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SI and Vanuatu gaining early awareness for e-commerce

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Ezekiel Talatau

OPPORTUNITIES to benefits from the digital economy are within reach, reports by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Solomon Islands and Vanuatu will be part of the e-trade for all initiative, this is to helping hand for both the country’s economics as a developing countries.

Solomon Islands undersea cable projects will be one significant aspect to boost fast and reliable internet for e-trade as sign by the Australian government.

Australia will also contributed two-third of 1 million project and was sign by the Solomon Islands Prime minister Rick Houenipwela and Papua New Guinea prime minister peter O’Neill.

The Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, stated that, they spend billions of dollars in aid to support pacific countries, and this is way to invest economic growth of our neighbouring countries in the Pacific.

The undersea cable project will also link Australia main land and the two nations, including Solomon islands capital and its provinces.

This undersea cables will moves Solomon Islands to seek economic and diversity to uplift other sectors like, mining, logging to be accompanied with strengthen e-commerce enable sectors like fisheries, agriculture and tourisms stated by the UNCTAD.

UNCTAD also reported that, UNCTAD’s ASYCUDA automated customs system has help Solomon Islands Customs Agency to collected 130 million which is 1 billion SBD in revenue.

Automates system within the custom process times, transparency and time to identity, many of the country imported yields that’s includes food items.

Niu Future programme set under five purposes

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Two young female leaders who part of the Niu Future Youth Leadership Retreat held at the Ginger Beach.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Two young female leaders who part of the Niu Future Youth Leadership Retreat held at the Ginger Beach.

THE Niu Future Programme initiated by New Zealand’s Solomon Islands Police Support Programme and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has five main purposes.

In this programme, RSIPF partners with Honiara City Council-Youth, Sports and Women Division and Honiara Youth Council in effectively implementing the National Crime Prevention Strategy in-line with the Niu Future Programme.

HCC-YSWD and HYC have worked with more than 2000 people within Honiara city, and this gives opportunity for the Niu Future Programme and National Crime Prevention Strategy.

Niu Future programme’s five purposes include;

  • Firstly to engage RSIPF build relationship, trust and confidence between RSIPF and young people in Solomon Islands.
  • To identify a smaller group of potential mentors and future leaders who will supported to develop their skills further and to inspire opportunities to take on leadership opportunities/roles within families, communities or employment organisations.
  • To engage with youth participations, develop trust and confidence and identify potential mentees who will be peer mentored to strengthen identity and relationships with their families and communities.
  • To engage and build relationships with potential employers and educational institutes in order to foster a pathway for employment or education.
  • To inspire young people to be good leaders for their people, and in doing so, champion holistic strong relationships as a resilience mechanism to crime and social harm.

Team Leader for the Solomon Islands Police Support Programme Mr George Fa’alogo said, “We know that 60 percent of Solomon Islands’ population is under 30 years of age, and so it means these young people needs to engage in something.”

“A lot of potential in young people is seen here so the goal of the programme focus on two aspect—to prove trust and confidence of young people and use leadership potential of young people for social and economic development of Solomon Islands, particularly Honiara.”

Falu Alatala from the Music Gateway youth group acknowledge the RSIPF, HCC-YSWD, HYC and New Zealand for recognising youths in Solomon Islands particularly youths within Honiara City.

Meanwhile, today is the final day for the Youth Leadership Retreat.

The youth retreat was supported by the RSIPF and SISP under the Niu Future programme facilitated by the HCC-YSWD and Honiara Youth Council.

Tourism Solomons creates trust fund for families of lost marketing officers

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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TOURISM Solomons has established a trust fund for the families of senior marketing officers Chris Nemaia and Stella Lucas tragically lost in the Mataniko River on 19 April 2018.

Announcing the move, Tourism Solomons CEO, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto said the loss of Chris and Stella had rocked the close-knit Solomon Islands tourism community.

“Chris has left behind a wife and three little boys while Stella has left behind a husband and a very young son,” Mr Tuamoto said.

“Both officers were much loved and touched many people over the years – they were ‘true faces’ of the Solomon Islands tourism industry around the world and their tragic passing has had major impact on all of us.

“Helping their families at this time and going forward into the future via the establishment of this trust fund is the least we can do.”

National Tourism Forum chair and Ministry of Culture & Tourism (MCT), director of tourism, Barney Sivoro has set the ball rolling with a $20,000 donation from his organisation.

“Both Chris and Stella gave huge service to the Solomon Islands over a period in excess of 36 years and played major roles in helping to put the Solomon Islands on the international travel map,” Mr Sivoro said.

“It is only appropriate that we, as a collective, recognise their efforts and give something back.”

Industry friends, both in the Solomon Islands and overseas, are invited to contribute to this special fund.

