To'abaita Authority for Research & Development (TARD)

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Monday, October 23, 2006

SI Prime Minister and delegation meet with students at USP

The Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, and his official delegation to the 37th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Summit in Nadi have been hosted for Sabbath mass by the Solomon Islands students and community in Suva on Saturday.

The Solomon Islands Student Association (SISA) combine service on Saturday which was coordinated by the Seventh Day students, was the final combine service for SISA before returning home mid next month.

However, the highlight of the combine service was the presence of the Prime Minister and his wife with several body guards, Cabinet Ministers, an ordinary member, and officials including those from the Prime Minster's office and the High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea. Ministers of the Crown who were present include Minister for Foreign Affairs (Hon Patterson Oti), Minister for Agriculture and Livestock (Hon Toswell Kaua), and Minister for National Planning (Hon Steve Abana). An ordinary member and chairman of the Ports Authority who is also part of the delegation is Hon James Tora. Other prominent officials include Dr Judson Leafasia who is the Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister's office and the High Commissioner to PNG, His Excellency Benard Bata'anisia.

The service started off with an official escort of the Prime Minister and his delegation by SISA leaders into the theatre followed by the National Anthem. Next was testimonies and choirs by the various church groups that make up SISA. Later on was the sermon which was preached by a prominent SDA Pastor, Lawrence Tanabose, based on the theme "Everything is rooted in God". The new SISA Executive was also consecrated by Pastor Tanabose after the sermon.

Prime Minister Sogavare and his Ministers were given about two hours to update students and citizens about the government policies and background of the recent events that are happening in the Solomon Islands. Finally, the meeting was ended with a heavy refreshment.

It was estimated that about 700-800 people including children, students, and workers from other institutions and organizations around Suva came to witness the presence of the Prime Minister and his delegation in the final SISA combine service.

Meanwhile, it is understood the Prime Minister and his officials have left the Holiday Inn in Suva yesterday to participate in the ACP leaders summit in Nadi which starts today.

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