mr Fatai polled 16 votes against his contender, Charles Cheka Aiwasuga, who received only two votes after round one of voting. One vote was rejected after the councillor did not ink the x sign on it. Former city mayor, Andrew Mua…

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…

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…

New Nadi Honiara service

Air Niugini launches flight AIR Niugini has started operating a direct return service between Honiara and Nadi. The service began on Christmas Eve, using its Boeing 737 aircraft. Fiji-based Discount Flight Centre, general sales agents (GSA) for Air Niugini, managing director Sashi Singh said the service is in line with the current Air Service Agreement…