DEAR EDITOR, it was reported in the local newspapers on Monday that a team of Honiara based photographers spent the weekend taking photos in order to help raise funds needed to send young Andy Tolobau overseas for medical treatment of his reported heart condition.
To all the photographers that took part in the fund raising effort and to all those members of the public who generously contributed to help get Andy away for his urgently needed medical treatment, I offer my grateful thanks for the help given.
I hope 13 year old Andy will soon be able to travel abroad for his treatment and that other generous people will help to make up the shortfall in any funds that might still be needed to facilitate the air journey and the cost of his hospital admission.
DEAR EDITOR, Radio New Zealand news bulletins in recent days have significantly focused on Taiwanese affairs and none perhaps more so than the news bulletin broadcast on 12 September 2018.
Quote:
“Republican and Democratic US senators have introduced legislation to discourage Taiwan’s few remaining allies from switching their allegiance to China.
“El Salvador became the third country this year to move towards Beijing.
“The legislation would authorise the State Department to downgrade US relations with any government that shifts away from Taiwan, and to suspend or alter US assistance.
“It also requires a US strategy to engage with governments to support Taiwan’s diplomatic recognition or strengthen unofficial ties with Taiwan.
“Washington does not recognise Taipei diplomatically but considers it a staunch ally in the Pacific Rim.
“The Pacific island region is important for Taiwan with Palau, Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands, Nauru, Tuvalu and Kiribati all recognising Taipei over Beijing.”
Other news items quoted:
“Palau will start importing fresh produce from Taiwan for the first time next month, in a breakaway from its reliance on the United States.
“Island Times reported a group from a Taiwanese agricultural products supplier was in Palau last week to showcase products.
“Palau’s Agriculture Director Fernando Sengebau said an agreement with the supplier was reached in August after working with Taiwan’s ambassador to Palau, Harry Tseng.
“Most of Palau’s agricultural products are imported from the US, but imports from Taiwan will take around 10 days less to arrive.”
Also, “Taiwan has set up a $US2 million medical fund to boost co-operation with countries in the Pacific Islands Forum.
“All Forum members can apply for funding to support medical teams from Taiwan travelling to their countries to provide medical services at Republic of China (Taiwan) embassies or representative offices.
“Of the 18 members of the Forum, Kiribati, Nauru, Palau, the Marshall Islands, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu are diplomatic allies of Taiwan.”
PM Hou congratuates the national U-16 Team Management after the game on Wednesday.
PM Hou congratuates the national U-16 Team Management after the game on Wednesday.
PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has congratulated the Under-16 national football team management and players for creating history to qualify for the Under 17 World Cup in Peru next year.
Prime Minister Houenipwela, Speaker of Parliament Ajilon Nasiu, Opposition Leader Manasseh Maelanga, Home Affairs Minister Ishmael Avui (responsible for sports), Mines Minister Bradley Tovosia, Lands Minister Andrew Manepora, and Opposition backbenchers were at Lawson Tama on Wednesday to witness the historic moment when Solomon Islands beat Fiji in the semi-finals by 3-1.
The victory is a history as this is the first time Solomon Islands has qualified for the World Cup in the 11 aside code.
Prime Minister Houenipwela, Speaker of Parliament, the Opposition Leader, Cabinet Ministers and Opposition backbenchers walked down to the pitch after the match and personally congratulated the young lads and the coaches.
“Solomon Islands is a football loving nation. This is a sport that unites all Solomon Islanders. And today I am proud to witness and join all Solomon Islanders around the country in celebrating this historical moment created by our football stars as they create history for football in our country and more remarkably for themselves,” he said.
The Prime Minister has also congratulated the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) for their efforts in preparing the Under-16 team.
The Prime Minister said the Government is prepared to assist the Under-16 team in its preparations ahead of the World Cup in Peru next year.
“The Ministry of Home Affairs will be working closely with SIFF to assist in the preparation of the boys ahead of the World Cup next year,” he said.
Solomon Islands striker Raphael Le’ai celebrates his goal in the 3-1 semifinal victory while Fijian players dejected.
Photo by Benz Newman
BY ROMULUS HUTA
Raphael Le’ai provided two assists and scored one goal in the semifinal. Photo by Benz Newman
YOUNG striking sensation Raphael Le’ai ‘Rafa’ continues to maintain a perfect goal scoring streak where he added another one onto his tally in the 3-1 victory over Fiji in the OFC Under-16 Championship semi-final yesterday morning at Lawson Tama Stadium.
Le’ai bagged the third goal yesterday to give the national representatives a comfortable lead in the final few minutes before fulltime in a match where its favourable outcome had earned a maiden qualification for Solomon Islands into next year’s FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Peru.
His latest addition extended his number of goals in the competition so far to eight.
The West Kwaio lad’s consistent goal scoring form started in their tournament opener against PNG where he registered four goals to his name in the ensuing 5-0 rout.
