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Communication and bank services for rural areas

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

CONCERN has been raised by the rural people in ward 12 in the Lau lagoon area in north East Malaita, Lau Mbaelela constituency, that there is no communication and commercial bank services provided in their areas.

Speaking on behalf of the people, provincial ward member for ward 12 Fred Wai said, “Communication services are one of the services that is lacking in our area.

He said communication services in the region sometimes fail in its services depending on weather.

“Bemobile has set up one of their towers in Manaoba Island but still we face challenges especially in times of unfriendly weather and technical faults will happen to Bemobile phones within our respective areas.

“Solomon Telekom is yet to erect a tower in ward 12 where we need network coverage’s with capacity for email and other internet usages that will ease communication and help researchers and the educated elites for the people in my ward.”

Wai also added that one of the main services is banking services are not in placed for our people especially for teachers, nurses and other local businesses to collect their salaries and do banking.

“My people always find difficulties during teachers and medical health workers pay days.

“Our rural people will travel six hours by truck which cost them $80 to $100 for truck fares compared to their low salary incomes.

“The creation of a bank branch or agency in our respective ward will help to boost our economic activities and banking services and our people.”

Wai urges the responsible stakeholders to consider the herein to strengthen ward 12 towards the contributions to the nation’s economy and ensure a brighter future and the well being for our people.

A way forward for Manaoba island

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Manaoba Mini-hospital in its finishing stages. Photo supply

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

Manaoba Mini-hospital in its finishing stages. Photo supply

MANAOBA Island in the Lau lagoon area is one of the prime sites for the people in ward 12 and the surrounding communities within the area concerning development.

The unique Manaoba Island where the Binaelu airport was located and the first ever mini-hospital was built and is currently nearing completion stages.

According to the provincial ward member for ward 12 and minister for provincial government and rural development under the malaita provincial government, Fred Wai Diau, the Binaelu airport on Manaoba Island is one of the many developments aspired to by the people of ward 12 of Malaita province.

He said any development for the ward needs to be cross-sectoral and balance.

Wai also said that the provincial capacity development fund (PCDF) for the Manaoba mini-hospital, which is nearing its completion, will also boost the people in ward 12 to have easy access to medical services.

The facility will serve around 20 communities in ward 12 who have had to travel far to access medical services.

He urges the PCDF to prioritise the Manaoba mini-hospital.

Government promises recognition to those who stood to protect Bloody Ridge National Peace Park  

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM Hou having a chitchat with Tourism Minister, Hon. Parapolo

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE Solomon Islands Government has promised continuous recognition of the valuable efforts through the commitment to protect the genuineness of the Bloody Ridge National Park.

Prime Minister Rick Hou relayed this at the recent commemoration of the 76th anniversary of the Guadalcanal Battle and Bloody Ridge National Park declaration and dedication at Japanese Memorial site, Bloody Ridge.

“The government will continue to recognize those who stood by their conviction of why Bloody Ridge must be accorded the recognition and the respect it deserves regarding their valuable efforts through its commitment to protect the authenticity the Bloody Ridge National Peace Park,” he said.

Hou said the Ministry of Culture and Tourism is spearheading the collective efforts to the protection and strategic development of the National Park.

In relation to the sustainable management of the park he said a consultation is ongoing at the moment with the involvement of all respective stakeholders.

Speaking of the government’s commitment to the development of the site Prime Minister Hou voiced that the government’s commitment to it is demonstrated through the acquisition of the 25 hectares for the National Peace Park which came at the back of cabinet’s approval.

He said the protection and strategic development of the site it is part of the Solomon Islands National Tourism Development strategy 2015 – 2019.

“Therefore the government is committed to this under taking to the continuous partnership with our development partners in this regard,” said Prime Minister Houenipwela.

Taiwan and SI friendship commended

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Prof Jaw-Yuan Wang and the NRH CEO Dr Steve Aumanu.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Prof Jaw-Yuan Wang and the NRH CEO Dr Steve Aumanu.

THE co-principal investigator of Taiwan Health Centre and vice-superintendent of Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital (KMUH) has commended the friendship of Solomon Islands and Taiwan.

Taiwan established relations with Solomon Islands more than 30 years and has brought lots of benefits towards health, education and agriculture for Solomon Islands.

On Wednesday this week, delegation from Taiwan in the area of health met with NRH CEO Dr Steve Aumanu and other leaders from the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

With that, Taiwan government donated another batch of medical supplies as additional to previous donation on July 17.

Co-principal investigator of Taiwan Health Centre and vice-superintendent of KMUH Prof Jaw-Yuan Wang on behalf of Taiwan Health Centre and KMUH expressed his appreciation to Ministry of Health and Welfare and Taiwan embassy in Solomon Islands.

He said it is through their support health programmes are effectively executing under the Taiwan Health Centre project for the past 10 years since its establishment in 2008.

“Recently we are aware of medication shortage issue, and we do our best to support National Referral Hospital through donation of medical supplies, equipment and medication,” Prof Wang said.

“Just on 17th July, Taiwan Health Centre had arranged the medical supplies for NRH to relive the shortage.

