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Deteriorating staff houses affects agriculture development

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The MAL’s principal Field Officer in Afio Mr Eddie Saokwai

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

The MAL’s principal Field Officer in Afio Mr Eddie Saokwai

THREE staff houses in Afio, Malaita province under the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) are in deteriorating conditions since last year with no renovation done.

MAL’s principal Field Officer in Afio Mr Eddie Saokwai raised a concerned that three staff houses in Afio are in bad condition and needed to be fixed immediately.

Saokwai said housing is a real need not only for staffs but for development of agriculture in the communities and nation as a whole.

He said they already provided the report last year in their annual conference but to date nothing has been done so far and it is causing lots of concern and frustration to communities there.

“The challenge at the moment is, there is no staff house in Afio, house there but it does not fit for human being to stay inside, it needs to full repair,” Saokwai said.

Saokwai said in terms of progress of agriculture activities there, man-power is deemed unfair because there is no senior officer looking after Afio—every senior officer is stationed in Auki.

“If only they renovate the three houses quickly then it will be good and officer can move in, it should be two senior officers,” he said.

MAL’s Director Extension/Project Sub Coordinator Mr Michael Ho’ota said the Ministry has made attempts to the request last year but have been delayed by lack of funds.

He said now Ministry of Infrastructure Development has approved its supplementary budget to be responsible for renovation of three staff houses at Afio.

He said currently there is no staff posted at Afio in Malaita province due to the houses being in bad condition—activities are all remote controlled from Auki office.

Besides that, Ho’ota said in sufficient staff numbers, lack of staff houses and office spaces, staff capacity, resources and logistic support continue to hinder effective delivery of agriculture services to rural population.

Varley refutes police brutality claims in Makira arrest

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, I now realise that my article “Acting police boss not telling the truth” in Solomon star issue 6973 on August 2, 2018 has hit the nail at the right spot that was why Police Commissioner responded promptly and defensively to protect the always good image and always good stories about policing in their weekly meet the press releases.

Anything that opposes the always GOODIES about police operation in Solomon Islands is seen by him as bad and threatening.

Police Commissioner must understand and accept that in some of police’s goodies there can be questionable darknesses that must be exposed to put us right again.

Sadly, the Police Commissioner now appears to be non-impartial and has sided with his hooded and armed officers who committed serious atrocities upon and after arresting a suspect who has a known history of mental illness.

Police saw it fit to lie to the nation that the suspect was not harmed – I will uphold my statement true to the day I die because I know I am telling the truth.

Freedom of expression enshrined in our county’s constitution allows me to express myself freely; I always treasure and cherish that, as long as I do not offend.

The claim by Police Commissioner that the suspect resisted arrest as defence is out right false.

At the time of arrest the suspect was fast asleep in his house when your armed hooded policemen broke into his house tearing down the door – how else can he resist when he was awoken by armed hooded policemen on his bed.

The claim by Police Commissioner that the suspect was “treated in accordance with police procedures and with proper custody procedures” was denying him immediate medical attention during remand, mimicking what is ongoing at Nauru Detention Centre.

Foreign countries funding SIPDP and SIPSP that fuels the weekly police meet the press conferences should by now raise eye brows and rethink.

Ambrose Siau

Maniworasi village, West Wainoni,

Makira Ulawa provice

RSIPF mourn the loss of a Police constable

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

THE Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is mourning the passing away of one of its officers, the late Police Constable Zephaniah Rangi on August 19, 2018 after a short illness.

“Late Police Constable Rangi was recruited back in February 2006 and was posted to Central Police Station where he served for two years during his probationary period. It was during that time that he received a certificate of appreciation in recognition of the officer’s hard work and dedication,” says Supervising Police Commissioner Madame Juanita Matanga.

“He was then posted to the Police Maritime Department on 1 December 2008 and served for more than 9 years.

“During his time at the Police Maritime Department he also served in the disaster relief operations after Tropical Cyclone Pam devastated Vanuatu, and many more operational duties.

“Late Constable Rangi is a dedicated and hardworking officer who has served with dignity throughout his service in the RSIPF.

“He will be missed by the organisation and more especially his work colleagues in the RSIPF Maritime Unit.

“This is a great loss for the organisation, especially the Maritime Unit.

“And losing a Police officer who always dedicated his time in serving his people through his hard work is a sad thing.

“On behalf of the RSIPF Commissioner, ranks and files I would like to pass on our sincere condolences to the immediate and extended family of the late Constable Rangi as we mourn the loss of your family member.

“Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of bereavement,” says Ms Matanga.

Late Constable Rangi is survived by his wife, who is also a Police officer and three children.

A sending off service will be held for the body of the late Rangi in Honiara tomorrow (August 22) afternoon before his body will be transported to his home village in the Russell Islands, Central province.

