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JICA lauded for recognising SI capacity needs

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

From left to right Harrison Vilerich Ara of MDPAC, Ms Martha Behulu Manaka and Motoyuki Uegaki of JICA.

SOLOMON Islands Government (SIG) through the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination (MDPAC) has applauded the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for recognising the capacity needs of the Solomon Islanders

This sentiment was revealed to this paper yesterday by Harrison Vilerich Ara, Principal Planning Officer of MDPAC.

“I would like to convey our appreciation to the Japanese government to Solomon Islands through JICA for recognising the capacity needs of Solomon Islands Public Officers and Civil Servants through up skilling of Human Resources seeing the challenges and gaps SIG have in terms of its workforce’s capacity needs,” said Vilerich.

He said therefore SIG through MDPAC is looking forward to continue to work more closely with the Japanese government in the near future with this same spirt of cooperation through facilitating the dissemination of this JICA’s training in the future.

Hograno highlands communities called to work together for school’s development

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

PEOPLE of Kolomola and Alu’Alu villages of Hograno Highlands in Isabel province are being called to work together for the betterment of Gagaolo Primary School.

This was raised by school head teacher, Renward Matesala who said that since the school was established five years ago, people have not been active in supporting the school.

He said that the only people who have come forward and helped the school are the students’ parents who did cleaning around the school compound and built staff houses.

Matesala stated that the school needs the support of everyone from these two communities to progress and not just the support of parents alone.

He added that if everyone worked together, the school can further develop.

Matesala strongly calls on Kolomola and Alu’Alu communities to support the school in its endeavors.

He also appeals to the people of Isabel province residing in Honiara to assist the school in any way possible.

Plea for support for new uni

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) Reverend George Takeli has requested support towards the establishment of the John Coleridge Patterson University.

Reverend Takeli made this call on Thursday during the handing over ceremony of the University’s course materials in Honiara.

“I kindly plea for your kind support to our urgent initiatives and preparations towards the establishment of the John Coleridge Patterson University (JCPU) for our Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM),” said Takeli.

Takeli said the materials received on Thursday are part of the strategic initiatives and preparations towards the establishment of the JCPU which is the honourable goal of the ACOM.

ACOM sets pathway for primary in-service teachers

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Coordinator of John Coleridge Patteson College (JCPU) Fr Philemon Akao hands over the teachers’ course materials to the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) Reverend George Takeli while Patrick Duadua supervisor of the course advisory groups (left) and Christina Vunagi one of the course writer (right) stands beside.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

Coordinator of John Coleridge Patteson College (JCPU) Fr Philemon Akao hands over the teachers’ course materials to
the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) Reverend George Takeli while Patrick Duadua supervisor
of the course advisory groups (left) and Christina Vunagi one of the course writer (right) stands beside.

THE Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) has set another pathway in its education sector for primary in-services teachers to acquire diploma programmes.

This new development was witnessed through the handing over of teacher’s materials by John Coleridge Patteson University (JCPU) to the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) Reverend George Takeli yesterday in Honiara

The materials feature Diploma in teaching primary (in-service) course resources which focus on upgrading teachers who have achieved certificates in teaching primary.

Coordinator of John Coleridge Patteson University Fr Philemon Akao said the making of these materials is to set another pathway for primary in-service teachers to acquire diploma courses.

Also to address the need of accommodating and training more qualified and skilled teachers in the country since the Solomon Islands National University and the University of the South Pacific had expressed having less space.

“Because of this reasons we stepped in to provide another pathway for our teachers in the country as well as helping the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and the Universality of South Pacific (USP) producing more qualified and skilled teachers,” said Akao.

On behalf of the Anglican Church of Melanesia ACOM Takeli, who is very supportive in this newly witnessed development, thanked the coordinators and members of the writing and assessment panel for their hard work towards the successful completion of the materials.

“The education materials we have received are also part of upgrading administration and charter of our Bishop Patteson Theological College with the aim of upgrading its academic, administration and legal premise to establishing the John Coleridge Patteson University for the ACOM.

“On behalf of the Anglican Church of Melanesia I thank the coordinators and members of the writing and assessment panels for your hard work in writing these education materials and to congratulate you all for our great achievement in completion of these materials,” said Takeli.

In relation to the production of these materials it was possible through the collaboration of secondary school teachers from St Nicholas and Norman Palmer and lectures from the SINU, Bishop Patterson Theological College (BPTC) and USP also including its advisory groups from the SINU, USP, BPTC and the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD).

Furthermore there are 12 courses in total and is expected to begin next year 2019. Classes will be held at St Nicholas College after normal classes in the evening from Monday to Friday.

Shock and anger over child rape case

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

THE report of a rape case involving a four year old female victim in Gizo on Monday this week has sparked fresh fears and anger among concerned members of public.

They are concerned that rape in all categories is increasing, and it is sad that this trend should include rape involving children victims.

A Mr John Tano from Gizo believes that the recent incident should be a wake-up call for responsible authorities, churches, chiefs, leaders and parents to the need to have the issue of rape discussed openly.

He says this would increase awareness and stem the increasing trend.

