People with disability performing before the main stage show of Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe.
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
PEOPLE with Disability Solomon Islands (PWDSI) are calling for support from the Taiwan Government to recognise disabled people in Solomon Islands.
PWDSI understands that Solomon Islands has a longstanding diplomatic ties with Taiwan, and lots of resulting development have been seen in the country.
Throughout the years of friendship, people with special needs realised not every opportunity is accessible for people with disabilities in Solomon Islands.
PWDSI vice chair Casper Fa’asala pictured with the members of Disability organization during the acrobatic show at National Auditorium on Monday.
Seeing this gap, the PWDSI vice chair Mr Casper Fa’asala is calling for support from the Taiwan Government to create sister relationship of people-to-people diplomacy.
He made the call during the Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe performance yesterday.
Fa’asala said now Taiwan and Solomon Islands have been good friends for more than 30 years, it is time that both countries look at initiating inclusive development facilities which specifically for people with special needs.
He said Taiwan government should also look at opening scholarship opportunities for people with special needs to learn creative art and performances.
Especially at the National Taiwan College of Performing Arts, he adds.
Meanwhile, Solomon Islands did not rectify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) yet which means rights of the people with disability still not recognized, he said.
People with disability performing before the main stage show of Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe.
Fa’asala said in the Article 30 of the CRPD it stated the participation of people with special needs in cultural life, recreation, leisure and sports.
From the article, Fa’asala said they are expecting the country to establish facilities for disable people access to creative arts such as performances or services like theater.
Yesterday, Taiwan Embassy Solomon Islands has organized a charity performance by the Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe for people with special needs.
They have enjoyed the performances and also took part in the show.
THE impacts of Climate Change are often felt first through water.
According to the SIWSAP reports through the social media has expected that by 2050, globally, it is projected that at least one in four people will be affected by frequent water shortages. For the Solomon Islands, this is already a reality for much of the population.
Although by no means water scarce or even water stressed as a country, Solomon Islands has a very difficult time when it comes to its citizens having year round access to sufficient safe water resources, with water shortages common under normal climate changeability and set to increase with through the impacts of Climate Change.
Population at national level accessing a basic water service lapsed between 2000 and 2015 and alarmingly, Solomon Islands had the largest worsening globally for that period, averaging more than a 1 percent decline per year.
In 2015, only 35 percent of the population were using an improved water supply which was available when needed, a decrease from 44 percent in 2000 .When considering rural populations, the decline has been worse, declining 19 percent from 68 percent to 49 percent.
These statistics also highlight that there has been a shifting over-reliance on rainwater and that the rainwater resource is more frequently unavailable when needed, which has clear linkages to the impacts of Climate Change.
In addition, Water shortages are a particular challenge in some coastal communities on main islands and surrounding low-lying islands and atolls.
Often in these places there is a heavy over reliance on rainwater as the sole source of drinking water as there are few as well no surface or spring water sources. Shallow freshwater lenses are often salty and adjustable in volume and salinity due to rainfall and tidal variations respectively.
These conditions make the people highly vulnerable to any changes to seasonal climatic variations and medium and longer term Climate Changes. This vulnerability is compounded by the challenge presented with providing cost effective support systems to townships and communities that are very remote.
Moreover, Climate Change projections for Solomon Islands are uncertain, however based on the Current and future climate of Solomon Islands report (PACCSAP, 2011) stated that, there are a few predictions that have been made with high or very high confidence such as; an increase in days with extremely high temperatures, an increase in extreme rainfall events that may cause flooding and Sea Level Rise occur in the range of 45cm to 75cm by the year 2100.
These predictions are bad news for vulnerable coastal regions, low-lying islands and atolls over dependent on rainwater, as it is likely there will be longer and more frequent gaps between rainfall events as well, Freshwater lens will be further affected by lower recharge due to increased extreme heat and salty interruption.