–POLICE MEDIA

Skepticism in budget process with terminal grant still a missing item in budget

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

THE Auki/Langalanga Member of Parliament Mathew Wale says it seems as if they are making fools of themselves especially with the tedious process of going through the country’s budget.

Last week during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Hearing, Wale was once again heard to reprimand the Ministry of Finance and Treasury when they appear before the Special Select Committee.

He said there is nothing new brought forward in the supplementary and he is beginning to be weary of this process.

“It seems as if we are lying to ourselves with the process. This is a recurring thing.”

In April this year when debating the Appropriation Bill 2018 on the floor of parliament, Wale was seen and heard to reprimand government of fiscal mismanagement and poor leadership.

Last week he was still skeptical and raised a number of issues on the items brought forward to be included in the 2018 Supplementary Appropriation bill 2018.

He also brought light to the terminal grant of MPs that are not included in the 2018 Supplementary bill 2018 nor in the 2018 Appropriation budget.

“There is a big expenditure that is left out of this supplementary. It is the terminal grant for the members that will dissolve at the end of the year.

“That is one huge bill that is about to hit treasury. And it is not in here. But by law you will have to foot it. I do not know how that was missed in the main budget in the beginning and once again in this supplementary.

“So legally we are to expect more expenditures to come later. Where will we get the money?”

In responding, MOFT says the budget process is improving and that the process have elements inside that ensures accountability.

Director of the Budget Unit said that information to be included in any of the country’s budget must be accurate.

He said they just cannot include any item that they are unsure off in the supplementary budget.

“I think the budget process is better than before,” he said.

Meanwhile, $20m terminal grant for MPs was not included in the 2018 supplementary bill 2018, which Wale said he is fearful that government will cut other important areas to pay for unbudgeted items like the terminal grant.

Terminal grant however must be paid before parliament dissolves as it is an act of parliament, Wale said.

Though terminal grants are from an act of parliament, Wale said it must be included and reflected in the budget.

The $20m terminal grant for MPs has raised eyebrows from anticorruption NGO, Transparency Solomon Islands (TSI).

TSI says this $20m terminal grant MUST be taxed.

Each MP will receive $400,000 each when their term ends in mid-December this year.

It is not sure whether this tax exemption will also extend to ‘terminal grants’ or only for the MPs’ salary alone.

This will be the first parliament to receive terminal grant under the tax free incentive.

PAC concludes its hearing into the 2018 Supplementary Appropriation Budget 2018 Thursday last week.

Malaita province to join CITREC

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Former Premier of Malaita Province, Hon Peter Channel Ramohia.

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

MALAITA province will join the CITREC programme in education, tourism and export opportunities with the people and government of Canada.

Premier Peter Ramohia has also called on the national government to help provinces towards joining CITREC.

In a bi-lateral meeting between Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela and Canadian Prime Minister in London, they made it a priority to expand the CITREC programme to other provinces in the Solomon Islands.

Canada positively responded and CITREC is reaching out to other provinces in Solomon Islands. Temotu and Makira-Ulawa provinces have already joined.

Malaita premier Peter Ramohia said Canada has seen the value of this partnership through the success of Guadalcanal province, and Malaita province should not ignore such an opportunity.

He announces that Malaita is looking to follow suit.

“In a view of creating a brighter future for the people of Malaita and ensuring that we put our young people to work and my Provincial Government has joined the CITREC programme.

“We do so with good intention; we mean business and that is to advance the prosperity of my people, my province and Solomon Islands as a whole.

“As a Premier accountable to my people and province I have set a collective executive decision to go ahead with the program and join Canadian government programme and initiatives through our partnership with CITREC.

“This is one way to address the Rising sea level and adverse effect of climate change is affecting our low lying coastal areas, artificial and atoll islands and Solomon Islands as a whole in terms of assistance.

“We must seek other opportunities to help and to sustain our economic growth.

“For too long we have relied on export of natural resources as a revenue generator and this trend is a threat to our economy.

“We must diversify in recognition to our ailing economy; Malaita province had sought the opportunity to join the Labour Mobility Partnership with CITREC and Canadians.

“We can no longer wait and see but want to join our sister province Guadalcanal in exporting our Human resources to Canada so they earn and send money back to the economy of Malaita Province and the economy of Solomon Islands.

“Malaita province must find both avenue and revenue to sustain our growth; we must seek opportunity for growth.

“We must create path for our youths and we must we must put them to work.

“The MART government believe that CITREC will provide best return on investment for my people and province.

‘We are aware of the return of investment the province of Guadalcanal is celebrating through its partnership with CITREC.

“By doing nothing, the people of malaita province may be missing a great opportunity.

“The CITREC partnership is an opportunity that was introduced through the Central Government of Solomon Islands back in 2012.

“However, it was my colleague Premier of Guadalcanal province Hon Anthony Veke that opened this opportunity for my people and province.

