Participants attending the food inspired training yesterday at Rarasu motel in Auki.
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
AUKI
Participants attending the food inspired training yesterday at Rarasu motel in Auki.
TWO days interface of stakeholders under the “Auki market business fair” will end today in Auki.
The programme came under Markets for Change (M4C) project aimed at gathering financial institutions, agricultural institutions and social services to provide information sharing to vendors.
Team Leader Inclusive Growth under UNDP, Ms Ednah Ramoau said the purpose was that market vendors normally don’t access the information due to tight schedule with their market/business.
She said the vendors spend most of their time at the market. From garden to the market to do their sell and back to their homes.
Ramoau said with this they always not accessing information from service providers in the community which is important for them.
“So this Auki market business fair is providing an avenue where market vendors can hear information from other stakeholders on their activities.
“The importance of the information sharing was that it give them idea and way to pursue these stakeholders when need arises to them,” she said.
Ramoau said numbers of stakeholders now giving information to the vendors and they expect to continue tomorrow (today) and other stakeholders also encourage.
She said the programme also roll out in Honiara, Auki and Gizo, saying the programme is a regional one where it also rolls out in other countries in the region.
Ramoau said M4C programme was implemented by UN Women, but they offered it to UNDP to implement the outcome two of the programme.
She said the programme is funded by Australian Government and Canadian Government.
IUCN Crocodile specialist from Australia Dr Matthew Brien explaining crocodile feature to officers of MECDM, MFMR,
WorldFish, RSIPF and menbers of the communities.
BY LYNTON AARON FILIA
IUCN Crocodile specialist from Australia Dr Matthew Brien explaining crocodile feature to officers of MECDM, MFMR, WorldFish, RSIPF and menbers of the communities.
SALTWATER crocodile across the Pacific region is facing challenges with reproduction due hotter temperatures as a result of climate change.
IUCN Crocodile specialist from Australia Dr Matthew Brien, who is here for a workshop on crocodile management project, said climate change can have a huge impact on a lot of animals, species or ecological system.
He said risk is very sensitive with the temperature changes, and when it comes to crocodiles, it can have an effect on its nesting.
Brien said in Australia as a result of climate change now saltwater crocodiles can only be found in southern parts where it is cooler.
He said they may start to move down into further southern Australia if the temperature is high to several degrees Celsius; the nest temperature determines the sex babies—32 degree Celsius we get male.
He adds, in hotter temperatures two things will happen in determining the sex of the offspring ‘but there will be higher mortality of crocs because it’s too hot’.
“So effective climate change would affect the range of temperature and in the hotter areas it may cause more mortality on nests,” he said.
According to Solomon Islands’ Government priority, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology is working on a corporate plan 2018—2020.
The plan has setup priority areas that focus on biodiversity research and non-detrimental findings for species conservation and management including crocodiles.
In terms of climate change, SIG in the 49th annual meeting of Pacific Island Forum Leaders hosted by Nauru, SIG signed the Boe Declaration, reaffirming country’s commitment towards climate change.
SIG has reiterate that climate change remains single greatest threat to the livelihood, security and wellbeing of the pacific people which including Solomon Islands.
SICCI Chair Jay Bartlett delivering the opening remarks at the 10th Australia-Solomon Islands Business Forum on
Wednesday in Brisbane. Photo from SICCI Media.
SICCI Chair Jay Bartlett delivering the opening remarks at the 10th Australia-Solomon Islands Business Forum on Wednesday in Brisbane. Photo from SICCI Media.
THE Infrastructure, complex tax system, corruption and land are key impediments to growth and if addressed would help the private sector make a stronger contribution to inclusive economic growth in the Solomon Islands.
Mr Jay Bartlett, Board Chairman of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) made the statement in his opening remarks at the 10th Australia-Solomon Islands Business Forum in Brisbane, Australia yesterday.
As the peak body representing private sector in the country, the Chamber as part of its goal to promote investment and growth recently commissioned a report to deeper understand the challenges and reform priorities of the Solomon Islands business community.
Bartlett highlighted to the Forum that efforts are been progressed in addressing these key areas with initiatives led by the Government, donor partners and supported by the private sector.
With Taxation, a Tax Review Committee has been established by the Ministry of Finance of which the Chamber is a member.
“The aim is to modernise, simplify and broaden the tax system though the introduction of VAT. This process can be expedited and will require consistent political will to drive it forward,” Bartlett said.
He said infrastructure and the costs to doing business remain a challenge.
