Former journalist elected new Premier of Makira Province

Former journalist and long-time serving radio broadcaster Julian Maka’a has been elected as the new provincial Premier for Makira/Ulawa.

Mr. Maka’a polled 14 votes ahead of his lone opponent Jackson Sunaone with 6 ballots in the premier’s election today.

He was a member of the media fraternity in the Solomon Islands before giving a shot at politics where he was then succeeded.

His victory has gained an overwhelming support from the Makira people and friends with congratulatory messages and comments keep pouring on social media.

See his biography as below:

Experience

Communications Officer

Tina Hydro Development Project

Responsible for communications about the Tina River Hydro Development Project. Support Community Liaison Officer in developing training and promotional material about the Project.

National Disaster Management Office

Solomon Islands Government

Mar 2007 – Mar 2011

Disaster Training, Communications Officer

Radio Broadcaster Radio Broadcasting Trainer Media Trainer Supervisor Programs and Presentation

Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation

May 1984 – Nov 2006

Started off in Drama Features Department, 2007 attended 3-month training on Radio Drama in Hilversum, Netherlands; attended various media train the trainers courses in the south Pacific region; completed Disaster Train the Trainers in 1997; joined Solomon Islands National Disaster Management Office in 2007 to 2010 and managed information, Disaster Management Trainer; Communications Officer until March 2011 when he joined the Tina River Hydropower Development Project Office of the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

Education

Primary

Primary studies at Wainoni Bay, High School Studies Tenaru and Extension Courses by both USP and UPNG

Wanoni Bay, St Joseph’s Catholic Secondary Tenaru, USP Extension Services, UPNG Open Campus, Honiara

Volunteer Experience

Support with communication and other jobs, NDMO Solomon Islands

Contributing support in very trying situations after major disaster impacts

Publications

The Confession and Other Stories in 1985; Is Anyone Out There, 2013; Iumi Tru, still awaited

USP, Xlibri, online

A variety of different short stories for both the Confession and Other Stories and Is Anyone Out There; Iumi Tru is a travel writing magazine covering the main Provinces of Solomon Islands

Projects

Communities Reinforce Support For Tina Hydro

Nov 2012 – Present

It’s a big contribution to the ongoing efforts to get a major hydro built for Solomon Islands

Languages

• English
• Solomon Islands Pijin
• Maramara Asi
• Ngaoni

Organizations

Solomon Islands Creative Writers Association

Acting President and one time Secretary

Mar 1984 – Present