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Prioritising our youthful population

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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OUR youth makes up the majority of the population.

In fact 70 percent of Solomon Islands population is under 34 years of age.

Those between 15 to 34 years old are categorised as youth in this country.

This age group is also very productive in contributing to the country’s economy if they are employed.

The problem is that the majority of the youth are also unemployed.

And it is a ticking time bomb for the country if the youth population continues to increase each year.

They must be given opportunities to excel in whatever they can. If not then we are in for a tough ride ahead.

As we celebrate the Youth Week in Honiara this week, we must reflect on prioritising our youthful population.

Acting Prime Minister John Maneniaru said our youths are an asset that can propel the country forward if properly utilised.

This means giving them a conducive environment to excel in whatever qualities they have.

The Multipurpose Hall extension, thanks to the New Zealand Government, is just one small assistance toward helping our youths.

We need more halls to host activities for youths around the country.

We need more sporting stadiums, school halls, basketball courts, classrooms, youth centres and any other facility that will keep our youths busy.

Building more facilities and decentralising such initiatives should be the way forward.

It seems youth projects are congested within Honiara and not much done in the rural areas.

Honiara is also full of unemployed youths who have nothing to do but drink kwaso, smoke marijuana and disturb neighbours with loud music and basically creating noise pollution.

Let us not just make Honiara a Youth Hub but setting it up for the future of Solomon Islands as a whole.

GOV’T GOES TO CHINA

Written by
Barnabas Manebona
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China

Ministers, backbenchers and PMO official go for sightseeing in Beijing

 

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

A high level government delegation involving ministers and backbenchers will head to mainland China tomorrow, August 15 – 19, it is reported.

They have been invited by the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), an organisation with deep roots in the Communist Party of the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

This means Solomon Islands’ government is sending a ministerial delegation to mainland China while its bipartisan taskforce is also on its way to China.

And, the mission of both delegations is to find more information about mainland China which would justify establishing bilateral relations between us.

This move shows Solomon Islands’ government leaning more towards mainland China although it insists that it is undecided whether to switch recognition from Republic of China (Taiwan) or not.

The ministerial group is headed by Minister of Communications and Aviation, Shanel Agovaka, and includes five other government ministers, two government backbenchers and an official from the office of the Prime Minister.

Shanel Agovaka – MCA, Harry Kuma – MOFT, Manasseh Maelanga – MID, Dudley Kopu – MRD, Anthony Veke – MPGIS, Clesy Rore – MCLII, Jackson Filaua – Deputy Chairman Caucus, Commins Mewa – Parliamentary Standing Committee Chairman, Ronald Fugui – PM’s Private Secretary.

It is understood the delegation will be met by related Chinese institutions and enterprises. Sightseeing in Beijing will also be arranged for the delegation.

A media statement from the office of the Prime Minister yesterday confirms that taxpayers will meet the travelling allowances of the delegation. How much exactly is anyone’s guess.

The statement adds that travel and accommodation costs will be met by the Chinese.

“The SIG will provide for per diem and contingency costs in accordance with travel protocols for Ministers and Members of Parliament.

“The duration of the visit is from August 15th -19th.

“The Chinese People’s Association will meet the travel and accommodation costs for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC).”

The Prime Minister’s Office explains that government is approaching its foreign policy in an open and transparent manner, adding that it has informed Taiwan of this ministerial trip.

“The Government delegation consisting of ministers and government backbenchers are expected to identify critical areas for potential engagements that will directly impact on a prospective relationship between both countries, should the Government decide to switch to China.

“This is necessary for the government’s commitment towards determining the best possible outcome for Solomon Islands that represents our long-term development interests; while also safeguarding internal stability through the implementation and delivery of key policies, which are aligned with our bilateral relationships.

“Due to the significance of the decision and potential implications arising from any shift from the existing status quo of our foreign policy, should there a shift, it warrants the presence of Ministers and Senior Caucus MPs to provide a broader view of sensitive issues. This will also ensure there is a higher level of access to decision makers within the PRC Government, which in the final analysis, will provide Cabinet with the additional insight required to make a fully informed decision.”

