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Dugong awareness through creative art & writing

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Deputy Director Conservation, ECDMECD Josef Hurutarau

BY ELLISON VAHI

Deputy Director Conservation, ECDMECD Josef Hurutarau

WITH the increase in awareness to conserve dugongs in the country, a total of 50 participants competed the National Dugong & Seagrass Art & Creative Writing.

The participants were awarded at the SINU school of Technology & Maritime studies during the Wednesday National Dugong & Seagrass Art & Creative Writing Award event.

Giving her remarks, Mrs Rosalie Masu, Deputy Director, and Inshore Fisheries Division said that she was very encouraged to see the creativity and talents that have been displayed through the competition and said that she is sure that the judges might have had a difficult time judging the works as they are all of high calibre.

Deputy Director –conservation, ECD/MECDM, Mr Josef Hurutarau also said that the national event has highlights the importance and significance of the mammal to the people of Solomon Islands.

He said that while he too was honoured to join the award ceremony, the National Dugong & Seagrass Art & Creative Writing competition is one of the climax of the Dugong & Seagrass conservation programme (DSCP).

“As we witness this award giving ceremony I ask that we also share deep reflections on true values of dugongs as translated in those writings and piece of artworks.

“Essentially as a campaign tool, encouraged by this competition it helps to raise awareness in schools and amongst public to improving knowledge on this mammal, appreciate the importance and values of dugong as well it also reminds us that dugong population is vulnerable and can easily become extinct.”

Hurutarau continued that his Ministry will continue to encourage the participant’s contribution and support through conservation messages and reliving values through art and stories.

“As we are a very verbal community, distant touch with nature is becoming inevitable therefore, we need to be inspired through captured memories through time and space.

“Also, I wish to encourage you to share school messages and entertain practical activities to ensure young generation re-tell stories of special places, plants and animals.”

Rosalie Masu- deputy Director for inshore fisheries division.

National Facilitator DSCP project- Chelcia Gomes then highlights that as part of the campaign art & writing is also useful as well is a powerful medium means of expressing views and ideas.

In the meanwhile, the GEF Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project is coordinated and implemented by the National Facilitating Committee (NFC) through the Solomon Islands Community Conservation Partnership (SICCP), CM2, and World Fish.

The scope of work involves dugong and seagrass monitoring, conducting nationwide Dugong and Seagrass awareness and drafting of policy recommendations and a National Strategy for the conservation and management of dugong and seagrass for Solomon Islands.

In relation to, the GEF Dugong and Seagrass Conservation Project supports partner countries to conserve seagrass ecosystems through a combination of science and research, conservation policy development and implementation, community incentives, as well as outreach and education programmes.

More than 26 partners and 38 projects across eight countries (Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mozambique, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, and Vanuatu) result into national development plans to conserve dugong and seagrass habitats.

The Project is executed by the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund (MbZSCF), with financing from the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implementation support by United Nations Environmental Programme and technical support from the Convention on Migratory Species Dugong MoU Secretariat.

United Party has new office space

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Jubilant Party members stands United and in anticipation for their upcoming plans for the country.

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

A space to congregate and strategize is particularly important for any grouping or association wishing to do something for the country.

On Sunday Solomon Islands United Party (SIUP) are pleased to open a new office space where they can come together to strategise and discuss issues pertaining to the party’s interest and the country as a whole.

Though being the first political party to lead the country in 1978, for 40 years, SIUP has been without an office.

Speaking to Island Sun on the opening of their office at Ranadi, SIUP interim President Peter Kenilorea Jnr says they are pleased and indebted to Adam Bartlett and family who had been instrumental in acquiring a space for them.

Jubilant Party members stands United and in anticipation for their upcoming plans for the country.

He said in the long run they want to see the politics in Solomon Islands deviate towards a party system and this office space will be useful for them in the future.

Kenilorea Jnr says SIUP feels strongly that this office space is established whether or not a candidate of theirs gets into parliament.

“In Solomon Islands we are very much focused on the cult of personality. So that cult of personality is driving our politics still. But we feel there is a big role where party politics can play in terms of shaping policies.”

He said SIUP in the past had been trying to vie people to vote for parties but the cult of personality was very strong.