“Today, we are glad to deliver another 3,000 vials antibiotic, one brand new laptop and a portable-spo2-patient-monitor to assist NRH to go through this situation.”

He said besides Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare donated to NRH one teaching microscope and 1,500 cassettes mainly for training.

“It allows physicians to lecture the interns by watching the same slide and improves training quality,” he adds.

“Not only above items, KMUH also donated two brand air conditioners for dengue fever laboratory and 300 activated carbon flat type masks for pathology department.”

Prof Wang said they sincerely wish the equipment, materials and medication is helpful for NRH, and their collaboration and friendship will continue and last forever.

NRH CEO Dr Steve Aumanu said in terms of health, Solomon Islands has been successfully benefiting from Taiwan through trainings in country and abroad in Taiwan especially.

He thanked Taiwan government through its health sectors who worked with the National Referral Hospital to ensure health deliveries for people of Solomon Islands are sustainable.

Aumanu also thanked other organisations beside Taiwan for their support rendered so far.

Bloody Ridge National Peace Park to be tourist attraction site

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
PM Hou delivers his speech during the occassion marking the 76th anniversary of WWII at Bloody Ridge.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has revealed the intention for the Bloody Ridge National Peace Park to be transformed into a tourist attraction site.

Prime Minister Hou said with this intention the government plans to develop the peace park in connection with other World War II battlefield attractions and activities to become the signature icon WWII tourism product of the Solomon Islands.

“I am glad that this site is significantly recognized by the world for the historical events that took place here 76 years ago.

“While the historical significance of Bloody Ridge will be maintained in our stories, the potential that this site has as one of the key draw cards for tourism development is immense.

“I understand that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has commenced discussions with development partners for the formulation of the Park’s development concept plan. I applaud the Ministry for their vison and insight in this endeavour,” he said.

Hou said he was also advised that a draft development plan has been developed and has already gone through the initial stages of consultations with all respective key stakeholders.

“With that I am confident that the National Peace Park project will be successful and we (government) are eagerly looking forward for it as its completion will pave the way for more cooperation with our development partners to contribute towards this national asset,” Hou said.

MPG lauds Youth@work

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

THE Malaita provincial youth division has saluted and acknowledged the office of the Youth@Work in Auki for creating opportunities for youths in the rural areas in Malaita province.

This was said during the opening of the two weeks of the entrepreneurship component-two training for youths at Laugwata community on Wednesday this week by Youth desk officer for Malaita province Mr Timson Talui.

Talui said the Malaita provincial government has considered that all youth programmes initiated by Youth@Work office in Auki as very important for this young generation.

“Most of our youths were unemployed and such initiatives will definitely meet their needs for their future.

“Currently vocational schools have been introduced around malaita and the country at large but only few will have chances to go on with further skills trainings on those institutions depending on requirements and qualifications.

“But the office of the Youth@Work makes it so simple to organize and assist in activities that will also benefit our youths.

“Our provincial youth office will continue to work together with the Youth@Work office in Auki especially in its implementation and monitoring trainings and programs carried out by the office from the Youth@Work.”

Talui calls on the Malaita provincial government, provincial ward members and the responsible ministry to address and prioritise the issue regarding the welfare of youths.

Taiwan inspection mission makes donation and tours Visale Community School

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Mr Wei-Chou Chang presenting the donations to the school principal.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

Mr Wei-Chou Chang presenting the donations to the school principal.

THE Solomon Islands and Taiwan Health and Medical Services Cooperation Inspection Mission have donated school equipment to Visale Community School on Wednesday.

Speaking at the donation ceremony, Mr Wei-Chou Chang, a senior specialist from Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital expressed that it is not just about the transmission of knowledge but also improving teaching devices.

He also thanked the school for the long term support and assistance they have given since the establishment of Taiwan Health Centre and Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital’s parasite and nutrition programmes in 2009.

The school received two laptops and begun the first day of the Growth and Nutrition Evaluation for School age Children and Adolescents workshop which will end today.

Members of the mission visited the workshop which was attended by staff and students and facilitated by Professor, Ms Meng-Chuan Huang who is the Director of Department of Nutrition and Diabetics from Kaohsiung Medical Hospital University (KMUH) with assistance from young KMUH volunteers.

They later visited the school’s new and old library, toured the school compound to see the progress of crops farmed under the nutrition program and visited nearby areas including the Visale Rural Health Clinic.

Members of the mission are from Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare and Kaohsiung Medical Hospital University.

A glance at the school’s crop progress.
A plot of the school’s growing vegetables.

Members of the mission touring the school.

Big win for united

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Bakale shields the ball from the Kingz player Philip Maeta.

More areas need improvement, says Jacob Moli

BY ROMULUS HUTA

Malaita Kingz midfielder runs on as Makau sets up defense.

WESTERN United has romped to a 60 thrashing of Malaita Kingz in yesterday’s contest of the Telekom S-League at Lawson Tama Stadium.

Coleman Makau and Alfred Elvis scored a double each while the other two goals came from Moffat Kilifa and Junior Molis.

United led 2-0 by halftime before adding another four goals in the second half.

