WHILE the government is seen proactively facilitating and heading events into the 16 Days Activism Campaign on eradicating violence against women and children in the country, it has been criticised for not showing financial commitments to help this fight.
This criticism came when it was revealed of the Ministry of Women, Youths, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), whose projection for grant allocation to some of the institutes looking after victims of various forms of violence, was heavy slashed.
Appearing last week before the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry when questioned on this grant packages, revealed that their original bid was cut, and will now rely again on its donor support and relevant stakeholders to help support these institutes.
PAC was told that the Ministry had submitted a bid of $2million for its 2019 Appropriation Allocation, but was only approved a total of $500,000, which is just a quarter of the initial amount that was asked.
This has got the Chairman of the PAC and MP for East Honiara, Douglas Ete to come out hard at the government, stressing that it is being negligence on issues that have direct impacts on the lives of its people, and not showing realistic means into its said commitments to fight the issue head on.
Ete then stressed that the government needs to put money where its mouth is, having promised so much to help in curbing this violence issue in general.
This is something that it continued to be expressed almost every year when this event or related occasions take place.
General criticisms were also directed at the government for continuously paying little attention to this issue, particularly, the ministry and agencies responsible in terms of financial support.
The government is then urged to relook into its allocation and increase its support for these programs, as they are implementing some of its vital policy intents regarding this issue.
Member of Parliament for East Honiara, Douglas Ete
By Gary Hatigeva
CHAIRMAN of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) and Member of Parliament for East Honiara, Douglas Ete has lashed out at government over the cuts in budget allocations to Ministries.
Ete said government made cuts in budget allocations and expect so much on Ministries to deliver.
The PAC Chair raised this in dismay after hearing complaints from a lot of Ministries over the cuts in their budget submissions for the 2019 Appropriation Bill 2018.
The PAC Chair questioned how Ministries will be able to deliver when their submission based on full scale estimates are continuously cut. Some certain programs are losing out completely on allocations.
Ete said he believes this current government has been playing a doubled faced character that is renowned for ‘saying one thing and doing the opposite’.
A lot of Ministry Heads have been questioned at the ‘hearing’ as to why certain aspects of their programs were not complete. Concerns were of weak and slow progression, but most particularly, the vital Ministries, are saying this is a matter of budgetary allocation.
It is also said that a lot of policy platforms and frameworks have been launched, many of which come as a matter of outside interest, yet very little or no allocations are made for their implementations through respective Ministries.
While agreeing to the slash made, he pointed out that not all Ministries should be given such status as some Ministries have very important programs to carry out.
“For the sake of the people, these programs are also part of priority implementing parties to the government’s policy intents”, Ete said.
Group photo of the participants attending the MEHRD Joint Annual Review 2018 held at Mendana
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
THE Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) has met to discuss ways to improve the country’s education at all levels.
The joint review meeting provides an opportunity for MEHRD and key education stakeholders to share and discuss issues, progress and achievements.
Permanent Secretary for MEHRD Dr. Franco Rodie said Education is a matter which Solomon Islands’ aspire to develop.
He said the country’s education system comprises of early childhood, primary, junior and senior secondary and tertiary education.
“To strengthen the country’s educational system, the nation and people responsible need to build their strengths and work collaboratively to rethinking the education direction 2018—2030”, Rodie says.
He said MEHRD recognizes that the primary strength lies in the people working with MEHRD.
“And together we can build our education system and secure the future of our young people,” Rodie said.
Meanwhile MEHRD’s Deputy Secretary Mr James Bosamata said, MEHRD’s a five year strategy starting from 2016—2020 known as NEAP is half way towards completion.
Bosamata said such forum is important to discuss ways for reviewing the NEAP since it is coming to an end.
“Currently, the NEAP needs to be review since it is now halfway and the two days’ workshop will help to develop another five-year strategy,” he said.
The meeting is an annual one for MEHRD.
The two-day seminar includes presenting key findings to all stakeholders on progress and challenges in the implementation of education system and delivery of education services.
The theme for two-day’s meeting is: “Our Quest to Deliver Improve Education Services in Solomon Islands.”
