Home Blog Page 1105

New Provincial Deputy Speaker for West

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0
(Left - right) newly elected deputy speaker Hon Leong Mamu, Speaker Adrian Sinabule Provincial and Clerk to the Assembly Kevin Paia pose for a photo after the sworn in

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

(Left – right) newly elected deputy speaker Hon Leong Mamu, Speaker Adrian Sinabule Provincial and Clerk to the Assembly Kevin Paia pose for a photo after the sworn in.

HONORABLE Leong Mamu is now the Deputy Speaker for the Western Provincial Government (WPG). Mamu took his oath as Deputy Speaker yesterday.

In his remarks Mamu vowed to give rights to the province and bring difference for the next four years to build Western Province.

The newly-elected deputy speaker went on to say that WPG can achieve much through cooperation and working together.

“And on the quality of governance that we strive to provide and which you deserve to have to build Western Province to the higher level”.

Mamu thanked the MPA’s who witnessed the swearing in ceremony at the Western Provincial Government conference room yesterday and those who nominated and appointed him.

He also thanked Hon Speaker Adrian Sinabule, Provincial Clerk to the Assembly Kevin Paia and the Premier Hon David Gina for the trust in him.

NRH over-burdened in caring for patients with NCD related complications

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

MY partner charity in New Zealand, ‘Take My Hands,’ informed me today (Monday) that a 40 foot container with 50 hospital beds and some 10 wheels chairs, arrived on a cargo vessel that docked in Honiara at the weekend.

The hospital beds and the wheel chairs, the first consignment of a similar number of hospital beds and wheel chairs, will be taken for immediate use at the National Referral Hospital (NRH) after the SIPA clearance arrangements have been finalized.

The NRH is short of beds due to the large number of patients suffering from diabetic illnesses brought on largely through the transition to a diet containing too much fat and sugar.

I have contributed several articles on the striking dietary changes impacting on general health and the over-burdening of medical services and particularly on the care facilities at the NRH.

It has to be said, however, that the increase in non-communicable diseases not only relate to a lack of proper nutritional education but to food import policies, climate change influencing the cultivation of subsistence food crops, lack of proper transport in rural areas restricting the marketing of cultivated food, and media promotion which has tended to give imported foods high status.

Innovative measures seems desirable to recapture the value and nutritional benefits of traditional foods such as fresh fish, leafy vegetables, root crops coconuts and low fat protein, cutting out eating too much rice and using white flour.

In terms of import policies to moderate sugar intake, the Government of French Polynesia has decided to introduce a sugar tax to counter soaring rates of diabetes.

The health minister Jacques Raynal told the public broadcaster a 25 percent tax will be levied from next year on all sugary drinks as well as foods with hidden sugar.

The tax revenue will be used exclusively for health promotion campaigns and not go into the consolidated funds.

The levy will be imposed despite an undertaking by the government re-elected this year that no new taxes would be brought in.

The number of people suffering from type-2 diabetes in French Polynesia has increased five-fold in the past 20 years, affecting now about 45,000 individuals.

Since last month, sugary drinks in New Caledonia are taxed at 22 percent which is the top rate of the new value added tax.

To close this piece, many of the answers to the Solomon Islands health problems lie beyond the portfolios of the local health departments and to reduce the increasing burden on the health services and for people to live, longer and healthier lives much more needs to be done to encourage the return to indigenous foods, to cut out tobacco use and greatly restrict the consumption of alcohol and especially to stop the consumption of illegal and dangerous home –brew, known locally as “kwaso.”

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Solomon Islands Agricultural Ministry supporting local kava farming

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

THE agriculture Ministry has been supporting kava farming in the country under its Livelihood and Export Base Expansion Project and I have been monitoring progress with crop production since early last year.

It was about January 2017 that I first read that farmers of Pupuka Village in Northwest Choiseul were being encouraged to grow kava as a valuable cash crop as, compared to other cash crops, kava is less affected by plant disease and there is a constant demand from overseas buyers especially from the United States.