“All time people do not vote by party but by person,” Kenilorea Jnr said.

United Party Interim President Peter Kenilorea Jnr and Party member Adam Bartlett officially opens the SIUP new office space.

Assessment on proposed dumpsites for Auki conducted

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Malaita Local Council has reported progress in their pursuit of a dumpsite for the provincial town of Auki.

Director of the Local Council and Regional Affairs, Mr George Waleka said assessment has already been conducted on two sites; one will be selected for the project.

He said the report of the assessment is important as it will decide the suitability of the site looking at the nature of the project.

Waleka said the two assessed sites include, Bablokona towards south of Auki town and a site near Aimela School towards north of Auki town.

He said the two sites were picked out of the other two sites previously identified Kunu and Molou which had to be dropped due to land related issues.

Waleka said they are now compiling report of the assessments and soon to be given to the executive for deliberation and approval.

He highlighted that the project will not merely dumpsite, but advance into a standard landfill where waste will properly segregated.

Waleka said at the moment the town is using a temporary dumpsite and establishing the project will become the permanent landfill for Auki town.

He said the issue of dumpsite for Auki town went back to around 1994 when the dumpsite used by the town was closed due to development.

Waleka said the issue remained since than until now where ideas now put together to pursue and address the area.

People call for breathalyser in Auki

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Officer in Charge of the Police Traffic Section in Malaita Province, Sergeant Geraldo Kaihou explains to a vehicle driver in Auki the need to renew his driver’s and vehicle license. Photo from police media.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

THE Ministry of Police, National Security and Correction Service through RSIPF has been urged to introduce breathalysers in Auki.

The call follows an increase in drink driving in Auki, which concerned members of public say needs to be addressed immediately before any casualty takes place.

A Mr John Kaia said drivers especially those engaged in passenger runs in and out of Auki town are risking the lives of their passengers when they drink and drive.

Kaia added, “Passengers sometimes raise complaint on the matter, but it continues that goes beyond what we can do.”

Kaia believes that introducing the breathalyser can help curb the problem.

Kaia said the travelling public in Malaita province deserve quality and reliable road transport service that is free from endangering their lives.

Officer in Charge of the Police Traffic Section in Malaita Province, Sergeant Geraldo Kaihou explains to a vehicle driver in Auki the need to renew his driver’s and vehicle license. Photo from police media.

SOSAI trains marginalised people on creative and innovative mindset

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Ruby Lee of SOSAI

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Ruby Lee of SOSAI

THE Sons of Solomon Islands Association International (SOSAI) has trained 33 men and one female on creative and innovative mindset.

They completed their two-day training on Friday last week.

SOSAI and Sustainable Entrepreneurial Training Service have awarded 33 men and one female coming from Henderson community, Borderline, Rover and Western province.

The participants were regarded as marginalised group, and their certificate awarded had given recognition to start own business and help other young people or elderly men in their respective communities.

One of the three facilitators, Dr Alison Hita who is specialised in entrepreneurship said looking at the participants coming from negative backgrounds, the training basically targets their mindset to explore their creativities.

She said many young people especially men have potential and such training is important to set their mind to become innovative and the right set of creativity techniques to become entrepreneurs.

Hita adds, the training challenge thinking process and learns techniques for men and young people to improve idea generation.

She said the training will enhance men’s focused mindset and skills for becoming entrepreneurship as well as stimulating mindset to create business concepts and finding new markets for innovative technology.

With the training, Hita said this is first level and they will still have follow-up trainings for the participants.

She said the outcome of the training was positive with participants have contribute constructively to come up with business ideas during group discussion at the course of the two-day.

SOSAI founder Ruby Lee said the training has really support the participants to explore their innovation and creativity and the two-day was resulted positively.

She said most of the participants are coming from different background such as fatherless, luck of education and drug and other substance abuse but now their mindset begins to change.

She advises young people in Solomon Islands saying, “We have many resources, and with having right mindset, we can utilise our resources for good cause and benefits of the country.”

Meanwhile, SOSAI has conducted training on business management and creative and innovative mindset was the second one for this year.