Provincial Member for Nusa Roviana and ward 16, Ramrakha Talasasa
BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO
MPA for Dunde Nusa Roviana ward 16, Honorable Ramrakha Aquila Junior Talasasa is persuading the Western Provincial government Fisheries division to strengthen its revenue collection in Western Province.
Talasasa said the Fisheries Division, which is supposed to be exhaustive in its operation, has only produced less than 20 per cent of output in the last g month.
He said that given the fact that majority of the peoples lively hood depends on resources from the sea.
“One would expect a more practical commitment in terms of fisheries programs let alone the fact that 56 per cent of the projected revenue has already been collected.”
“But there is still a lot of potential to increase our revenue collection in this division,” he added.
“This are to improve and ensure our services reach the growing rural population,” said Talasasa.
THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) warns the public against the use of dynamites to fish following the arrest and charging of a fisherman in Central Province on 13 November 2018.
On 13 November Police at Tulagi received a report from a member of the Crime Prevention Committee that the suspect male person from Malaita allegedly used dynamite to kill fish at Sole Point near Haleta Village in Big Gela.
“My officers responded to the report and arrested the male suspect at Niu Vunuha Village in Big Gela and charged him with the offence of fishing with a prohibited substance under the Fisheries Management Act. The suspect has been released on bail to reappear in the Tulagi Magistrates Court on 11 February 2019,” says Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Inspector Hugo Maelasi.
Supervising PPC Maelasi adds: “I want like to advice the good people of Central Province or other provinces for that matter to refrain from using dynamites for fishing. Dynamite is a prohibited weapon as it can cause death to anyone. Furthermore catching fish with dynamite is not good for human consumption and anyone found using dynamite will be dealt with according to law.”
“Police in Central Province greatly appreciates the cooperation shown in this particular matter by members of the Crime Prevention Committee in the area of the alleged incident for coming forward with the information which led to the investigation and successful arrest of the suspect. This cooperation is critical as the country goes into the Festive Season,” says Inspector Maelasi.
He explains: “Police cannot be everywhere at all times so it is very important that members of our communities report such matters to your nearest police station. On the part of the police we need to respond as soon as possible as was shown in this matter. It is only through such working together can we ensure safety and security within our communities.”
MP for Small Malaita Hon. Rick Hou is being nominated to run for PM onbehalf of the
DCC Group
BY JENNIFER KUSAPA
PRIME Minister Rick Hou says government is taking up this battle to fight Non-Communicable Disease.
He said from statistics gathered, there is an urgent need to address this killer disease.
“We have no option but to address it, if only to keep safe the majority of our population from prematurely being hospitalized or being amputated”, PM Hou said.
Hou said he is pleased that his office is jointly convening the first round table meeting with lead technical ministry and agency, the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and the World Health Organisation.
He said it will be worth noting that there are many ways to beat NCDs. He said, NCD’s like malaria, needs a whole of government and society to approach this disease.
“We must break down the ‘silos’ that separate us. We must work strategically and collaboratively. We must be informed by evidence and proven mechanisms to implement cooperative initiatives”, PM Hou said.
He said the time to act to prevent the epidemic has long gone. He said the time to act and confront and combat the epidemic starts today.
“Today we commence our journey to halt and reverse the NCD crises that is rampant and responsible for 70 percent of all our deaths in the country, PM Hou said.
A man who faces four counts of sexual offence has pleaded guilty to all charges yesterday.
Public Prosecutor Dalcy Belapitu who appeared on instruction from prosecutor in carriage of the case told the court that the appearance yesterday was for committal hearing.
The accused initially pleaded guilty to three charges and pleaded not guilty on one count of rape.
However in yesterday’s appearance, the accused changed his plea and pleaded guilty to all counts.
Principal Magistrate Augustine Aulanga then committed the matter to the High Court for further mention.
This is a case against a man from Hagalu Ngella in the Central Islands province who was charged for incidents he allegedly committed in May this year (2018).
His case will be called at the High Court on February 2019 for further mention.
GOVERNMENT is set to respond to the Lawyers Association. Yesterday Island Sun reported that Government Lawyers will stage a sit in strike on 4th December (Tuesday next week) when their strike notice lapse.
However information reaching Island Sun says government has now made a response to GLA through the Permanent Secretary of Public Service.