I have not seen much to say how kava production and sales progressed at Pupuka Village but hoped the project was successful in generating a source of income to assist community livelihoods.

I am assuming the Pupuka Village project did prove successful because today, Tuesday, the Solomon Star newspaper reported in an article that kava has now become a lucrative cash crop in the Solomon Islands.

The article cited the fact that the agriculture Ministry has been helping farmers in the Roviana lagoon area and they recently received training in the cultivation of kava from the principal field officer from the Munda agricultural extension office.

The training programme reportedly brought together around 40 farmers, most of whom had been growing kava but with only basic knowledge on how to properly manage their crop for better yields.

Following the training the farmers are now better equipped to successfully grow kava and to make a sustainable income from selling their crop.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Malaita Land Summit: A response to Mr David Welch’s letter (20 November 2018)

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

I write to thank David Welch for his lengthy and somewhat tongue in cheek reply to my letter of 19 November referring to a complaint that I had received from a youth that had attended the Land Summit.

I appreciate being appraised of the manner in which the Summit was conducted and David’s assurances that all participants were accorded the time and opportunity to contribute to the items for discussion.

Perhaps, the youth that wrote to me will follow-up the suggestion of sending more information to the Land Summit’s Organization Committee to set the record straight.

Let me say I do appreciate the fact that the Land Summit was held and agree with David’s view that land issues can and should be held to consider views and opinions in an amicable way.

If there are others that might hold the same views as expressed by my young correspondent then I would ask them to write and tell David their feelings and to say why they felt that way given the explanation of the conduct of the Summit now fairly presented to me.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Development Budget allocations based outcomes: MDPAC

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

By Gary Hatigeva

MINISTRIES that have not shown any progress or provide evidence of progresses in the implementations of their programs and projects are given a reduced or deferred status.

Officials from the Ministry of Development Planning, and Aid Coordination highlighted in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing that is currently underway, over the 2019 Appropriation Bill.

Prior to the start of PAC hearing on Monday, Island Sun was able to interview top officials of a number of government line ministries, most of whom raised concerns and complaints over what they have described as, insufficient allocations for their development programs.

Some of the ministries shared that the trend in low allocation has affected a lot of their programs, and also stretching completion timeframes that have been projected, including their priority schedules of projects.

Others were also complaining that proposals submitted for new programs and projects were also turned down.

But when speaking at the PAC hearing yesterday, Chief Planning Officer (CPO) of MDPAC, Alice Kale revealed that MDPAC uses a number of guidelines and rules to establish the final estimates, which are then endorsed and approved.

In her presentation, which also enlightened matters of concerns raised, Kale outlined to the committee some of the guidelines and rules that they have been deliberated on, in terms of the proposals, and clarified that no new program should be in the budget unless it is a Solomon Islands Government (SIG) obligation, provided that there is justification also submitted with those bids.

She explained that for programs and projects that are co-funded, the government also has an obligation to make its contributions especially those prioritised by development partners.

“We also have the guidelines on projects and programs that have not produced any progress report on their implementation, where we do have their funding level reduced or remain with the 2018 allocation or deferred.

“It is unrealistic to continue funding programs that provide no progress reports to MDPAC.

“Also programs and projects that are key investment of the government that are being effectively implemented are also considered.

“And we also consider programs and projects that are recurrent in nature, which have been in the development budget for a number of years, transferred or are shifted to the recurrent so we are not expecting them to appear in the forth coming years again,” the CPO explained.

The PO then told PAC that MDPAC through the Development Budget supports revenue income programs to relevant sectors.

“In terms of revenue income programs, they are also supported under the Development Budget, so we have the economic productive sector programs, including infrastructure, and the environment and disaster sectors programs, supported at an increased level for 2019.

She further added that the Public Ordinance Safety sector programs, which including Rural Development, Public Service, Provincial Government sectors programs are also supported, but at a reduced level, while health and education sectors are supported at an increased level compared to the 2018 allocation.

She however reminded that it is also important ministries must be able to demonstrate and justify that they have the technical capacity, manpower and time to complete those projects.