The details of the trust account are as follows:

Account name: SI Visitors Bureau – National Tourism Forum

Bank Name: ANZ Bank

Address: Mendana Avenue, Point Cruz, Honiara, Solomon Islands

Account Number: 5145974

Swift Code: ANZBSBSB

BSB Number: 010 – 950

 

–TOURISM SOLOMONS PRESS

Opportunities discussed in 4th day of retreat

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Young people pictured with speakers and presenters for the fourth-day of the Youth Leadership Retreat at Ginger Beach.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

FOURTH day of the Youth Leadership Retreat at the Ginger Beach was well spent with information sharing about pathways to education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Speakers included representatives from the National Training Unit of the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development, DFAT, NFAT, SINU and TVET.

HCC’s Youth Development Officer Mrs Mary Tuhaika said the fourth-day of the youth retreat was well spent with young people interacting and listening as presenters shared opportunities for scholarship, education, vocational training centre, employment and entrepreneurship.

A lot of information youths have taken and it’s a long term benefits, she adds.

She adds that the session has opened young people’s eyes of where to access opportunities, creating networks and able to meet with people who actually managing the scholarship opportunities.

HYC’s President Mr Harry James Olikwailafa said he was really excited to see young people having information never heard before and get to interact with people which are custodians of the information.

Young people pictured with speakers and presenters for the fourth-day of the Youth Leadership Retreat at Ginger Beach.

He said it was really inspiring to see young people asked constructive questions to organizations and institutions that provide scholarship opportunities fitting to drop out youths.

“I am excited about the session because it’s about information sharing—some youths did not know about this information and such will support their families, peer group and youth groups in its hunt for education and employment opportunities in near future,” Olikwailafa said.

One of the participants representing Music Gateway youth groups, Falu Alatala said it’s an opportunity and privilege for them.

She said it is because such space provided creates an avenue for youths to be recognised, participate and feel important as well that government and NGOs have concern for youths.

She said such kind of space is what many young people want and this to need to continue.

“We have many challenges with most of the times our voice were never been heard but to attend the session in a conducive environment at Ginger Beach create great and learning opportunities,” she said.

On behalf of young people Falu acknowledge the RSIPF, HCC-YSWD, HYC and New Zealand for recognizing youths in Solomon Islands particularly youths within Honiara City.

Plastic and cigarettes make up bulk of our beach litter

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY ELLISON VAHI

ACCORDING to a nationwide study focused on litter, plastic is the most common waste material found in our rivers and lakes, with non-biodegradable cigarette butts approaching in second.

Between April 2017 and March 2018, some 1,052 measurements were made at 112 locations for the first instalment of the Swiss Litter Report external link. The effort was led by ‘STOPPP’- Stop Plastic Pollution CH, an environmentalist group focused on plastic waste reduction.

In relation to the study, they found that 65.4 percent of litter items on our shores were made of plastic. Non-biodegradable cigarette butts came in second at 34.1 percent.

Litter items larger than 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) were classified into 89 waste categories and broken down into nine material types. Common items include plastic fragments, Styrofoam, glass, paper, sweet wrappers, metal bottle caps, aluminium lids, pull tabs and plastic sheets.

Small litter made up the majority of items found, suggesting that municipal cleaning teams did not have the capacity to clear them.

Malaita 2nd appointed day venue questioned

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

CONCERNED members of public in Auki, capital of Malaita province, are questioning the decision by the province’s government to hold this year’s second appointed day celebrations in Afio station, Small Malaita.

They say they prefer the event be held in Auki so that they may get to hear what the challenges and achievements of their provincial government are.

“We appeal to the Malaita province government that the people in Malaita province especially in Auki also want to witness the final celebration with the malaita provincial government members because of their final term in office where the public need to know their achievements and what they will be living behind for the next leadership of the next new government that will be elected.”

They further that celebrating the event in Afio means that only the few in Afio station will get to hear what the provincial leaders have to say.

“Auki where the provincial capital town was located is right in the centre of malaita province where people from south, East, North and the central part of the island will have access to Auki by trucks and boats.

“We want to farewell our great leaders in the Malaita provincial government, the executive and all our ward members for what they have achieved for the past four years.”

It is understood that this is the second time the event will be held in a station in the province. The rest of the time it has been held in Auki. In 2014, it was hosted in Maluu, north Malaita. This was during Premier Edwin Suibaea’s tenure.

Arrival of Christianity on Ulawa, important in overall history of ACOM

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Mwadoa Community doing a drama of Clement Marau and Walter Waaro’s church history on Ulawa Island last week. PHOTOS BY MANEBONA BARNABAS.

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

THE significance of Ulawa Island’s Anglican Church history is noted towards its contributions to the life and work of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) in the past and to today.

It is an important story in the overall history of the movement, establishment, and growth of ACOM according to the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM), the Right Reverend George Takeli last week at Ulawa, Mwadoa, joining the celebration remembering Ulawa’s pioneer missionaries, Fr. Clement Marau and Walter Waaro.