“He is the one who has shown us the path to building relations with people of Canada through CITREC.

“Let me say to Premier Veke that you have further unified our relations as one family of Solomon Islands.

“The CITREC partnership will bring people of Guadalcanal, Makira-Ulawa and Malaita under one banner of being a Solomon Islander in a foreign land of Canada.

“It will strengthen unification of our identity as proud Solomon Islanders.

“It will help reconcile our differences if any and will help re-unite our thoughts.

“It will help us be one family, a family with one identity and being a Solomon Islander.

“As CITREC programme begins to empower our people to opportunities, I am joined by my executive government who are firmly committed to ensure that the partnership reaches to every part of Malaita province.”

Premier Ramohia call on the national government to support and assist the provinces to come up with an amicable way to ensure provincial governments in Solomon Islands join and implement CITREC programme for the financial benefit for the provinces.

SINU reaches out to schools in Malaita

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Students of Rokera PSS posing with their SINU bags after the presentation.
Students of Kilusakwalo Christian CHS listening to SINU presentation.

A team from SINU’s Marketing & Promotions department last week visited schools in Malaita for a careers talk.

The team was promoting the National University at the recent Yam Festival organised and held in South Malaita and later visited schools around Auki.

The schools visited were: Rokera PSS, Aligegeo PSS and Kilusakwalo Christian CHS.

The Talk was mainly focusing on developments our National University is currently under-taking in both academic and infrastructure projects.

Also highlighted in the Talk were the application procedures and requirements for 2019 admission.

About 300 application forms were distributed to students during the talk.

SINU’s application for 2019 admission will close on October 26, 2018.

The officers also revealed some of the common mistakes by applicants which resulted in unsuccessful application; the most common and very serious mistake is forging of academic transcripts.

Intending students must realise that this is a really bad practice and SINU will never accept students who falsify their academic records.

Students of Rokera PSS posing with their SINU bags after the presentation.

The second most common mistake is form 5 leavers applying directly for our diploma programmes instead of the certificate programmes and forms 6 arts students applying for the nursing programme.

The officers then explained to students the possible pathways of getting successful admission to the National University.

Students and Staff of the schools visited all expressed their gratitude and thanked SINU for the unique opportunity their students got in getting informed.

Deputy Principal of Kilusakwalo CHS highlighted that this is the first time his students received such Talk and it is very-very helpful.

“We welcome such talk for our students in the future,” he concluded.

–SINU PRESS

Ngella forum to launch constitution soon

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

AFTER tireless efforts, social media’s famous Ngella Forum (NGF) has eyed down a set date to finally launch its Constitution.

Ngella Forum will be launching its Constitution on the 29th of September, 2018, at Tulaghi confirms the NGF Team advising all friends, families, members and supporters to mark the date on their calendar.

According to NGF, there will also be side activities held in conjunction with the launching as members are invited to attend and take part in the activities.

“Members are encouraged to provide any support towards the launching programme. Please let NGF’s Chairman Mr Charles Gauba know if you are interested in supporting the programme.

“It can be either on transport, cash donations, fuel, accommodation or anything at all,” explains the NGF Team.

It is understood that the Forum Executive is also in the process of putting together a Launching Committee.

“If anyone amongst NGF members are not too busy and willing to be part of the committee then please provide names to Mr Charles Gauba, the Chairman of the Interim Committee.

“Also, one can inbox to the admin of NGF’s page,” said NGF.

The launching committee will meet this weekend to draw up the programme which should be made known by next week.

Police investigate death of fisherman in North Malaita

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Malaita Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Timothy Apaesi.
Malaita Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Timothy Apaesi.

POLICE in Malaita province are investigating the death of a 58-year-old man while on a fishing trip at Goulu Village in North Malaita on August 17, 2018.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander, Malaita Province, Superintendent Timothy Apaesi says, “The deceased fisherman went out in the early hours of 17 August 17 on a fishing trip by himself in a small dugout canoe.

“Towards mid-day of the same day, some other fishermen from the same village were returning home when they saw the deceased’s canoe floating outside of the reef.

“They brought the canoe back to the village and discovered that the owner of the canoe (the deceased) had gone out in the canoe that morning on a fishing trip.

“The community then went out to search for the deceased. His body was discovered at about 5pm on the same day near the reefs outside of Goulu Village.

“The police at Malu’u Police Station have opened a file for investigation into the death.

“I want to remind our good fishermen throughout the Province to try and go out fishing in pairs or go out in a group to ensure there is someone to assist should they encounter any unexpected difficulties or rough weather.

“On behalf of the police, I wish to extend our condolences and sympathy to the family and relatives of the deceased for the untimely loss of one of their members.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Australia to boost Ombudsman and LCC

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Ombudsman Fred Fakarii.
Ombudsman Fred Fakarii.