In relation, there is a very real risk that if the Solomon Islands does not urgently find ways to adapt to Climate Change and its impacts on water resources, that the people living in low lying coastal areas and atolls may become Climate Change Internally Displaced People due to declining freshwater.
The likely resulting relocation of these people will put an increased strain on water resources and land, which at worst could encourage conflict between different groups of people.
Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe with the crowd at National Museum’s auditorium.
BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE
THE People with Disabilities Solomon Islands (PWDSI) organization were treated to an array of performances by visiting members of the Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe from National Taiwan College of Performing Arts at the National Museum’s auditorium yesterday.
In his remarks, Second Secretary to the Taiwan Embassy in Solomon Islands, David Chia-wi Li said the performers are here to show a number of tricks that they have practised and mastered for many years.
He told them that if they have same attitude, same will power and same physical strength that the acrobatic team possess they can achieve their goals.
Li added that after watching the performances they hope they will be inspired to work hard and achieve their aspirations.
“We hope that this will not just be a performance to enjoy but a lesson to learn from,” he said.
Meanwhile, Wang, Hsueh-Yen, team leader and Director Secretary of National Taiwan College of Performing Arts says there are very happy to come to the Solomon Islands.
He also stated that it is very beautiful here especially the site of the dark blue complexed ocean they enjoyed seeing.
On top of that, Hsueh-Yen says Solomon Islands is a country with diverse cultures that is evident and still preserved.
He mentioned that they hope to return to the country for another visit in the future.
Another performance by two members of the acrobatic troupe.A feet juggling performance by Chang Chih Jou.Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe with the crowd at National Museum’s auditorium.
Trade Commissioner for the Foreign Affairs and External Trade ministry, Joseph Ma’ahanua
BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE
Trade Commissioner for the Foreign Affairs and External Trade ministry, Joseph Ma’ahanua
THE country’s new craft market centre would not be a reality if not for the collaboration and partnership between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Tourism, Taiwan and development partners.
Trade Commissioner for the Foreign Affairs and External Trade ministry, Joseph Ma’ahanua highlighted this whilst giving his remarks at the opening ceremony of the craft market centre on November 2 at the Art Gallery.
He congratulated all government officials and the private sector for working tirelessly to accomplish what he terms a “milestone achievement”.
Ma’ahanua said the occasion marks the result of collaboration and partnership between ministries, Taiwan, development partners through the Enhance Integrated Framework program and private sector.
He also commended Enhanced Integrated Framework program of the World Trade Organisation for their support through the Solomon Islands Tourism for Inclusive Development project (SI-TIDE) which was the first pilot project for Solomon Islands under the EIF project in Solomon Islands.
Ma’ahanua explained that as WTO member and an LDC, Solomon Islands benefited from the Enhanced Integrated Framework program, an Aid for Trade initiative of the World Trade Organisation.
He said in 2012 and 2013, his ministry was the implementing agency of the EIF project in Solomon Islands and worked with the Ministry of Tourism to develop a project proposal.
Ma’ahanua added that the proposal was approved towards the end of 2013 and rolled out of financial and technical support in 2014.
“The proposal supported various activities of the Ministry of culture and Tourism, SIVB and few local eco-tourism operators including the development of this handy craft centre,” he said.
On another note, Ma’ahanua said the handy craft centre will be a permanent home for carvers, weavers, painters and artists in general.
He emphasized that for too long our women have displayed their products under the rain and heat hence the new market centre is fitting to relieve them of the sun’s soaring heat and the cold that ascends with the rain.
Ma’ahanua calls on them to make good and full use of the new building complex and take ownership and responsibility to keep it clean and tidy.
He furthered expressed his gratitude towards the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture and Tourism for being effective partners in this venture.
Ma’ahanua extended his appreciation to the Republic of China (ROC), Taiwan for their support.
“I wish to sincerely thank ROC (Republic of China) Taiwan, for stepping in to support us financially in the completion of this project,” he said.