Clement Marau was the youngest son of Chief Qoqoe from Merelav Island in the Vanuatu Group.

He was taken by Bishop Patterson to New Zealand to train for Christian work in year 1869 at the age of 12.

Clement Marau was later moved to Norfolk in 1875 being a man of great faith in God, and whose life and work stood out as a leader and father to all Melanesian students. He was confirmed and baptised in the same year and made Deacon by Bishop John Richardson Selwyn in 1890 and Priested by Bishop Cecil Wilson in 1903.

Walter Waaro met Clement Marau at Norfolk Island School and was so affected by his life, character and leadership that he asked Fr Codrington to have Clement accompany him to do mission work on Ulawa Island in which Fr Codrington agreed.

Mwadoa Community doing a drama of Clement Marau and Walter Waaro’s church history on Ulawa Island last week. PHOTO BY MANEBONA BARNABAS.

They made their first visit to Ulawa in 1877 and established the first Christian School running it for three months before returning to Norfolk Island.

Marau returned to Ulawa in 1878 and continued with the Christian work. He faced challenges for three years because of heathen beliefs and customs. He was able to advance the Christian work on Ulawa from 1881, became Priest of Ulawa from 1903, and supervised the building of a chapel which still stands to this day.

Seen in the life of Clement Marau are faith, leadership and work that helped him bring love, joy, unity and peace to establish the church in communities around Ulawa Island.

The 140th Anniversary of Christianity on Ulawa Island had taken place for three days at Mwadoa, starting on Wednesday and closing on Friday.

Within the program witnessed the official unveiling of the statues of Clement Marau and Walter Waaro at Mwadoa.

A visit was also followed by the Official Guests to Su’utaluhia to witness the remains of Clement Marau’s retirement house and stone Alter.

Dramas including of Clement Marau and Walter Waaro’s were being played during the night program of day two while on the last day of the celebration saw the proceeding to bless the cross on the seaside rock where Clement Marau and Walter Waaro spent for three years because of heathen beliefs.

This included proceeding on to blessing the graves of Clement Marau, Susan Marau (his wife) and Walter Waaro, closing the anniversary with a grand feast.

CSO open day celebrated

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

CIVIL society organisations (CSO) yesterday held an open day to commemorate achievements and challenges faced.

CSO plays the important role in enhancing transparency and good governance in the country.

General Secretary of Development Service Exchange Jennifer Wate on behalf of the CSO said this event has provide an opportunity for CSO and NGOs to collaborate and networking with partnership with other organisations.

“It is also a juncture for organsaitions to reflect on the roles we played with regards to our achievements, positive stories and challenges and on how we can find solution for the way forward of our country to continue to grow as we journey through whatever development phases we have,” she said.

The celebration was held at the National Auditorium building in Honiara which is spearheaded by the Development Services Exchange (DSE).

The day features activities including information dissemination, entertainments, games and prices.

It started at 8am till 4pm in the evening with the theme – Reflecting, Rethinking, Developing Solomon Islands.

The programme is sponsored by existing local non–governmental organisations in the country.

Mothers Union trained on GBV and book keeping

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

LEADERS of Mothers Union within Keava region under the Anglican Diocese of Malaita have successfully completed a weeklong training on gender-based violence and simple book keeping.

Facilitator of the workshop Ms Rebecca Tahosanau from ACOM office in Honiara said the purpose of the workshop was for the women leaders to upskill themselves with knowledge and skills on needed areas.

She said the workshop focussed on gender base violence and saving clubs.

Tahosanau said gender base violence was included in the workshop as it is one domestic upheaval many women face.

She said ACOM encourages women to, while accessing other avenues of help, also consider turning to the church for help when faced challenges.

Tahosanau said the workshop strengthens the spiritual being of the women.

She said each leader attending the workshop represents groups in their communities, which have their own savings club.

Tahosanau said providing them with the training will boost the knowledge and skills needed to manage their saving clubs.

She thanked the women leaders for their attendance and the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) office in Honiara for making the workshop possible.

Archbishop Takeli warns Ulawa of new challenges

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM), the Right Reverend George Takeli.

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM), the Right Reverend George Takeli.

ULAWA Community is challenged having been warned over a new wave of heathenism called secularism affecting communities of the island today.

Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM), the Right Reverend George Takeli during the opening of last week’s three day celebration remembering Ulawa’s pioneer missionaries (Clement Marau and Walter Waaro) and marking 140th Anniversary of Christianity said such experience is through new lifestyles, customs and spirits that promote self than others thus creating a culture of self and greed in the communities today.

“We need to rise and take up the gift of leadership and service given by Clement Marau and Walter Waaro to build a new Ulawa for our people today and in the future,” said ACOM’s Archbishop.

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