“And even if ministries used up funds before the end of the year, proper implementation reports are required of them, and they should submit these to MDPAC, so that we can continue to see where the progresses are, and the government can fund those critical projects and programs that are progressing effectively and efficiently,” she added.

Meanwhile, the CPO further clarified that programs and projects that have existing contracts with outstanding payments and payments due in 2019, the government will ensure they are adequately funded to enable drastic reduction on the outstanding payments as the government aspired to transition into a new government in 2019 with a clean budget.

A total of $545,300,000 has been allocated under the Development Budget Estimates, and around a quarter of it was approved for the Ministry of Rural Development, with an allocation estimate of $120million.

Omission and objection period extended

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0
Mr Saitala

THE Solomon Islands Electoral Commission Office (SIECO) has announced that the omission and objection period of the BVR registration process has been extended.

In a statement, SIECO Chief Electoral Officer Mose Saitala said the extension from the initial deadline of November 20th, means the new deadline for the omission and objection period is now on the 29th November.

“The extension is necessary due to the slow start experienced especially in the deployment of Registration Officers and Assistants Registration Officers to some constituencies throughout the country,” Mr Saitala said.

He explained that the slow start was “beyond our capability because it hinges on the delay in the release of funds from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury to facilitate movements”.

The Chief Electoral Officer assured that the extension will not affect subsequent phases of the BVR process.

“SIECO will do everything possible to maintain the gazetted timeline relating to the public hearing phase and the publication of the final voter list.”

He said the scheduled period for the public enquiry phase of December 4th to December 23rd remains.

Meanwhile, the SIECO added that ROs and AROs have been in the field since last week, therefore encourages registrants who have checked the list and encountered errors to file their omission and or objections through these officers.

–SIEC

Solomon Islands has potential for regional hub port: IMO Consultant

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0
International Maritime Organization (IMO) consultant, Alper Keceli

By Mike Puia

International Maritime Organization (IMO) consultant, Alper Keceli

SOLOMON Islands has the potential of being a hub port for neighboring countries. An International Maritime Organization (IMO) consultant, Alper Keceli, believes so.

Currently Keceli is in Honiara to attend the fifth IMO marine seminar which opens at the Heritage Park Hotel yesterday.

In the Forum yesterday, Keceli said Solomon Islands host most heavy maritime traffic in its sub region of Micronesia.

He said given this, the country has capacity of receiving containers as transit port and transport with feeder ships to sub region countries.

Talking about the seminar, Keceli explained IMO, a UN special agency which is based in London, has technical cooperation programme for improving integration of member states to its international instruments.

He said one of the important IMO conventions is Convention on Facilitation of International Maritime Traffic, 1965 (FAL).

He said as IMO consultants they are here to promote this “important” Convention by encouraging non-contracting governments to ratify it and implement its requirements in their ship clearance process at ports.

Keceli said the seminar will help simplify ship clearance process before their arrival to the port, their stay at ports and their departures.

He said it is important that ports use the IMO FAL standard forms for clearance of ships, their cargoes, crew and passengers.

Keceli said the convention is encouraged to enhance collaboration between all public authorities as marine division, port authorities, customs, health, immigration, agriculture and security.

Keceli said Solomon Islands need to ratify more IMO conventions and try to implement them effectively.

He pointed out that Solomon Islands should give priority to ratify FAL Convention as soon as possible.

After the seminar, all public and business stakeholders should be able to enhance their coordination between each other.

The seminar focuses on the importance of establishing electronic data interchange systems for ship clearance at ports instead of using paper forms.

There is plan to establish a national maritime facilitation committee, select a lead agency for establishing national maritime single window system and transfer all public works to electronic environment.

Keceli said these are essential for the smooth operation of Solomon Islands national port.

Representatives from public authorities like the Marine Division, Solomon Islands Port Authorities, Customs, Ministry of Health and Medical Services, Immigration, Agriculture and Security are attending the three day seminar.