“But investments in developments such as the current Kukum Highway Project, Coral Sea Cable and Tina hydro will dramatically change the economic landscape.
“These are only made possible by support and contributions by our development partners especially our neighbour and friend Australia.”
Bartlett said better roads, lower energy costs and faster, cheaper more reliable internet are game changing developments and will open up a lot more opportunities for innovation.
He said the recent passage of the Anti-Corruption Bill shows there is political will to address corruption.
“Corruption hinders progress and development across many fronts.
“Our collective focus now needs to shift to the implementation and the effectiveness of the legislation.
“Traditional & Customs Facilitation Bill, Political Parties Integrity Bill, Dual Citizenship Amendment Bill are currently in the pipeline and have the full support of the private sector. The good work must continue,” Bartlett said.
The SICCI Chair said current and future discussions with Government will continue to be constructive and explore solutions that will unlock new opportunities.
“Targeted discussions on policy direction, business regulation will keep the Government well informed and clear direction and action I believe will reap demographic and economic dividends in the coming years.
“For the Solomon Islands the importance of economic growth and job creation through the private sector moving forward will play a pivotal role in social and economic sustainability,” Bartlett said.
THE 10th Australia-Solomon Islands Business Forum started on Wednesday in Brisbane, Australia.
The two-day Forum, hosted by the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council in partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), brings together senior Australian and Solomon Islands business and government representatives to hear and discuss information on current issues relating to doing business in the Solomon Islands.
SICCI Chair, Jay Bartlett and Mr Gary Clifford, President of the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council welcomed delegates on Day One followed by key note addresses from Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Hon Rick Houenipwela and a representative from the Australian Government.
Dr Luke Forau, Advisor to Governor’s Office, Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) also gave an overview of the economy of Solomon Islands on Wednesday.
SICCI CEO, Dennis Meone on Thursday will present to the Forum a progress report on how business and government are working together to building the pathway to sustainable economic growth in the Solomon Islands.
Mr Meone will be highlighting the significant Public Private Partnership (PPP) MoU signed between SICCI and the Solomon Islands Government.
“From SICCI’s perspective, job creation for Solomon Islanders is an important aspect of our work and we are looking forward to exploring more opportunities for business investment in the country.
“There is a sense of desire for the country to realise its full potential across numerous sectors and this forum provides the opportunity for Australian businesses to tap into these sectors,” the SICCI CEO says.
According to SICCI Board Chairman, Jay Bartlett, the private sector plays an important role in driving and growing the Solomon Islands’ economy, and as the peak body representing the private sector, SICCI strive to improve the ease of doing business in the Solomon Islands.
Participants of the small incoming business at the forum.
“We have publicly stated recently that Solomon Islands is ready for foreign direct investment, and as a chamber we are committed to work with potential and genuine investors,” Bartlett said.
Also, on Thursday the Forum will have sessions on Resources for national economic growth; Working for improved business, economic and social outcomes; Developing economic infrastructure (undersea cable); Supporting young entrepreneurs and emerging leaders; Ports, roads, aviation, land utilisation; Opening up tourism opportunities in Western province; and Solomon Islands’ access to the Australian Labour Market.
SICCI Chair and CEO are joined by other SICCI members and Solomon Islands government representatives at the Forum.
Government ministers who will be presenting at the Forum on Thursday are Hon Bradley Tovosia, Minister for Mines, Minerals and Rural Electrification and Hon Jeremiah Manele, Minister of Development Planning and Aid Co-ordination.
In addition to providing key information about prospective business opportunities, the Forum brings together key business and government representatives from Australia and Solomon Islands and provides a unique opportunity for networking and exploring business opportunities.
Last year this event was held in Honiara and attracted over 150 participants.
SOLOMON Islands economy can be improved through tourism activities in the country, it is reported.
This is according to the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Disaster Management (MECDM) and Marine and Coastal Biodiversity Management in Pacific Islands Country (MACBIO) latest economic report.
The economic report stated that Solomon Islands has a small tourism industry but is now expanding.
It furthers that tourism expenditures from foreign visitors amount to about SBD$514 million per year (US $ 68 million).
“This indicates that varieties of businesses and their employees in providing government tax revenue have benefited from this particular industry,” stated the report.
It further spells out that if this industry is managed responsibly it (tourism) can be a beneficial and sustainable ecosystem service.
This is because tourist generally seeks out healthy ecosystems in which tourism can create a motivation to protect and even rehabilitate marine ecosystem.