However, political pundits say whatever excuses our government is giving it out, few things remain certain, which are; more unnecessary costs for taxpayers, displaying a more PRC-philic behaviour, and getting its priorities wrong.

“Government has already began severing ties with Taiwan when it announced that it would consider diplomatic relations with mainland China, and it is pushing Taiwan further away with its increasing frolicking with mainland China,” a political insider said.

“This latest trip was initially intended to have been a secret, but was however leaked to social media which caused much outcry. Hence, government was forced to announce it via media statement today [yesterday],” a government insider said.

“This high level visit by the strategic Cabinet Ministers now raises more question than answers. It seriously questions the genuineness and impartiality of the Tripartite Task Force established by the DCGA to investigate and report to the Government for a possible decision to either remain with ROC or switch to PRC.”

CPAFFC is one of the three major foreign affairs organisations of the People’s Republic of China. Its stated aim is to promote friendship and mutual understanding between Chinese people and foreign nations.

It was founded in May 1954. Its current chairperson is Li Xiaolin, daughter of Li Xiannian former President of China. Its leadership is drawn from the upper ranks of the Communist party of China.

We need a collaborative standpoint on climate change

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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CLIMATE change will be dominating the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting in Funafuti this week.

It is a fitting venue for climate change to be discussed right on the doorsteps of people suffering from its adverse effects.

Sea level rise is often attributed to change in climate patterns that results in global warming.

However the effects of climate change have multiple faces and sea level rise is just one of those.

Whilst the issue of climate change is at the core of many low-lying Pacific Islands nations, it may not be a priority for Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) member countries like Australia and New Zealand.

Changes in climate patterns maybe natural but human activities have largely been attributed to inducing climate changes.

For instance burning of natural gases, oil and coal to produce energy may indirectly contribute global warming.

However, developed nations like Australia and New Zealand need their factories to produce and export their goods and in the process sustain the livelihoods of their people.

Small islands nations like Tuvalu are at the mercy of developed nations who through their activities are heating up the earth’s surface and melting up the ice glaciers in the north and south poles – resulting in sea level rise.

Tuvalu and other small islands states could be under water in the near future. Our outer islands too are already feeling the effects of the rising sea level.

Therefore our leaders must push to address the issue of climate change. Adaptation and mitigating the effects of climate change have dominated past and present discussions.

A new topic is climate financing, which some Pacific Island countries have already benefited from.

Our resilience attitude to the change in climate patterns would no longer stand the test of time once the reality hits home.

And we hope this reality would present itself in Funafuti this week as our leaders deliberate on this sensitive but a crucial issue of climate change.

A clear, collaborative and effective standpoint on climate change for the Pacific is what we need from our regional leaders.

Tuvalu will not relocate

Written by
Charles Kadamana
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Tuvalu Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga delivering his speech during the Climate Change Sautalaga.

PM Sopoaga gives these powerful words to earth’s first-world countries

 

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

In Funafuti, Tuvalu

Tuvalu Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga delivering his speech during the Climate Change Sautalaga.

THERE is no safe place in the world due to climate change and Tuvalu will not be taking any option of relocation.

Relocation is a cheap option that could be seen as an achieved option for those causing the global warming and climate change.

This is the response of Tuvaluan Prime Minister Enele Sopoaga when asked if relocation would one of the actions to save Tuvalu.

He said Tuvalu has been trying to build a ‘trust’ not to give up but work to do something to save the small island.

He said relocation is fine but that would be an achieved option for those who cause global warming and climate change.

“It would be easy for them to pass resolution in the UN saying they have resolved to relocate the small island states to look for money and relocate to somewhere safe.

“But there is nowhere safe in the world because of climate change,” Mr Sopoaga said.

He said even in the United States and European countries they are relocating due to land erosion, but for them [Tuvalu] they are not moving.