Last year, they conducted several trainings on leadership, business management and entrepreneurship basically targeting men and young men across Solomon Islands.

The two-day training was organised by SOSAI and facilitate by Dr Alison Hita, Dr Rex Maukera and Ruth Maukera from the Sustainable Entrepreneurial Training Service.

People with disability can now access polling stations

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

ARRANGEMENTS for persons with disability in Solomon Islands to improve access in polling stations during the period of elections have been included in the Electoral Act 2018.

This change has been included since the new Electoral Act 2018, and strives for inclusiveness at any election period.

Speaking at a recent Media conference, the Solomon Islands Chief Electoral Officer Mr Moses Saitala said arrangements for persons with special needs to help them access polling stations is included in this Act.

CEO Saitala voiced that they have been including this matter because it is one crucial issue raised during discussions on the bill in terms of assisting them in ensuring that they can register and cast their ballots during elections.

He said when the polling day arrives special polling booth will be erected for them (People with special needs).

“For now we are already doing something to assist them on how they can register and cast their ballots.

“Hence we are now working on ensuring all polling stations on flat grounds so they can able to access the designated booth in this election period but however we still encounter difficulties due to geographical location,” said Saitala.

He this new included change comes under the Conduct of Election (Arrangement for Voting).

SICCI meets with Prime Minister Hou

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Members of the SICCI Board and staff, led by SICCI Chair Jay Bartlett and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dennis Meone, on Thursday August 30, 2018 met with the Prime Minister at the Paul Tovua Complex, Parliament. Photo from SICCI Media.

THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) has applauded the Prime Minister for his Government’s continuous support to the private sector.

Representatives of SICCI on Thursday this week held discussions with Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela on the vital partnership between SICCI and the Government and on issues relating to private sector in the country.

Members of the SICCI Board, led by SICCI Chair Jay Bartlett and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dennis Meone, on Thursday, August 30, 2018 met with the Prime Minister at the Paul Tovua Complex, Parliament.

The courtesy visit was an opportunity for the SICCI Board to personally meet the Hon Prime Minister and to touch base on key private sector issues.

This meeting is a follow up on the Prime Minister’s Breakfast SICCI hosted in June earlier this year where the Prime Minister met with the private sector.

SICCI Chair, Mr Bartlett, thanked the Prime Minister for availing himself to meet the Board despite his busy schedule and applauded the Government for passing important legislative bills.

“As a Chamber, we are grateful for the strong relationship we have with the Solomon Islands Government and our continuous dialogue with the Prime Minister is a testament to the ongoing relationship SICCI has with the Government,” he said.

Amongst the key issues discussed was the Public Private Partnership (PPP) MoU agreement SICCI and the Government signed in 2017.

Members of the SICCI Board and staff, led by SICCI Chair Jay Bartlett and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Dennis Meone, on Thursday August 30, 2018 met with the Prime Minister at the Paul Tovua Complex, Parliament. Photo from SICCI Media.

The MoU is critical as it provides a platform for policy dialogue, bolsters the understanding of Government of the needs of the private sector and strengthens Government relationship with businesses.

Bartlett has also acknowledged the Prime Minister and his Government for the new direction taken that places more emphasis on youths in the country.

SICCI CEO, Mr Meone also updated the Prime Minister on the four Advisory Group meetings held so far since the signing of the MoU.

“There has been some positive progress on certain issues that were discussed by the Advisory Group, but a lot of work needs to be done and ongoing dialogue needs to happen,” he said.

Discussions covered many important initiatives, including the legislative bills that have been passed in Parliament, such as the Anti-Corruption Bill (ACB), the tax reform agenda, the National Youth Policy including the Young Entrepreneurs Council Solomon Islands (YECSI).

The Prime Minister was also briefed on the RSIPF-SICCI agreement for closer collaboration and assisting police in crime prevention.

Meone also highlighted the need for the private sector to be involved and consulted on the formulation of the 2019 national budget.

“The yearly Budget is the key fiscal tool that guides government expenditure each year, so we see increased dialogue around the Budget as a positive thing,” the SICCI CEO said.

Meone also congratulated the Government on the launching of the Solomon Islands National Youth Policy 2018-2030 last week that can transform economic potential of youths in economic growth, peace and stability.