The responses made by Government outline what they have to say of the GLA’s demands.
Government Lawyers Association (GLA) has for a long time been pushing for a scheme of service to improve their terms and conditions of service.
Details of government responses to GLA will be known soon.
Minister of Police, National Security, and Correctional Services, Anthony Veke.
CDF should also have regulations, says Veke
BY GEORGINA KEKEA
GUADALCANAL Premier, Anthony Veke is calling on the Members of Parliament to regulate the Rural Constituency Development Funds (RCDF).
Premier Veke is responding to an article in Island Sun on the suggestion made by Wale for Ward Grants to be removed from the Provincial Government level.
In his response, Veke is calling on the MP for Auki/Langalanga, Mathew Wale and the Members of Parliament to be realistic to the people of Solomon Islands
Veke said as of 2019, MPAs will not be accessing Ward Grants as it will be part of capital expenditure. Capital expenditure is money spent on acquiring or maintaining fixed assets such as land, buildings and equipment.
He said this was made possible after the passing of the Financial Management Ordinance (FMO) 2018. The revised FMO has regulated the use of Ward Grants.
“I would also like to ask MP Wale to do the same for RCDF. Where is the RCDF regulations?” Veke questions.
Last week during the PAC hearing, Wale was heard to suggest that the role of support towards Provincial Governments should be given to the Constituencies whose program deal more directly with the people.
However Veke says the RCDF has been with MPs for quite sometimes but there has been very little happening in the provinces despite the huge amount received.
He said the only institution that has proper plan for use of funds is the provincial governments.
“The provinces had revised their FMOs last week in their various assemblies and through the provisions of the FMO we had regulated the use of Ward Grants. When will the MPs regulates the usage of RCDF?” Veke questions.
Veke said the provinces only use 100k annually as Ward Grant but are willing to have it regulated.
“For Guadalcanal, the MPs have gone their own way without caring for the Development plans the province has. It is duplicating and merely for political gain for MPs”, Veke said.
Now with the Ward Grant consolidated in Capital expenditure, Veke said MPAs will not be able to assist rural people in school fees, boat fare and death in family.
He said since this will no longer be entertained, he is calling on his people to step up and start doing things for themselves.
“GP has just passed the revised FMO last week. As soon as the revised FMO goes through the gazette it becomes an ordinance that will have provisions that regulates Ward Grant. So it is better for Wale as an MP to stop and think of how he can convince his colleagues in Parliament about regulating RCDF”, Veke said.
In 2013, Parliament passed the CDF Act to provide for the purpose of developing, supervising and regulating the management and disbursement of Constituency Development Funds in transparent and accountable manner.
The object and responsibility of this Act is to ensure that the management and disbursement of Constituency Development Funds is carried out with integrity and in a prudent manner with a view to safeguarding the interest of potential recipients of the funds.
Funds for constituency development purposes are administered and managed by Constituency Development Officers.
Most Constituency officers are working in isolation from the Provincial governments though they serve the same group of people.
Alan and Joy Maine in Honiara after their visit to Mono to commemorate 75 years since the first New Zealand Forces
arrive in Mono during WW2.
A story about pride and acceptance of history
BY GEORGINA KEKEA
IT was an emotional moment for Allan Maine, 75 years to the day his father landed on Mono Island as part of the New Zealand forces.
Last month (October), Allan and his wife, Joy travelled from New Zealand, purposely to commemorate 75 years since the New Zealand Forces arrived on the shores of Mono. World War Two saw one of the fiercest battles in the Pacific, with Solomon Islands playing a crucial part in its history, especially to what is now known as the Battle of Guadalcanal or the Guadalcanal Campaign.
The trip for Allan and Joy was not an easy one. Now in their 70s, it was quite long especially for someone their age. However it was an emotional one also. Dad’s diary has really inspired the duo to make this trip to Solomon Islands as an ode to Allan’s dad, Kenneth Foster Maine.
Kenneth Maine is a member of the New Zealand Force that served his country in the Pacific during World War II.
A little more than 30 at that time, Kenneth left behind his wife and children to join the New Zealand army. As is known, during war, one can never know whether they will live to see the end of it, or die fighting for their country.
Kenneth survived the war, but kept records of this part of his life in a personal diary.