LOCAL bee keepers in Dala of Malaita province have learnt new skills after a field demonstration on bee keeping facilitated by the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM).
During the field demo, TTM’s honey bee specialist Mr Pak Chiu taught local bee keepers how to use small wooden blocks between the wooden bee hive cover and the bee hive body.
Educating bee keepers in the particular area, Mr Chiu said it is very helpful for bee keepers to avoid crushing the bees when closing bee hives.
Following that Mr Chiu also introduced some new feeding techniques which are an application of pumpkin syrup that can be a replacement of pollen.
Not only that but also he taught them the ratio to make the pumpkin syrup.
“This type of feeding can help bees survive under bad conditions of weather,” he said.
“This can also helpful where there is not enough honey plants, and also the reason of having change weather pattern we must know how to feed the bees.”
Chiu also presented some of the recommendations from professor Yue-Wen Chen from Ilan University.
Professor Yue-Wen Chen from Ilan University in Taiwan urged bee keepers in Malaita province to work hard in their bee keeping project.
He also said in Solomon Islands the major problem faced is not much about the competition of bee foods, or lack of materials but it is about a lack of knowledge in terms of management.
With the challenges bee keepers facing, TTM has been working cooperatively with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to help local bee keepers address the problems.
With these skills and techniques that are being taught the TTM hope to see more changes and improvements in term of bee keeping in Solomon Islands.
The field demo was facilitated by the honey specialist Mr Pak Chiu from the Taiwan Technical Mission (TTM) in Solomon Islands, and with Officer Rex Ramoiau from Auki extension.
The field demo was conducted on 24th October 2018.
The Director Secretary of National Taiwan College of Performing Arts Wang Hsueh Yen enjoying seashore of the Bonege beach.
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
LOG ponds along the coast of Guadalcanal are a threat to the coastline and marine life. They also portray a negative image for tourism in the country.
An example of such negative development is the log ponds in West Guadalcanal.
Over the weekend, the Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe visited Boneghe beach and other iconic sites and they were amazed that Solomon Islands has a rich history and an amazing environment.
Though they enjoyed the tour, they felt sad for the beautiful beaches around West Guadalcanal.
Logging activities are threating marine lives and are contaminating and polluting the seas and the rivers.
Group photo of the Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe during their trip to the Honiara Central Market.
Eden Bay in West Honiara that used to be a leisure beach has been replaced with a log pond. Further up to Poha river is another log pond.
Upstream of Poha, one can vividly see the logging roads along the mountains as well as see the seashores and beaches that are contaminated from the impact of logging.
If the activities continue, Solomon Islands will lose its resources from both land and sea.
Meanwhile, the Taiwan Acrobatic Troupe enjoyed the environment setting of Honiara especially Boneghe beach and the history of the American memorial at the Skyline.
On their way to Boneghe beach, the Director Secretary of National Taiwan College of Performing Arts Mr Wang Hsueh Yen said they were impressed by business development around country’s coastline.
He said Solomon Islands needs to protect its environment because the coastline, marine lives, rivers and mountains are magnificent attraction for tourists.
“Regarding your natural environment I encourage people to have awareness to protect your beautiful seashore and marine lives and that’s your treasure for development,” he said.
The Director Secretary of National Taiwan College of Performing Arts Wang Hsueh Yen enjoying seashore of the Bonege beach.
Mr Yen said their visit to the American memorial they learn Solomon Islands have rich history and that’s what made Solomon Islands such a special place in the world.
Other than natural environment, Mr Yen said they want how people connect with the environment and the way they interact during a visit to the central market over the weekend.
Mr Yen said they were impressed on how local people trading with local farmers and local handicraft.
“Particularly, way that people feel very free and at ease at the market during trading are friendly with each other which make us feels very friendly and easy,” he said.
With the friendship Taiwan create with Solomon Islands; Mr YEN said they really cherished the friendly and welcoming environment showed during its city tour at the Honiara Central Market.