“We will not stop the cause of climate change, we are going to stay.”

He said Tuvalu hosting the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders is a testimony that “if everyone put together they can save the world by raising, building and reclaiming lands”.

Sopoaga appreciates the offer by Fiji for relocation, but as matter of principles they are not going there.

“We have to do it but make sure the world fixed to contribute to reducing greenhouse effects.”

He also told the Pacific leaders in his address that the Pacific is facing a climate change crisis that needs urgent action to guarantee the future of the small developing island states.

“Our survival is at stake and there is no time to waste.

“We must be decisive in our actions not only ambitions. May be time for ambitions is over but actions.

“This is time for actions. Why? Because the stake is so high for the livelihood of the people in all our islands who anxiously waiting to hear our leaders what we are going to decide here.”

He also highlights the importance of listening to the voice of youths.

This is because the decision they [leaders] made at the meeting will affect young people in ways that they now may not be able to make.

Pacific Island countries is often portrayed as hapless victims of climate change but they have been at the leading edge of action to confront climate change.

The region is determined to take charge of its future and show the rest of the world what real climate leadership looks like from skillful international diplomacy to world leading policies and commitments at the regional level to local community driven action built upon millennia’s worth of indigenous knowledge.

Small Islands States Chair pledges to limit warming to 1.5 degrees

Written by
Charles Kadamana
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Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor (left) and official attending the Climate change Sautalaga.

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

In Funafuti, Tuvalu

 

Chair of the Small Islands States and Fiji Prime Minister Frank Baimimara delivering his speech during the Climate Change Sautalaga on Monday

FIJI Prime Minister and Chair of the Small Islands States Frank Bainimarama has pledged to Pacific leaders that Fiji will use everything in its power to arrange a collective strength to restore and reinvigorate the 1.5 degree target in every global forum.

He made the pledge when speaking at the Climate Change Sautalaga at the Rt Hon Dr Sir Tomasi Puapua convention centre in Funafuti, Tuvalu yesterday.

“I pledge to you all today that Fiji will use everything in its power – and I as current Chair of the Pacific Small Island Developing States will do everything in my power – to marshal our collective strength here in the Pacific to restore and reinvigorate the 1.5 degree target in every global forum, including next month’s Global Climate Summit in New York and at COP25 in Santiago, Chile in December.

“I am proud to say that Fiji is rising to the challenge laid down by the UN Secretary General to go to New York with an increase in our own NDC, our Nationally Determined Contribution, to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions.

“And I urge all of our Pacific partners, wherever possible, to do the same.

He said the path to more ambitions involves a faster transition to renewable energy, more efficient utilisation of our forests and mangroves – nature’s carbon capture – and a range of innovative mechanisms to achieve the net zero emissions target that the Secretary General has requested by 2050, 31 years from now.

“We are also introducing a Climate Change Act in Fiji that will enshrine, in law, our domestic response to the climate threat and the threat to our oceans and place that law at the heart of our national policies and priorities.

 

“Among other things, it will establish procedures for the relocation of communities that are at risk and support the Relocation Trust fund that has already been approved by our Parliament and that we will be launching at the New York Summit next month,” Mr Bainimarama said.

He said in addition to playing a leadership role in the global Ocean Pathway, they are also developing a National Oceans Policy, under which Fiji plans to move to a 100 per cent sustainable managed Exclusive Economic Zone, with 30 per cent of this being earmarked as a marine protected area by no later than 2030.

“I ask you all to join in this ambitious venture, and also support a 10 year moratorium on seabed mining from 2020 to 2030, which would allow for a decade of proper scientific research of our economic zones and territorial waters.

“We are also leading, with the Marshall Islands, the Pacific Blue Shipping Partnership that is working on a blended and innovative finance structure to support the decarbonisation of domestic marine transportation fleets and facilities in Fiji and across the region.

“This means replacing inter-island ships with more efficient hybrid ships, thereby reducing fuel costs and emissions,” Mr Bainimarama added.