“Culturally, rape is a sensitive matter that we must take action against now.

“I would like to call on the responsible authorities to seriously address and punish those who involved in rape activities.

“We are so worried and I would like wish to express my heartfelt sympathy for a 4-year-old girl from Nusabaruku who has been victims of this problem.”

Tano also appeals to members of public to always cooperate with authorities more so police in their investigations and report any information needed.

On Monday this week, an alleged rape case involving a four-year-old female victim and a 15-year-old accused was reported in Nusabaruku, Gizo.

Capacity building opportunities for RSIPF in HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Toowoomba visit

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

ROYAL Australian Navy ships HMAS Adelaide and HMAS Toowoomba will be visiting Honiara today until Sunday as their coming will help the country’s police with opportunities for capacity building.

According to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Acting Commissioner Juanita Matanga in their weekly media conference yesterday, key areas they will be focusing on are the involvement in the maritime, PRT and other activities like medical course training, women and leadership workshop.

“I am sure they are also looking at media briefing, engagement of the Police Band with them, sports coaching and other trainings which is an opportunity where RSIPF is looking forward in because it will help them to continue on with their capacity development,” said RSIPF’s Acting Commissioner.

On this note, the RSIPF Acting Commissioner request’s for the residents of Honiara that it will be good for them to continue giving a good name to their visitors coming in particular for this event so that it will also present a good message for citizens.

Slow-down on national project lies on people: Feratelia

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

DEPUTY Provincial Secretary for the Malaita Provincial Assembly says slow- down on Malaita’s national projects lies on people – the owners.

Malaita’s Honiara residents celebrated their 35th 2nd Appointed Day this week in an open forum, religious and cultural performances which made the day more formal and fun at the same time.

During the formal part of the celebration the Deputy Provincial Secretary for Malaita Provincial Assembly Mr Robert Wales Feratelia address his observation why national projects to Malaita project slow down.

He said according to his observation blame is between people and that should not put on national and provincial government on slowing down national projects.

“We cannot lay the blame on the national government and provincial government for slow down on both national and provincial projects.

“The problem lies between and the element that lies between is the people—the purported owners.

“I see our development priorities must be put right.

“One of the key strategic areas in our quest for development in order to see progress and enhance socio-economic development on Malaita is our road network on Malaita.”

He said connectivity plays crucial role especially to the potential agriculture areas shield and secluded by thick rainforest and terrain into the hinterland of Malaita.

He explained this is a priority issue before Malaita could ever think of progressing with its prolonged national projects.

“Let us start afresh our projects with putting road networking first—the projects and road network should be done simultaneously.”

To make project work well on Malaita province, Feratelia appeals to leaders and people of Malaita to work together for common goals for years to come.

“I appeal to all of us to work together to achieve the most effective and efficient delivery of better services in Malaita in the next decade.

“If not did not place our priorities then we can shout from the distance until the cows come home, and we will never achieve our goals and objectives in the short, medium and long term.”

Gov’t appoints third female PS

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Ms Frances signed her Oaths before the Governor General Sir Frank Kabui at Government House on Tuesday.

THE government has appointed a third female Permanent Secretary. She heads the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL).

Ethel Tebengi Frances was sworn-in by the Governor General, Sir Frank Kabui at Government House on Tuesday this week.

She took up the post replacing former Permanent Secretary, Jimmy Saelea whose contract ended recently.

Ms Frances holds a Master in Business Management from the University of Queensland and a Bachelor in Accounting and Financial Management and Management and Public Administration from the University of South Pacific, and a Diploma in Business Studies from the former Solomon Islands College of High Education (SICHE).

She has started her working career as a tutor and Lecturer at the former SICHE now SINU from 1997 to 2002.

Later, she has worked on projects with many other regional and international organisations based in Honiara including the European Union (EU), World Bank, SPC, ADB, DFAT and the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Provincial Government as a consultant mostly in the area of finance.

Frances joined the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) as a Policy Secretary in 2017. Prior to joining OPMC, she has worked with the World Bank undertaking a baseline research study into impacts of agriculture on women.

Currently she is a Trustee of Woodford International School as part of her community service. She has resigned last week as a member of the SIWA Board of Directors to take up her new post as Permanent Secretary.

Frances said she was so humbled by the trust placed on her by the Government to lead the Ministry in the capacity as a Permanent Secretary.

“It makes it more special in a way because I am a female. This demonstrates the recognition our government has on us women having the ability to contribute to our nation’s efforts for a better life for its people,” she said.

Having worked amongst many male elites during her career, Frances has observed that there is respect for women and the potential that women have.

“It is up to us to step up and prove that recognition by the way we perform and deliver what is expected of us,” she said.

Frances is keen to see the Ministry reformed to a well-run and highly productive ministry.

“I have already had discussions with my management team where I have challenged them to step up and respond to the expectation on us to lead the agriculture sector to one our economy can take comfort in.

“They have vowed to work with me which I appreciate so much. It is going to be challenging for all of us but we will start with small steps and make many steps towards our goals,” Frances said.

One of her priority tasks now is to take stock of where the Ministry’s performance is now in terms of its programme and project implementation so that her team can strategize what they have at the moment.