“Through interaction, language and communication I truly found out the locals are very friendly with the Taiwanese. And my team felt this connection with the locals and this connection is real,” he said.
Concerning the logging activities in Solomon Islands, a report shows that Solomon Islands Government (SIG) has followed a logging-based development strategy for the past three decades.
Despite widespread acknowledgment of the unsustainable nature of logging throughout the country and increasing awareness of its social impacts, national log export volumes have steadily increased over the past 10 years.
As a result it was reported that logging negatively affects food security through the environmental damage it causes to mangroves, reefs, gardens, forests, marine and its ecosystem.
GIZO Tourism and the province’s Culture division will publish their quarterly Newsletter on Tourism at Gizo and other parts of the province this month.
This was confirmed by the Western Provincial Chief of Tourism office Jefferson Patovaki during an interview with Island Sun in Gizo yesterday.
Mr Patovaki said the aim of the Newsletter is to give information to the public concerning tourism issues in Western province.
He said the name of the Newsletter is ‘Tourism Bazubazu’ and that the current provincial executive and members of the Provincial government have already approved.
Patovaki said the title, taken from the original native language from Vella La Vella Island; means ‘transform and tell information’.
He said the Newsletter will be distributed around Solomon Islands’ hotels, rest houses, resorts, schools, communities and other places to pass the information concerning Tourism and Culture.
Western province has different islands altogether with different cultures and traditions but the Division has chosen the one language originated from the Western Province.
Meanwhile, Patovaki said the division is currently working with the first issue that will be based mainly on tourism in the Western province and that the paper is now in the pipeline.
Group Photo- CSSI Officers, Reps from various part of Guadalcanal and Brother Inmates from Guadalcanal whom attended and witnessed the program.
BY BARNABAS MANEBONA
Group Photo- CSSI Officers, Reps from various part of Guadalcanal and Brother Inmates from Guadalcanal whom attended and witnessed the program.
A Fellowship and Reconciliation program to breach the tense and hatred between inmate, Harold Keke and his followers has set a new approach.
Taking part in the Fellowship and Reconciliation programme were the Titige SSEC Mother Church and Samaritan Satellite Church.
The programme according to the Correctional Service Solomon Islands (CSSI) Press Release was made possible through the CSSI Programmes & Industry Department in collaboration with Titige Community and Christian families.
“From past to present time, CSSI Executive and Managements have endorsed and approved several external stake holders for religious programmes, reconciliation and spiritual fellowship within the provincial centres including our maximum facility at RCCC between victims and perpetrators (inmates).
“The idea is to bring about forgiveness, healings and restoration of relationship barriers and help them maintain their spiritual commitment with our almighty for a lasting peace as well as giving a second chance to offenders,” stated CSSI’s Press Release.
It is understood that this is one of the key policies of the current Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) to rehabilitation and reintegration of inmates that is mandated as a priority area of CSSI.
According to a report by Pastor Ephraim, he said, there are prisoners of different backgrounds serving their time at correctional centres across the country.
“We know that amongst other brother and sister inmates from other provinces who are serving their convictions at RCCC, our brother Harold Keke and his followers (Guadalcanal Liberation Front (GLF)) are also serving their terms of Imprisonment for ethnic tension related issues which they are separated from the rest of our communities and are not accepted because of the crimes which they have committed against our people.”
“For this reason, the Mother Church and Samaritan Satellite Church of Titige do take a holistic approach in supporting other stakeholders within our Nation to come into the Prison and visit our Brother Harold and his followers with a genuine heart to share with them both on spiritual and physical fellowship”.
Speaking on behalf of the Perpetrators, Inmate Francis Lela acknowledged the Commissioner office, RCCC Management and Titige community leaders and elders who were present with them for praying and having fellowship together as one family.
“I express huge thanks for having this initiative and perspectives of togetherness in the spirit of the Lord for coming to witness this Holistic Reconciliation from the Heart.”