Pacific Islands Forum Secretary General Dame Meg Taylor (left) and official attending the Climate change Sautalaga.

He said in a broader sense, the leaders need greater cohesion and greater resolve in their collective response to the climate threat and the threat to the oceans many people depend for food and their livelihoods.

“And I ask my fellow Pacific Island leaders to support a collective approach on the part of us all that is ambitious, holistic and achievable,” he said.

Reducing the global warming to 1.5 degree is one of the key challenges the Pacific Islands countries is facing against the most world’s most powerful countries.

Despite of that the Pacific Islands countries were successful in ensuring the Paris Agreement committed all countries to aiming to limit warming to 1.5 degree.

Any chance of limiting warming to 1.5 degree global emission must be halved by 2030 and reach zero by the middle of this century at the latest.

Under the equity principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, it is clear that those whose development and wealth have been built through decades of using fossil energy and who have a greater capacity to respond to this crisis must take the lead.

Meanwhile the 50th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting will officially open today.

PIF strength depends on collective effort: Sogavare

Written by
Charles Kadamana
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Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama at the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders meeting.

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

In Funafuti, Tuvalu

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare says the strength of small islands states to make an impact in international negotiation to address climate change is based on collective effort.

He made this statement in an interview after listening to Climate Change Sautalaga keynote addresses from Fiji’s Prime Minister, Tuvalu’s Prime Minister and other key speakers yesterday.

He said from the presentation of different speakers on issue of climate change the main message is for Pacific leaders to make a collective efforts to respond to climate change.

He said climate change is not a cross cutting issue but it is a cross sectoral issue that involves health, finance and environment.

He said Solomon Islands recognises climate change as the greatest threat to the future but it cannot fight it alone.

He said it takes collective effort from the Pacific to bring climate change issue to international forums and that is what will be discussed at the Pacific Islands Forum meeting.

Sogavare also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the Blue Pacific endorsed by Forum leaders at their meeting in Samoa in 2017.

He said Blue Pacific is a cross sectoral issue that covers health of the region, economic significant and pacific values and not just confined to environment.

The Blue Pacific seeks to re-capture the collective potential of the pacific shared stewardship of the Pacific Ocean based on an explicit recognition of shared ocean identity, ocean geography, and ocean resources.

It aims to strengthened collective action as one “Blue Pacific Continent” by putting the Blue Pacific at the centre of policy making and collective action for advancing the pacific islands forum Leaders vision.

The story of climate change and the pacific is one of the extreme and intensifying threats to all aspect of life, culture and security but also a story of resilience, resolves and leadership.

For Tuvalu and other atoll islands nations of the Pacific, climate change is a matter of survival.

The Pacific leaders meeting also comes a month ahead of one of the most important moments in international climate negotiations since the Paris Agreement was finalized in 2015.

On September 23 world leaders will convene in New York for a UN climate Summit, designed to encourage as many countries as possible to strengthen their commitments to the Parish Agreement before it enters into force in 2020.

Veke to bring Revenue Sharing Scheme Bill to Parliament

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Anthony Veke speaking in Parliament recently. PHOTO BY PARLIAMENT MEDIA.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Anthony Veke speaking in Parliament recently. PHOTO BY PARLIAMENT MEDIA.

THE Revenue Sharing Scheme (RSS) Bill is expected to come before Parliament for consideration.

Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Anthony Veke confirmed this during his contribution on the debate on Speech of the Throne delivered by Governor General in Parliament recently.

He said a lot of work has already been made on the bill.

“I tabled the revenue sharing report in cabinet in the first week of August for cabinet blessing.

“This is to allow the drafting team in Attorney General Chambers to proceed in the finalisation of RSS Bill,” he said.

Veke said the adoption of RSS bill shall address the issue of revenue sharing between the two levels of government.

“I have observed that our governance system is mostly top down with little and no participation of communities in major decision making processes.

“This gradually alienates the citizens that elected us to represent them,” he said.