Culture and tradition supress initiatives for women empowerment

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

BY BEN BILUA

CULTURE and traditional norms have been described as the greatest barrier towards women empowerment initiatives.

This was highlighted during the Provincial Women Caucus Leaders workshop early this week.

In an interview with Island Sun, outspoken woman leader from Guadalcanal Ms Mary Bollen said culture and traditional stereotyping continues to hinder women efforts to secure fair grounds on women representation in Solomon Islands.

She said attitude towards women needs to be changed in order to give women their right to decision making and active participation in economic development.

“Respecting and recognising women’s capabilities will influence changes that would encourage shared responsibility to build greater homes and also country.

“Husbands must understand women’s role to set a basis for greater partnership and also decision making.

“Men must open their eyes to see the potential women have in scrutinising ideas that would benefit everyone,” Bollen said.

She stressed that women are one of the vulnerable group in Solomon Islands and that greater intervention would support women’s needs.

Bollen said there is a need to create a safer Solomon Islands where women are safe, participate in decision making and also choose the life that would expose them to greater benefits.

Worldlink Resources Ltd mining licence cancelled

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0
Hon Bradley Tovosia.

By Alfred Sasako

THE Government has cancelled WorldLink Resources Ltd’s mining licence on West Rennell, citing non-compliance for the action.

The cancellation of ML 03/05 was contained in a letter by the Minister for Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification, Bradley Tovosia.

“The company has … failed to comply with the terms and conditions of ML03/15, inter alia, Part A, Clauses 3 and 6.

Part A, Clauses 3 and 6 state: “(3) The Mining company shall carry out mining operations and all relevant operations under the mining Lease in accordance with the plans and program contained in the approved Feasibility Study which accompanied the mining lease application or any unapproved plans and program from time to time.

“(6) The mining company shall perform and comply with the environmental, reclamation and rehabilitation program of lands disturbed or affected by mining operations under the mining lease,” the letter dated 15th November 2018, said.

The Minister added, “Since my letter dated 10th August 2018, compliance by the Company with the Suspension Letter has been minimal and unsatisfactory.”

“In view of the above, pursuant to section 71 of the Mines and Minerals Act [Cap 42] (the Act), I hereby cancel the Mining Lease ML 03/15 issued to the Company,” Minister Tovosia said.

He said the Company has the right under section 71(4) of the Act to seek a review of the decision in the High Court.

In the meantime officials from the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification would be monitoring the situation to ensure the Company complies with legal requirements “to remove any improvements and to make safe and restore the area subject to the … mining lease, as the case may be.”

It is understood Worldlink Resources Ltd has about four shipments ready for exports. The cancellation of the Mining Lease meant that the Company no longer owns the bauxite.

Honiara City Council Member Eric Tema who is a landowner on West Rennell expressed shock at the decision.

“The people of West Rennell are going to suffer. I tell you what, if the Company decides to take the matter to court, the Government has no legs to stand on,” Cr Tema said.

Former Councillor questions Ward Grants

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

BY ELLISON.T.VAHi

A concerned resident of Ngossi Ward One is pursing clarification over how and where their Ward Grant had been used or allocated.

Mr Charles Lesimaoma, a senior community leader and a former Councillor for Ward One HCC said, break down for Ward Grants are outlined clearly.

He said there has been some allocations that revealed specific events for the Ward Grants.

“Such as Christmas grant, Independent and Anniversary, Social and Cultural grant and Ward development grant for each year”, Lesimaoma said.

However, he said they have not received or heard anything from their Councillor since he took office.

Lesimaoma said huge sums of money are allocated for Wards.

He therefore urges their Councillor to clarify how the grants for their Ward has been used.

Lesimaoma said it is the people’s money.

In addition, Lesimaoma said, under accountability and transparency, he urged their City Member to explain how and where the allocated monies are being spent.

“If other national MPAs from other provincial governments are questioned over their usage and allocations of their Ward Grants then why not ours too” Lesimaoma said.

1...1,1041,1051,106...1,662Page 1,105 of 1,662