“I am hoping to develop a growth roadmap for the agriculture sector and that will come from a whole of sector and institutional review.”

Before joining OPMC, Frances has assisted the World Bank with a baseline study looking into the impacts of agriculture on women and that gave her a fair knowledge of the challenges women face.

“What touched my heart is their willingness to keep going despite the hard work they put into it. I wish to congratulate them for not giving up. I am not going to make promises but can only vow to do my best in my capacity to help grow them for our nation’s good,” she said.

Ms Frances is of Malaita and Rennell and Bellona descent. She is the third female to be appointed as Permanent Secretary in the current pool of permanent secretaries. The others are Ethel Sigimanu who heads the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA) and Karen Qalokale who heads the Ministry of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS).

–GCU

MMF suggests land mobilisation unit

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Mike Puia

THE Malaita Ma’asina Forum has suggested to the government the need to create a Land Mobilisation Unit under the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey (MLHS) to deal with land issues.

Newly-elected president of the Forum, Martin Housanau, made this suggestion during a press conference in Honiara on Wednesday.

Housanau said this Unit is to work with landowners in sites earmarked for development by doing custom recording, land survey and boundary mapping.

He said the normal system of acquiring land takes time but having a Unit to work with landowners in sites that are open for development is the quick approach.

Housanau mentioned the creation of this Unit while making reference to Prime Minister Rick Hou’s speech delivered in Malaita during the province’s second appointed day.

In his speech, Prime Minister Hou called on landowners not to dispute developments that are coming to their land.

He said the government and investors are ready but once there are disputes it will only frighten them off.

Housanau said the statement made by the Prime Minister is sad and unfortunate when it comes from the head of the country and a son of Malaita.

He said there is no land issue in the province except issues with the people as there is lack of people-to-people relationship.

Housanau said there is a need to mend and strengthen people-to-people relations.

He said they see the creation of this unit as a way to help avoid disputes over land.

Housanau said there are lands available in Malaita like Auluta, Waisisi and Liwe land and landowners are ready.

He challenges the government to come out clear as to why these lands have not been developed.

Housanau said the statement by the Prime Minister that land issues stopped development in the province is a slap on the face for Malaita landowners who are still waiting on the government to develop their land.

He said Auluta land for instance has 12,000 hectares waiting to be developed.

He said it appears political interference has prevented developments earmarked for these sites from taking off.

“The government need to work with the people and not to involve politics,” Housanau added.

4 dead in boat tragedy

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Deputy Police Commissioner, Juanita Matanga.

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

FOUR Ngella locals have died after their boat sank outside Vuturua village, southeast Ngella, on Wednesday afternoon after encountering bad weather.

Out of the 16 passengers, three males and a female lost their lives while the other 12 managed to swim ashore.

A sympathetic Acting Commissioner for the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Juanita Matanga strongly reminds that people must learn to take ownership of being responsible with their lives in an environment dominated by vast sea space such as Solomon Islands.

“Anyone planning to travel out to sea must properly plan their trip, inform family members or people around them where they are going and what time they should be expected to arrive.

“Make sure OBMs are sea worthy and serviced properly because these areas contribute to the problems faced at sea by OBMs too. Another reminder, make sure the boat driver is a reliable one too having experience to travel to destinations and not a drunken one. Do not overload OBMs.

“Take safety measures for instance, life jackets, food, extra fuel, paddles, flares or torches or anything one thinks that will be able to support them when being at sea. It is important to have all such because when the need comes to use them they will be available,” said the RSIPF Acting Commissioner contributing with tips for sea safety measures.

RSIPF’s Acting Commissioner strongly urges citizens of the nation to contact any nearby responsible services that will assist them in whatever situation that might occur when travelling at sea.

“Always check on weather updates through the media or call the Met Service on #27658 or toll free line #933.

“MRCC’s contacts are #21609 and 27685 or toll free line # 977. Or contact any nearby police service or our Honiara Communication Centre on #999 or #2366.

“All these contacts are to help everyone so that when encountering such situations, these are the contacts to seek help from,” assists the RSIPF Acting Commissioner.

“If you start your trip and realise that the weather is starting to change then seek shelter at places that would be safe first before continuing on the journey when it is fine again.

“Safety at sea is the responsibility of the one or whoever is heading out in it to travel from one place to another.”

The OBM the victims used according to a report was powered by a 40 HP and

According to a report, the 40hp OBM should have only taken six passengers maximum. Unfortunately, the OBM carried 16 passengers as well as goods on board being overloaded too.

It is understood that the bodies of the deceased have already been taken back to their respective home village at Burungia on Thursday.

In a similar incident, during August 15 this week, two wives of RSIPF police officers residing at Yandina, Russell Islands, were also in an OBM unfortunately experiencing engine problem causing them to float between Russell and Guadalcanal islands. They had started their trip from Yandina planning to head to Honiara.

Fortunately, RSIPF received the report and sent out one of their stabi-crafts that found them around 2pm between Guadalcanal and Russell islands taking them back to Russell from there.

The deceased in Wednesday’s incident included a father, two sons and a daughter-in-law.

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