Veke said the RSS Bill hopes to give some sorts of fiscal autonomy to the provincial governments that will lead and allow a more participatory governance system in the Solomon Islands.

Parliament has adjourned to Monday, August 26.

Respect Bloody Ridge Peace Park: Parapolo    

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Former PM Hou pays tribute to the war heroes of WWII at Bloody Ridge last year.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

 MINISTER for Culture and Tourism Batholomew Parapolo has called on public to respect the Bloody Ridge National Peace Park.

 Parapolo made this call in light of ongoing reports that members of public are misusing the park and not respecting the premises.

Speaking during the recent anniversary of the Bloody Ridge National Peace Park he said, “I understand that previously there were a few incidence of disrespect to the site and the

monuments by members of the public. I urge you to stop such disrespectful attitudes.

“Anyone found displaying such disrespectful actions will be dealt with by the full force of the law.

“The intention to declare the National Park was very important. It is a place to be accorded the honor and respect it deserve. More so, The National Park must be looked after and cared for by all members of our society.

Parapolo appeals to all stakeholders to take pride and passion in working together to protect and respect this historical site of global importance.

He said the historical significance of Bloody Ridge is important for tourism development as it is increasingly becoming one of the key draw-cards for visitors.

The National Peace Park currently holds a US Marine Raider’s monument, Solomon Islands Government monument and a Japanese monument. These monuments identify and promote the historical significance of this place in the history of the War.

On the same matter, director for Tourism division Barney Sivoro said, “I call for us to work together again for the long-term Development and protection of this very important historical site.”

OUR LOST $BILLIONS

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Environment Minister exposes huge loss to Solomon Islands over ore-export trend

 

By EDDIE OSIFELO

SOLOMON Islands has not earned maximum returns from the bauxite mining operation in Rennell Island since operations began in 2014.

And, the country is bound to repeat this with other mining operations in other parts of the country.

Minister of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management, Dr Culwick Togamana revealed this in parliament, implying that we are missing out on billions of dollars from the practice of exporting ore rather than purified metals.

Before outlying the figures from the bauxite, Togamana referred to the words of Governor General David Vunagi – “we are blessed with fertile soil and good climate but still lagging behind our neighbours”.

Togamana, MP for Maringe Kokota, said Rennell has about 26 million metric tonnes of bauxite.

He said in dry ore tonnage, it translates to 18.2 million metric tonnes of bauxite with an average of 30 percent moist content.

“The 18.2 million metric tonnes at the current price of USD$14 per tonne should fetch us USD$254.8 million for the entire deposits.”

Togamana said for aluminium, which they can get from bauxite, it should give them 8.6 million metric tonnes bauxite. This is at the cost USD$150 US per tonne; that should fetch Solomon Islands USD$8.2 billion.

“If further extract aluminium, we should get 4.55 million metric tonnes of aluminium from the total of 26 million of bauxite ore.

“If we sell that at the current price of USD$2,300 per metric tonne, it should fetch us USD$10.5 billion,” he said.

Further to that, Togamana said direct shipment of ore is a trend which is similar for nickel in Isabel as well as gold in Gold Ridge.

He explains that mining companies in Solomon Islands are now increasing concentration, which is not adding value.

“My plea to MPs is we have a collective responsibility to provide the good leadership that come up with policy directions that add value to this so we can maximise the economic returns that should be obtained from our natural resources.

“I continue to make plea here that direct shipment of ore is not an option that we should entertain,” he said.

Meanwhile, Togamana said they are processing a Climate Change Bill.

This bill will propose a framework to address this issue especially to set standards, also our commitment to international communities in addressing this issue of climate change.

The bauxite mining in Rennell started in the 1960s by a Japanese company Mitsui, but it abandoned it.

In 2014, Asia Pacific Investment and Development Limited (APID), which carried out logging on the island, had sub-contracted Bintan Mining Company to carry out mining.

The mining is still continuing on the island.

Togamana made these comments during his contribution on the debate of the Speech of the Throne delivered by Governor General in Parliament recently.

