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.

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.

POLICE in Guadalcanal Province have arrested and charged three young boys in connection with the alleged rape of a 19-year-old girl at Okea in Central Guadalcanal on 30 September 2018.

The victim was walking back to her place at Malango, Central Guadalcanal when the alleged rape incident took place.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Guadalcanal Province, Chief Superintendent Evelyn Thugea says, “The three suspects from Saba Village, in the Ngalimbiu area of North Guadalcanal were arrested between 15 and 17 November 2018 following investigations into the incident.”

“All three suspects ages 17, 18 and 19 years have been charged with rape and appeared in Court for a remand application on 19 November. The suspects have been remanded at the Rove Correctional Centre to reappear in Court after 14 days,” says PPC Thugea.

She adds: “I wish to thank members of the public who have assisted police with their investigations that led to the arrest of the three suspects. Also I want to thank my officers who have worked hard on the case that led to the arrests. I call on members of the community around Okea who might have information about the incident to come forward as police continue with their investigation.”

“I wish to remind our women and young girls not to walk alone when moving between our villages but to ensure you are with others especially on remote roads. To our men, let us respect our women and young girls and not do something that will affect them for the rest of their lives,” says PPC Thugea.

–RSIPF MEDIA

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

BOAT travellers are being reminded to seriously consider their safety first seeing that we are now heading towards Christmas. Central Islands Province (CIP) Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Inspector Hugo Maelasi made this reminder.

With occurrence of Outboard Motor (OBM) incidents from time to time, PPC Hugo states that boat drivers, are responsible for equipping themselves, their boats and their passengers with the right safety gears.

“You are also responsible for operating your boat in a safety and courteous manner to ensure safety of passengers.

“Do not consume alcohol while operating the boat, consider the following factors every time when operating, take responsibility for your action,” advised CIP’s PPC.

For their Christmas Operation ‘Safe Boat’, CIP’s Tulaghi Police high visibility team will be patrolling nearby community areas as well as monitoring boats travelling from Honiara to the villages.

“Anyone found consuming alcohol while operating an OBM will be dealt with accordingly,” warn CIP’s PPC.