In the second match, he added another two more goals in the 5-0 thrashing of New Zealand and scored one goal in the team’s final pool play against Vanuatu in yet another exceptional 5-0 result.
“I’m pleased with the goal and this victory means a lot.
“We are overwhelmed with the world cup qualification and I’m proud to keep scoring. I will give all praise and glory to God for the goals I have scored so far in this competition.
“The whole country is united with the result at the moment and so as the team. We have created a new history for the country and I’m very proud.”
Charles Mani scored the first two goals for Solomon Islands in the first half to give the homeside a 2-1 lead at the break.
Le’ai had to work very hard in the second spell to ensure that he had his name on the score sheet as well.
“We’re leading 2-1 but I’m not satisfied. I want to add in some more goals and I worked very hard for it. I felt more relieved when I finally score toward the end of the game.
“I’m infront with eight goals and I’m confident and look forward for the golden boot award,” the key forward Le’ai, said.
Solomon Islands striker Raphael Le’ai celebrates his goal in the 3-1 semifinal victory while Fijian players dejected. Photo by Benz Newman
THE Honiara National Botanical Garden has established a new management committee yesterday with passing of Terms of References to work under.
According to SPREP, the formation of the new committee is to oversee, provide technical advice and coordinate all activities and projects amongst national stakeholders for the botanical gardens.
Additionally, they will lead the formulation of the Botanical gardens management and business plan and its subsequent implementation.
Outlining the responsibilities under the ToR, SPREP Country Manager Mr Fred Siho Patison said the new committee is responsible for the following ballpoint;
To oversee all project activities being undertaken within the Botanical gardens to ensure that they are consistent with goals and objectives of the botanical gardens.
To provide advice and inputs into daily management of the gardens led by the Ministry of Forest and Research
To receive regular updates on the protection and conservation status of gardens from time to time from Ministry of Forests, HCC and projects supporting the botanical gardens.
To secure resources where possible for the botanicals management and protection.
To overseer the formulation of the Botanical gardens management and business plan being formulated under the SPREP1 PEBACC2 project or any other related project.
Make decision concerning the property use and management of the gardens in the interest of Honiara public and broader community.
Ensure that the environmental integrity of gardens is not compromised by Encroachments and illegal activities.
To ensure that an information centre for gardens is well maintained and support environment education in the interest of the community and broader public.
Be the conduit for discussions on issues facing the gardens regarding its management and maintaining its environmental integrity.
Make decision on matters of interest concerning the botanical gardens in consultation with the Ministry of Forests that manages the gardens and HCC.
Ensure that the management and business plan is implemented in accordance with its goals and objectives.
Secure partnership with national, regional and international bodies and entities that wish to support the development of the botanical gardens.
Review, approve and endorse projects and other development that occur within the boundaries of the botanical gardens.
Provide support towards the formal protection of the Botanical gardens as a protected area (PA).
Act as the management committee for the site once established as a formal PA.
Provide advice and support to HCC and the Ministry of Forests on matters concerning the botanical gardens management and operations.
To oversee all matters related to management of the botanical gardens.
Attendance of the meeting held at the HCC Chamber on Wednesday.
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
Attendance of the meeting held at the HCC Chamber on Wednesday.
A Botanical Garden Management Committee has been established in a meeting on Wednesday at HCC to oversee and revitalise the Honiara Botanical Garden.
Over the years, the Honiara’s National Botanical garden has been destructed by social issues and its integrity and purposes was lost when it comes to recreational, research and international visitors.
Currently, Botanical garden is known as place housing drugs and substance abuse users, thief, prostitute and illegal settlers with semi-permanent building, according to the assessment HCC gathered lately.
Several demolitions were conducted by the Honiara City Council recently but as soon as authorities left, people build houses after which impedes lots of concern towards authorities for consideration.
However, the fight is not over, yesterday SPREP in partnership with HCC and Ministry of Forestry and Research have formed a Botanical Garden Management Committee.
The gathering was the first ever meeting with setting up of new committee after it was died out in 1970s.
Following that, the meeting also set discussion around two Terms of References before kick-starting the overseeing body.
HCC Clerk Mr Charles Kelly as co-chair said Botanical garden is like a forest in the city, and it’s the only place which families, friends and International visitors can enjoy the environment but it’s gone.
With the idea to revive botanical, Mr Kelly welcome such initiative saying it might take a lot of logistics but Council can’t do it but with team work it will open for effective development.
SPREP Country Manager Mr Fred Siho Patison said when they did cost benefit analysis assessment at Botanical garden they realize there are controversial issues but there’s no governance mechanism.
With the governance of the new committee it would be a good starting point where stakeholders can talk to each other and formulate effective strategies to manage the botanical garden, he adds.