Besides the report said that if tourism is more developed and profitable there would be a higher motivation for locally and the national government of Solomon Islands to stop unwanted activities like illegal logging and some other destructive activities like mining and inshore fishing.
DEAR EDITOR, tourism is an increasingly important sector for the Solomon Island and, reportedly, arrivals were up in the last quarter.
Recent cruise visitors to Gizo were said to have been captivated by the beauty of the place.
Tourism growth could be boosted if Honiara could be made cleaner and more attractive with a greening programme and much better care taken of the urban and surrounding environment.
This week has seen claims the Mantanikau River is so heavily polluted and has become an eyesore and an embarrassment.
The Honiara City Council continues to try and keep the Honiara environs clean and only quite recently acquired two new rubbish disposal trucks, but sadly it seems Honiara residents dispose of their household rubbish with disregard for the Byelaws and throw their waste by the roadside.
Much praise is to be extended to all those volunteers over the years that have done their very best to beautify Honiara with the planting of many trees and shrubs but only to find wanton vandalism has destroyed their efforts almost overnight.
Tourists are not only interested in accommodation in the places they choose to visit so, like Gizo, let us ensure future tourists will arrive to find Honiara a lovely, clean city befitting a capital in one of the remaining natural paradises in the Western Pacific so easily and economical to visit.
THE current road upgrade has excluded accessibility for wheelchair users by means of crossing which has raised a huge concern for people with special needs in Solomon Islands.
They are calling on authorities to address this problem.
Since the Kukum Highway Road Upgrading kicked off, people in wheelchairs have been finding it difficult to cross, basically to access services such market, games and other national activities.
There is no visible ramp for them along the highway from Honiara Central Market to Kukum market that is friendly accessible for crossing.
Speaking for wheelchair users, Mr John Vana, a wheelchair user residing at the National Referral Hospital, said they do not see any crossing point for wheelchair people along the new road.
“We see wheelchair users did not have any access to across the road to have our market, access games and other national activities.
“We want if responsible authorities can look at this issue because the road is meant for everyone whom we also include, not only for able people.
“We want if responsible organization can provide any accessibility on the road upgrading from Market to Kukum for wheelchair and disable people.
“We did not want help from public because they are busy people, but we want do our own thing like going to market, do our own shopping and watching games,” Vana said.
Additionally, Vana explained that before wheelchair users have places for crossing but now the current road is too high for them, and it’s too difficult to access any social activities happening on the opposite side of the road.
DEAR EDITOR, for many people dreaming of a Robinson Crusoe lifestyle or a long wished for holiday on a Pacific atoll, spending time on Lord Howe atoll in Solomon Islands waters would seem to be the answer to their long awaited dreams.
In reality the situation on Lord Howe atoll would be far from their expectations if current reports of the lack of health care for 3000 people is to be truly believed.
When I say “truly to be believed,” I find it very hard to accept that a community of 3000 at Luaniua has been essentially denied health services for as long as two years due to an unfinished health clinic and when, reportedly, both the responsible MP and Provincial MP had been made aware of the dire situation.
From a humanitarian viewpoint, I would urge the responsible authorities to investigate the serious reports that have emanated from David Gapani, the Chaiman of the Luaniua Clinic Board, as soon as possible in order to ensure medical health services are restored to the people without further delay.
Quoting from what Mr Gapani has said of the situation in his village one will have to agree the facts he has reported need immediate responses.
“Because of a lack of medical services some of the people died due to lack of treatment and medication.
“It is a sad situation because sick patients lack access to medication to treat their sickness.
“Most times they depend on herbal medication and simple home treatment to cure their sickness but it’s not enough for other major diseases or even during birth.
“My village lacks medical services and it’s really sad because some of our people died due to lack of medical services.
“Mr Gapani said only Pelau has a clinic which can be reached by travelling on an outboard motor (OBM).
”It takes two or more hours to reach Pelau but lack of fuel is a setback for my people.
“Ships normally travel to MOI once a month and that’s when fuel supplies are brought in, yet it did not last for a month due to demand.”
Mr Gapani said he has sought assistance from the Member of Parliament (MP) and the Provincial Member to seriously address the situation by completing their clinic. However, there was no response from them, he claimed.
“If the clinic project is not considered by our two leaders then the lives of our people will still be at risk.
Luaniua has a population of more than 3000 residents and this requires the presence of a running health clinic.”
“Our plea is for the MP and the provincial member to visit us and find ways to complete the building before the next general election,” Mr Gapani said.