Parliament will resume on Monday, August 26.

Honiara, crime capital of Solomon Islands?

Written by
Alfred Sasako
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Old bus-stop in front of Honiara central market. Photo from SIBC Online.

By Alfred Sasako

HONIARA, the capital of what was once the Hapi Isles, is now being described in overseas travel advisory websites as the ‘crime capital’ of Solomon Islands and warning tourists to avoid it.

Former Police Commissioner, Frank Short revealed this in his letter to the editor, saying Honiara’s good name has been tarnished, adding the travel notifications he had seen “are largely untrue, exaggerated or wholly false and make for uncomfortable reading.”

The revelation comes as the Visitor’s Bureau launched a three-month television advertising blitz in Australia promoting Solomon Islands as the alternate tourist destination.

“Judging by the travel advice being given out currently by several foreign travel advisory services, the perception of the crime situation in Honiara must change – and change quickly.

“While every effort is being put into increasing travel to the Solomon Islands, intending travellers are being told to avoid Honiara, described as a crime city,” Mr Short said.

These travel advisory services have also named what they called “hot spots” to avoid while in Honiara.

These “hot spots” include, the Central Market, Point Cruz, Chinatown, the Borderline, Kombito Market as well as the squatter settlements around Honiara and White River in west Honiara. The Japanese War Memorial at Mt Austin was also named, saying this is “where criminal gangs will operate in broad daylight.”

Mr Short quoted what appeared in some travel advisory on line.

“The Solomon Islands (over 900 (islands) … is a gem in the heart of Melanesia: still a little off the beaten path, not so touristy, but warm all year (always around 27 degrees Celsius) with breathtakingly beautiful beaches, mountain peaks and picture perfect coral atolls.

“Increasingly people come here for the relaxing beach resorts, but most are drawn by the crystal clear water and unbelievably good scuba diving and snorkelling.

“The one drawback – the capital Honiara is the pits! Give it a miss and head to the outlying islands for a trouble-free trip.”

“Honiara is also the crime capital of The Solomons, and wealthy-looking visitors are often a target. Leave the expensive watches and expensive jewellery at home,” the advisory said.

“Don’t walk around the streets alone at night (best to go with a group or a guide), and give the early morning jog a miss.”

“If you do go out to a bar at night, be aware there’ll always be a few locals who like to fight – there were active headhunters on these islands until the 1930’s, so they probably know how to handle themselves.”

“During the day pick pocketing, bag snatching, mobile phone theft and general harassment is common. Hot spots for these crimes are:

“The Central Market; Point Cruz; the area surrounding old Mataniko bridge in Central Honiara (Chinatown); the Kukum area; Burns Creek/Lungga River in east Honiara; White River in west Honiara, Borderline and Kombito Market in the south-east of Honiara; and squatter settlement areas in and around Honiara – plus the Japanese War Memorial at Mt Austin where criminal gangs will operate in broad daylight.”

“Criminal activity, such as theft, robbery and burglary, and some acts of violence do occur, especially around Honiara. Such activity is usually related to alcohol consumption, domestic disputes and land issues. There have been incidents of abduction and assault on public buses and at bus stops.”

“As foreigners may be targeted due to their perceived wealth, avoid displaying or wearing items that appear valuable, such as electronic devices, cameras and jewellery. You should take particular care when using public transport in Honiara and avoid walking at night in Honiara. Ensure that you have adequate home security measures in place.”

Mr Short said it is perhaps time for the Solomon Islands government and Solomon Visitors’ Bureau “to begin to counter the largely false accusation I have quoted as being currently available on travel advisory websites.

“The nature of crime in Honiara is being portrayed internationally in a manner which reflects rather unfairly and negatively on the city which will host the 2023 Pacific Games.

“Let us ensure the capital city is viewed in a more positive light and all work together to clean-up the illicit habits and wrongful practices that are harming the way in which the Solomon Islands is being portrayed,” Mr Short said.

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