“Dad wrote this diary, some of which are personal accounts of his life and he also kept letters he wrote to mum when he was in the army”, Allan Maine told Island Sun.
Mono plays a significant part in the history of New Zealand in the Pacific war. It is a place where the first opposed amphibious landing by New Zealand forces took place, since Gallipoli (World War 1).
The New Zealand forces successfully took the island from Japanese defenders. Known as the battle of Treasury Islands, Ken Maine described in his diary the events as he saw through his own eyes. The battle of Treasury Islands took place between the 27th of October and 12 November 1943.
Alan and Joy Maine in Honiara after their visit to Mono to commemorate 75 years since the first New Zealand Forces arrive in Mono during WW2.
It was recorded that during that time, the Japanese were caught by surprise and were unable to scramble aircraft to attack the assault craft until after the troops had landed.
‘WEDNESDAY 27 OCTOBER’, this was what was written by Kenneth Foster Maine in his diary 75 years ago.
“We were all on deck early to see the scene of our first action against the enemy. A and B Companies who left after us where all ready waiting to go ashore as soon as the naval barrage lifted. We landed half an hour after zero and advanced to our position without sighting the enemy. B Company landed right in a machine gun nest and two or three suffered minor injuries. We landed too far away and as our boat neared the shore it opened up on B Company who were crossing our front.
Charlie Biddle was wounded in the ‘plums’ while another chap was killed. The two guns on the island were silenced by A Company. Before it was silenced it damaged a landing craft and blew up an ammunition dump. We had no air raids during the day, as we more than had air superiority, but last night will be a nightmare for years to come.
No bombs fell near us, but we were close enough for my liking. During the night, Shorty Wilkins who had shown signs of panic left his fox hole and on trying to reach another was shot and killed instantly. The casualties so far are 4 killed. The Japs infiltrated through A Company area into C’s and they knifed three men killing two. For the time the Japs have appeared to have gone. Certainly we have not accounted for the number that is supposed to be here”.
“It was an emotional time for me”, Allan says as he struggled to hold back his tears and regain his composure.
“The events dad wrote in his diary and his description of the events that occurred then was far from what is being felt now. So when I stood there at the exact place that dad was 75 years ago, it was very emotional”, Allan said.
As reported in history books, a force of 25 dive bombers attacked two US destroyers, USS Cony and Philip. In the ensuing melee, 12 Japanese aircrafts were shot down. Cony was hit twice, resulting in the death of eight of her crew, while 10 others were wounded.
Group portrait of unidentified World War 2 NZEF IP (in the Pacific) Engineers standing on Saveke Bridge, which they built on Mono Island, Solomon Islands.
The New Zealand Forces were subsequently supported by the Allied Forces in the battle of Treasury Islands.
“We came on our own just to mark the 75 years anniversary to remember ‘dad’ but were fortunate enough to be part of the New Zealand government’s dignitaries to mark the anniversary in Mono. We didn’t know they will be there but the New Zealand High Commissioner was there so we took part in their program and Alan laid a wreath on behalf of the New Zealand forces as well”, Joy Maine said.
Alan and Joy has since returned to New Zealand. In five years’ time, it will be 80 years since the Battle of the Treasury Islands.
“I reckon the 80 years anniversary will be a big one. By then we will be very old to travel to Mono”, Joy laughingly say.
Allan and Joy Maine, returned to Thames in New Zealand feeling satisfied that they have been able to full fill, what they’ve always wanted to see, ever since they read ‘dad’s diary’.
Allan said he was quite small to remember what had happened, or how life was for mum back then. However he said, he is quite pleased that his dad’s legacy and his account of the war, remain through this diary. He hoped ‘dad’s diary’ will help future generations in their research and understanding on the War and how it had affected everyone.
Kenneth Foster Maine’s dairy has been transcribed and stored in the Alexander Turnbull digital library in New Zealand. The Maine family has decided to share their ‘dad’s diary’ for people to read and learn about what has happened during the war. Most of the transcript is open for public to access while only a few articles that were deemed personal and private, has restrictions.
Kenneth Foster Maine was born in 1910. He died at the age of 76 in 1986. During the war, he was in his early 30s.