Meanwhile, the formulation of Honiara Botanical Garden was in 1960 inspired under four fundamental pillars.
It was aim for establishing scientific/Biological Research, Plant and Biodiversity Conservation, Education and Demonstration and Amenity and Recreation purposes.
Currently, Botanical Garden sits as fifth Division under the Ministry of Forestry and Research and HCC is the rightful owner.
The meeting yesterday was organized by SPREP—Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme.
Registration Process at Gairavu VRC, North West Gela.
Registration Process at Gairavu VRC, North West Gela.
VOTER Registration in the Central Islands province has progressed well at around 70 percent completion after a period of two weeks.
Registration officers were deployed to Gela Islands, Savo and the Russell Islands over the last two weeks prior to the start of the registration process on September 3.
In Gela constituency alone, 18 voter registration centers (VRC) out of the 27 VRCs were completed during the two weeks period. The remaining 9 VRCs are expected to be completed well ahead of the September 27 deadline.
Central Islands Registration Officer, John Rapemora said he was pleased with the progress made so far and his team is expected to complete the process ahead of the deadline.
Mr Rapemora said data collected from the first nine VRCs on Gela has already been sent to the Electoral Commission Head Office in Honiara for compilation last week.
The registration process in the Central Islands province has been progressing smoothly without any disturbances.
Rapemora said they are expecting an increase of around 10 percent in most VRCs compared to the 2014 voter registration figures.
This is due to an expected increase in the number of eligible voters who were aged 18 years and over after the last registration process prior to the 2014 National General Election.
With regards to cross constituency registration, data collected so far has indicated a very small number of people.
This was attributed mostly to returning residents to their villages who were either absent during the last registration or who have registered in other constituencies during the same period.
Mr Rapemora said people who have concerns with cross constituency registration will have the opportunity to object any persons during the objection and omission period when the updated provisional voter list is published.
Across the country, more than 50,000 new voters are expected to be added to the 286,000 strong roll which was last updated in 2014.
President of Pacific Regional Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) organization, Ms Gail Commens.
BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE
President of Pacific Regional Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) organization, Ms Gail Commens.
ACCORDING to President of Pacific Regional Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) organization, Ms Gail Commens, two Solomon Islands women will participate in the World conference that will take place next year in Australia.
She revealed this when speaking to five groups of women’s saving clubs at Tasimboko, Northeast Guadalcanal on Sept 18th.
Commens explained that Australia and New Zealand are funding women from the islands to attend the conference.
She said this will allow women from Solomon Islands to hear about what projects women from other countries are working on, what they do and their needs.
“That’s where you’ll see women from other countries around the world and hear about their projects, what they do and their needs”, said Commens.
She added that while only two women from Solomon Islands will attend the event she hopes more women will be able to attend the Pacific Area conference at Papua New Guinea in 2020.
“I am hoping maybe a whole lot more of you will make it to that conference and that will be in Mid-June”, said Commens.
Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) is an organization that connects women in rural and non-rural areas and their communities through a network of member societies and individual members.
The organization strives to help women and children in communities live in a better place.
A new disease has found threatening all Margarine trees in Numbu community, North East Guadalcanal, it is reported.
Following this discovered threat women of Numbu community has called on the government and responsible authorities to address this matter as it (margarine trees) are there only source of income for living.
Addressing the matter President of Numbu women’s club Prudence Maneka said currently all the margarine trees and the new seedlings are been severely threatened by a newly disease which was discovered early this year.
“Currently all our margarine trees are been threatened by a disease which we do not have any immediate remedy for it. It will soon destroy all our trees including the new seedlings that are ready for planting.
“With that I on behalf of the Numbu community called on the national and provincial government and responsible authorities to help us address this matter as Margarine is the only source of income we have left,” said Maneka president of Numbu women savings club.
President Maneka said the smaller trees have been chewed by the African snail which leaves no hope for them.
She said in spite of all the challenges faced by Numbu famers, there are other alternatives which they have turned to for living.
Maneka said this includes cakes and cooked food marketing and selling of crafts.
It is understood that few other responsible authorities have stepped in to address the matter but it still not addressed. For now the threat from this pest is increasing rapidly.
President for Numbu Women and Girls Saving Club, Mrs Prudence Maneka.
BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO
President for Numbu Women and Girls Saving Club, Mrs Prudence Maneka.
WOMEN of Numbu community savings club has pleased with Mrs Gale Commence Women of the World’s, Pacific regional president visit to Numbu community on Wednesday.
Speaking to the visiting event President of Numbu community women savings club said it is a bonus for them to have Mrs Commence visited Numbu community.
Maneka said Mrs commence presence with them on Wednesday is highly anticipated by all members of the savings club.
“Your visit made this day great indeed which we will shed great impacts on us women in this community. We count it as blessing as it bring together the whole community and be part of today’s’ (yesterdays),” she said.