A new partnership arrangement will see the Australian Government, through the Office of the Commonwealth Ombudsman (OCO), provide support to the Office of the Ombudsman Solomon Islands (OOSI) and the Leadership Code Commission of Solomon Islands (LCC).

The arrangement will support the OOSI and LCC, through tailored activities such as leadership mentoring in organisation reform and staff capability development, aimed at enhancing technical and corporate capability of both accountability Institutions.

Two officers from OCO (Bianca Martin and Andrew Pearce) were in Honiara last month to talk about what activities should be supported under the arrangement.

“This support will really help the LCC improve the way it performs its duties,” said Leadership Code Commission Chair, Solomon Kalu.

The Ombudsman of Solomon Islands, Fred Fakarii agreed, saying that the “tailored support would help OOSI better serve the people of Solomon Islands”.

Australia’s High Commissioner to Solomon Islands, HE Roderick Brazier, recently met with the Australian Ombudsman in Canberra and reiterated Australia’s support to the partnership.

The role of the LCC is to ensure that leaders comply with the Leadership Code.

The key functions of LCC are to, investigate allegations of misconduct in office by government leaders, manage and maintain a Register of Leaders Interests, and promote good governance, accountability and transparency.

Leaders are: all members of national parliament, Provincial assemblies and all public servants at the national and provincial level.

The Ombudsman’s role is to make sure that the Solomon Islands Government acts fairly towards its citizens, to make sure that government decisions are proper and just, and to help improve government administration.

The partnership programME is supported by the Australian Government, through the Solomon Islands Governance Programme.

–AHC

MHMS questioned when NRH will have own budget

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
National Referral Hospital

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

CAPACITY and compliance are to be satisfied first before the National Referral Hospital (NRH) can have its own budget or become independent according to the Ministry of Health.

This is according to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS) Permanent Secretary (PS) during the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) hearing into the 2018 Supplementary Appropriation Bill at Parliament last week.

However, Member of Parliament (MP) for Shortland Christopher Laore does not accept this statement, further questioning the ministry how much longer they will have to wait before capacity and compliance are satisfied.

“I feel that the NRH has been neglected for so long. If we think of after moving to the new National Hospital site before we make things progress then I believe the NRH will run down continuously until it will be not conducive for sick patients.

“The question is how long will the health planners see to it and consider NRH as it is important it provides tertiary hospital services. Primary health care does not work in this country.

“Donor funding only goes towards primary health care services. I do not know if it goes towards tertiary services which is what I want to ask donors too because health services in primary health care is very poor.

“Illness and diseases are rising because of poor performance on the primary health care. We can see that the trend is going up.

“And, I am asking how much of the funds from aid donors are geared towards NRH for its services.”

Laore questioned if MHMS is seriously looking at health services or just want funding to do purchase of vehicles and carry out awareness, training and other areas which in reality, health care in the country is still poor and lacking.

“So how long before you will seriously look to support the NRH to be autonomous that deals with its own services?”

Laore expressed that he usually visits the NRH from time to time which is unlike before.

“Now I see that it is deteriorating. I think most of the services there are not functioning.

“It is like a workshop, if you have a mechanic but you do not have the tool then it is useless. You know what to do but you do not have the tool to do it. It will be useless as the car will stay there for ages,” said the MP for Shortland.

According to the PS of MHMS, NRH having its own budget is a long term plan of the Ministry.

“Once we are satisfied in terms of the capacity and compliance of NRH as there are issues too with the ministry in capacity and compliance over which if we see that the ministry can run on its own then we will let it be that way because MHMS is in line with the idea to run on separate budgets to do own managements,” confirmed the MHMS PS.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for NRH Dr Steve Aumanu in supporting his PS, pointed out that he does not have any answer to the decision for NRH to be autonomous as perhaps it is subjected to many other factors too.

“One alluded to is capacity but I am glad to say that this year we have started to capacitate the Finance Department and Cooperate Department so we are working towards capacitating especially in the finance unit,” said NRH’s CEO.

“Secondly if the time comes, the Health Services Act will need to be amended, reviewed and legitimise autonomy for the hospital. At this point of time, its existing health services are.

“NRH because of the nature of the service has a potential to attract benefactors such as from NGOs and individuals and I really believe that is one good side of being autonomous because people who donate money to governments or hospitals would like it to be fairly transparent and accountable in which I am not saying that it is not happening.

“We can develop MOA’s and MOU’s contracts with benefactors that will help assist in their donations to the hospital. So the hospital has a potential to get assistance.”

There was a cabinet paper presented during under the leadership of one of the former PSs of MHMS in relation to their consultant incentives being passed and that was for NRH to have its own budget and run autonomous from the Ministry of Health.

Question by Laore was whether this has happened or are they yet still following the bureaucratic system meaning NRH does not have its own budget to look after its own services in deciding on maintenance, order of equipments, medicines and other areas.

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