For Tasiboko ward, North East Guadalcanal
BY BRYAN LUVENA
Rose Tala has created history by being the first woman Member for Provincial Assembly (MPA) for Tasiboko ward in North East Guadalcanal.
The form three leaver was elected into power during last week’s Guadalcanal Provincial Election.
She was the only woman candidate to contest the ward against nine other male contestants.
Mrs Tala polled 492 votes followed Jimmy Saea 456, Alfred Lovantila 395, John Tatahu 251, David Ono 200, Paul Siovi 160, Philip Buto 131, Erick Tapalia 111, Ezekiel Leua 108 and Solomon Tobani 97 votes.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the paper yesterday Mrs Tala thanked everyone for their support, trust and for believing in her to be their provincial ward representative for the next four years.
“I’m humble to be the first woman representative for Tasiboko ward and want to thank everyone for their support rendered to me during the election period.
‘’I want to thank the women, youths and everyone for believing in me and have shown it during the polls,” she said.
Mrs Tala added she is aware of the responsibilities that lies ahead and admitted that it’s going to be tough and urges everybody to work together.
“As a mother I always have my responsibility to look after my family and now I have a big responsibility to lead the people of Tasiboko and so I urge everyone to work together as it the only way forward.
She assured her good people of Tasiboko that she would always work closely with the newly elected Member of Parliament Jamie Vokia to make sure developments are taking place in the ward for this next four years,” she added.
Mrs Tala completed her form three education at Vurenimala community high school and has worked with a number of non-government organizations (NGO) over the past years.
She previously worked as a project facilitator for World Vision Solomon Islands, a surveillance surveyor of STIs and people living with disability at the Ministry of Health and a former volunteer at Save the Children to name a few.
She said her working closely with the communities during her time with the NGOs has allowed her to work closely with the communities and the issues they face in which she hopes to address.
Six women candidates contested the Guadalcanal elections and after days of counting Mrs Tala is the only woman elected so far.
Three others women lost their race while results for the other two is yet to be known.
Meanwhile, its understood a number of women have been elected during recent elections for Honiara City Council, Malaita and Temotu.