He said such Reconciliation is a first ever Reconciliation between them (GLF) and victims outside, being held in RCCC.
“Our coming together today signifies an important milestone Reconciliation between Titige community and for us who joined the group so called GLF during the dark hour of our communities and nation.
“From our inner hearts, we the grandfathers, fathers, uncles, brothers, nephews and sons whole heartedly apologise and say sorry for the problems and issues faced during the past which caused hatred and disunity amongst us.
“Today brothers and sisters, it’s time to forget the past problems and issues that happened between us and we plea for forgiveness to unite and build our relationship as one people of Guadalcanal and a nation as a whole,” said Francis on behalf of his brother inmates.
Meanwhile inmate Harold Keke also echoed the same sentiments and plea for forgiveness saying sorry to his Guadalcanal people and the nation for what he had done.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner Office and RCCC Management, Mr Derick Tenai acknowledged the Titige Community Elders, Pastors, Women’s Rep, Brother Inmates and Programs & Industry Department Staffs for making the programme successful.
“This is a way forward for the organisation as we progress to enhance the safety of the community by providing a safe, secure and humane containment through facilitating the rehabilitation and reintegration of prisoners,” said Tenai.
THE date for the Omission and Objection of the provisional voters list has been set for November 7 to 28.
Electoral commission (SIEC) officers during a talkback show at SIBC urged all electorates to inspect the provisional voters list and ensure that their details are correct.
SIEC’s Head of Media and Publication Awareness Unit, Ms Philothea Paul said officers will be out in the fields to issue the omission forms as well as receive them.
Paul explained that the Omission and Objection date will focus generally on the voter registration process and election appropriate.
“It is really giving the road to interact with elections stakeholders and seek understanding on what SIEC does and what electorate think and what the law says about the conduct of election,” she explained.
“Once you have already registered but check your name not on the voter’s provisional list, then it is an advice from the electoral commissions that you should collect the omission form from the officers to reclaim or let the commission aware that you have been registered, so that they can insert your name on the list.
“To access the form, you need to get it from the registration officer inside the field in your constituency officer.”
She reiterates that electorates have the onus to make sure that the names which appear on their provisional list are citizens of Solomon Islands and are of 18 years of age and above. She reminds all that they can object any registrant who is not 18 years old.
“Check that everyone on the list is from your area and not from different province of different constituency where he/she did not have any connection with your constituency,” she said.
“Once you like to make any Objections or apply to make claims of Omission, then you must ready or prepare your evident or proves for your claims towards omitting the person. So that when they questions you on the ground, you can able to prove whatever complaints you raised and put forward can be considered and shall consider the changes you want. Hence, if you like to remove somebody and you cannot prove with evidence, then the officers can’t omit them.”
Another important thing of note is that since the provisional voters list will be pinned up only in the exact locations, voters in Honiara who have registered back to the province will have to go back to their provinces to check for their names.
“However, if you can’t go back then call up any family or relatives to check up for the list.”
MR Munro Dalisaru a youth leader and on behalf of market vendors at Taro Market makes a strong call for the Taro Station public to stop disturbances for market vendors.
Mr Dalisaru says it has now become an unusual practise for drunkards with no respect to humanity always causing disturbances for the Taro Market vendors which also includes abusing of women at night and even causing unnecessary fights with the male vendors.
“I question the reasons for such bad activities and bad actions towards market vendors who usually provide a good service for the public at Taro Station. They give back revenue for the Province while at the same time struggle to make money in order to meet their basic needs seeing they should be well protected, “expressed Mr Dalisaru.
In light of his complain, Mr Dalisaru calls on the Choiseul Provincial Government and Taro Police to provide security inside Taro Market in order to arrest those causing disturbances and fights.
Just from recent report, a male market vendor was also flown over to Honiara for medical treatment after being bashed in Taro Market too for no good reason.