Head coach Jacob Moli congratulated his boys for an impressive winning start to their S-League campaign.

“For a start it’s a good win. But looking at our performance, we need to improve in some more playing areas.

One area we need to step up is our fitness in which toward the end, our players were lying down all over the pitch due to muscle cramps, so fitness is an area to look into,” a delighted Moli said.

Moli added that they only have two days rest before their second match which is on Sunday against Solomon Warriors and stated quick recovery as one of his key targets.

“ We are having a short turn around, whereby we will have only two days rest before our next game on Sunday and we will have to manage our few players who have received minor injuries during the game.”

Moli explained that all his players have performed splendidly well.

“All players put in good effort, but the most stand out ones today are our captain Joachim Waroi and goalkeeper Izomo Bird.

Bakale contests against the Kingz player.

“Waroi did very well to keep us in our game and also did quite well with a number of inceptions against their key through balls and passes. These two stepped up well for us. I think these are two big players where they can step up anytime and that was evident in today’s match.”

Despite the big win, Moli said it is too early to determine anything.

“It’s still early days and we have tried to keep our game simple with not many complications.

“When the make the game simple, it can be easily understood by any new player coming in. When you try to do complicated things, it will be difficult for us.

“We try as much as possible to keep the game simple so that our players can understand and play according to it during game time.

“Our next game is against Warriors and that would be our benchmark because they are our current champion. If we can put up something against them then we will know where we are in the competition. But at the moment they are our benchmark and the current champion.

“We’ll try to regroup over the next couple of days and come together one more time as a team, and put things together more as a team on the pitch,” Moli said.

Coleman Makau celebrates Western United’s first goal with team mate
Timothy Bakale
Bakale shields the ball from the Kingz player Philip Maeta.

Lunch time crunch

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
The National under 23 head coach Batram Suri

Suri sticking to same 11

By Taromane Martin

THE country’s’ national under 19 football team will meet Fiji today at the Stade Pater in Papeete, Tahiti for their second match of the 2018 OFC U-19 Championship.

After claiming respective wins in their opening matches on Monday, Fiji leads Group B with three points via goals difference after taking revenge on Vanuatu 3-1, while Solomon Islands defeated New Caledonia 3-2.

This match is set for 12pm today in what could be the table-topping deciding match for Group B.

Head Coach Batram Suri says he will be sticking to the same squad against New Caledonia because he does not want to disrupt the combination that is starting to build.

“I will be sticking to the same squad I do not want to make too many changes in the starting line-up because if I make too many changes it might affect our game,” he said.

Coach Suri said there are no major signs of injury concerns to his players from their training yesterday and is fully confident in getting three points today.

“There are no major injury concerns to the boys from our training run today.

“A few are having trouble with blisters but as we know blisters are blisters and are not that serious or we can just say are baby ones,” the former Solomon Islands international laughed.

“Apart from that everyone is fine.

“I’m confident in the boys and believe all the hard work they went through to reach this competition is paying off and making everyone wanting to play.

“I’m fully confident and I believe we can get the result tomorrow,” he said.

A win over Fiji mid-day today will guarantee passage into the semi-finals for Batram Suri and the boys.

Starting 11 for Solomon Islands against Fiji today is as follows:

Solomon Islands: 1. Joel NANAGO (GK), 2. George LEAGA, 3. John AETA, 4. Aengari GAGAME, 5. Absolom WAWANE, 6. Patrick TAROGA, 7. Junior DAVID, 8. Henly RAMO, 9. Ali MEKAWIR, 10. Marcus CHAN, 11. Lino HOUAIRIA, 12. Junior MATA (GK), 13. Junior ASHLEY, 14. Franck KABUI, 15. Anthony KASAU, 16. Don KEANA, 17. Tuita MAEOBIA, 18. William KOMASI, 19. Simon JEDZINI, 20. Raynick LAETA

Coach: Batram SURI (SOL)

Peace and prosperity enjoyed today exists on sacrifices made during the WWII: Shigeru

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands HE Toyama Shigeru paying his respects.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands HE Toyama Shigeru paying his respects.

PEACE and propensity enjoyed today exists merely on the sacrifices made during the World War II, says Japanese Ambassador to Solomon Islands His Excellency Toyama Shigeru.

Mr Shigeru said seventy-three years have passed since the end of the WWII and nowadays more than 80 percent of the people are the generations with no experience of World War two, maybe including the participants here today.

“I believe we should all be aware that the peace and prosperity we all enjoy today exists solely on the enormous sacrifices made during the war.

“We should never forget to hand down the experiences of the sacrifices of war to the future generations, and do our utmost efforts to work in aiming for world peace, and prosperity of humankind on the basis of the lessons of the past history.

“Nothing is more valuable than peace and free and nothing is more precious than life and love,” he said.

Shigeru said lets swear the determination for making a better world of peace, unity and friendship toward the future.

Shigeru revealed this sentiment yesterday on the occasion of the 76th anniversary of the Guadalcanal Battle and Bloody Ridge National Park declaration and dedication ceremony which was held at the Japanese memorial, Blood Ridge.

Officials and guests.
Children and elders witnessing the occasion.
US Marines

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