YECSI was also highlighted and is an important part of the National Youth Policy.

YECSI is hosted by SICCI in partnership with Government support through the Ministry of Women, Youths, Children and Family Affairs.

The Prime Minister in response has encouraged SICCI to continue with the ongoing dialogue with the Government.

The Prime Minister said one of the key areas his Government is eager to fast track consultations on is the tax reform agenda.

“Some of us are of the view that we are heavily taxed. We need to improve the tax system and I am pleased to note that discussions between the Government, private sector and other stakeholders is ongoing,” he said.

The Prime Minister also took the opportunity to update SICCI on the Government’s legislative calendar.

“The Government has passed at least six legislations since March and we are eager to pass a few more before the dissolution of Parliament,” the Prime Minister said.

–SICCI PRESS

RSIPF mourns loss of officer

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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OFFICERS of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) are mourning the loss of colleague officer Staff Sergeant (SSgt) Roland Lapo who passed away suddenly at Taro in Choiseul province on August 29, 2018.

The late Lapo was serving at the Taro Police Station when he died while on training with his fellow officers.

He suffered a suspected heart attack and was taken to medical attention by his fellow officers but passed away.

“The late Staff Sergeant Rolland Lapo was recruited into the RSIPF in 1982 and died while serving as Operation Manager at the Taro Police Station,” says Police Commissioner Matthew Varley.

“Late SSgt Lapo served the RSIPF for 36 years and was posted at various police stations.

“He held several positions during his time including Officer in Charge and Supervising Provincial Police Commander at the Taro Police Station in the absence of a provincial police commander.

“Late SSgt Lapo was a dedicated and hardworking officer and mostly spent his time serving the people of Western and Choiseul Provinces.

“It is indeed a loss for the organisation as well as officers who worked along with him during his career.

“On behalf of the RSIPF Executives Ranks and files, I wish to extend my deepest condolences to the family members, relatives and friends at this time of bereavement.

“He has left us but his good work will always be remembered in the organisation,” says Commissioner Varley.

Commissioner Varley and other members of his Executive as well as officers from the Police Headquarters in Honiara flew to Taro to join in the arrangements for the funeral of the late SSgt Lapo before his body was repatriated to his village in South Choiseul.

–POLICE MEDIA

Police officer dies of suspected heart-attack

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE Commissioner Matthew Varley revealed on Sunday that a Police officer who died at Taro had died of suspected heart attack.

He said that the officer died whilst on duty on Wednesday and was taken to the Taro hospital and was declared by the doctor that he died of suspected heart attack.

Commissioner Varley conveys the RSIPF’s condolence to the family and relatives of the late officer and said that losing one of their own colleagues is really a very sad moment.

He said that on behalf of the RSIPF he flew over to Taro to honour the officer on Thursday at his funeral service.

The late officer Roland Lapo served the RSIPF for 36 years and he thanks his family for their support to the officer while he serves in RSIPF.

He also reminded officers to be careful of their health and as part of the health and fitness for the RSIPF they have a gym programme funded by the Australia through the Solomon Islands Police Deployment Programme.

MID Director Harry Rini dies in Honiara

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Director of Civil Engineering under the Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, Mr Harry Rini.

By Alfred Sasako

A director of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID), Harry Rini died in Honiara yesterday morning, apparently from a heart attack.

Harry is survived by his wife, Ellen and three children.

Harry and his wife were taking a morning walk from their West Honiara home when he collapsed.

Rini is said to be related to former Finance Minister, Snyder Rini as well as former Prime Minister Danny Philip.

Relatives said Harry and his wife were taking a morning walk from their Mbuburu house in West Honiara when he collapsed.

He was rushed to the National Referral Hospital, but efforts to revive him failed.

An engineer by trade, Harry was in charge of the MID Committee responsible for vetting infrastructure projects being put on public tender.

Its recommendations are then sent to the Central Tender Board (CTB) for a final decision and award of contracts.

Harry was also involved in helping vet applications for grants under the controversial shipping grants. It is understood funeral arrangements are being made but it is not clear whether his body would be taken to Ughele, Western province where he was from.

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