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Former Selwyn student begins new academic journey

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Jean, Wilhemina and Peter begin their studies at University of Adelaide this year.
Jean, Wilhemina and Peter begin their studies at University of Adelaide this year.

A FORMER Selwyn College student is now ready to begin a new chapter in his academic journey at the University of Adelaide in South Australia.

The experience would be a totally new adventure for 20-year-old Peter Wayne English Iroga, a former head boy and school captain of Selwyn College.

He will begin his Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences at the North Terrace Campus of the University of Adelaide as the second semester academic year begins today.

Iroga was also a Senior Prefect of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) School last year when completing his form seven studies.

He was among hundreds of applicants for the prestigious Australian Awards Scholarships (AAS) and was finally selected as one of the 42 recipients.

Iroga finally got his admission at University of Adelaide and arrived in the South Australian capital city in June 2018.

He has since completed the Introductory Academic Programme (IAP) – a requirement for all AAS students in the last five weeks and already enrolled for his first semester university courses.

“I’m looking forward to begin my studies here in Adelaide and I’m grateful to be selected for this prestigious scholarship,” he said.

New students attend the O’Week at the University of Adelaide last week.

He joins two other young Solomon Islands AAS recipients Jean Uwesi and Wilhemina Utukana who will also begin their law degrees at the University of Adelaide this year.

Iroga’s admission to the University of Adelaide this semester increases the number of Solomon Islanders currently studying under AAS at the university to five. The others are engineering undergraduate student Ishmael Iro and Priestley Habru who began his masters’ degree this year.

The University of Adelaide is a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight research-intensive universities and ranked in the top 10 universities in Australia.

Some prominent alumni of the University of Adelaide are Julia Gillard who became the first female Prime Minster of Australia, Julie Bishop, current foreign affairs minister of Australia and Penny Wong, Labour Senator for South Australia in the Australian National Parliament.

Adelaide is the fifth largest city in Australia and is home to University of Adelaide (UniAdelaide), Flinders University (Flinders), University of South Australia (UniSA) and hosts of other vocational education providers.

Meanwhile Eddie Osifelo is another Australian Award scholar in his final year of master’s degree at Flinders University in Adelaide with another AAS recipient expected to begin her studies at the same university this month.

Another Solomon Islander studying at the University of South Australia in Adelaide funded by his employer is Glen Buka who began his masters’ degree at the Mawson Lake Campus of UniSA this year.

Ulawa marks 140th anniversary of Christianity

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Blessing of the cross by the Diocesan Bishop of Hanuato’o in Makira Ulawa Province the Right Reverend Alfred Karibongi

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

ULAWA Island successfully marked 140th Anniversary of the arrival of the first Anglican Missionary that brought Christianity to the people there.

This marks the history of Clement Marau a Vanuatu Missionary who first brought Christianity to Ulawa Island in 1878.

The anniversary programme starting on Wednesday and ending on Friday for three days last week witnessed the official unveiling of the statues of Clement Marau and Walter Waaro from Ulawa who assisted him during his Christian mission.

The unveiling was done by the Archbishop of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM), the Right Reverend George Takeli.

A visit was also followed by the Official Guests to Su’utaluhia where the remains of Clement Marau’s house and stone Alter are built as a drama of Clement Marau and Walter Waaro was played during the night program of Day Two by the Mwadoa Community group seeing other villages doing drama on how the church went to their village as well.

Blessing of the cross by the Diocesan Bishop of Hanuato’o in Makira Ulawa Province the Right Reverend Alfred Karibongi

On the last day the 4th generation descendants of Clement Marau organised a ceremony in honour of their great grandfather in which all proceeded to bless the cross on the seaside rock where Clement Marau and Walter Waaro spent for three years after being told by the heathens on Ulawa to not go further ashore from that boundary.

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.

Speaking during the official closing of the historical anniversary, ACOM’s Archbishop the Right Reverend George Takeli thanked the people of Ulawa Island for gathering together to celebrate their history of how Christianity went ashore.

“I hope everything we have come to witness and hear and involve in for the past three days will help us to understand who we are, where we are and what we should be doing as we look into the future,” reminded the Right Reverend George Takeli.

The 4th generation of Clement Marau posing in front of the statues of
Clement Marau and Walter Waaro

“The arrival of the two missionaries on Ulawa Island during the past has opened up a new history for us. It is marked by change making us become new people living with love, unity and peace. This is what open’s up blessing on Ulawa Island.

“We must re-look back at the history celebrating this 140th Anniversary. We must re-read it and understand how we have come for the last 140 years, where we are and how we have come to draw ideas. This is a time for reflection.

“This is so that we can reshape our leadership, our Priesthood and Christianity so that it can be relevant for today. Without this the work of the Church will not be strong. We will not meet the expectation of people by not addressing their need and not developing the ministry.

“Look at where and the values of the stories we have come and the challenges. In embracing the future and making use of this knowledge will enable us to re-read and re-design our work, life and community for today.

“It is important because there are a lot of challenges that our communities, Churches and leadership are facing.”

The beautiful church made from sawn coral rock being built at Mwadoa (Ulawa) under the supervision of Clement
Marau that still stands to this day.

The theme for the 140th Anniversary was ‘Remembering the Past, Bridging the Present, Enhancing the future’.

Born about 1855 on Merelava Island in the Banks Group of Vanuatu, Clement Marau was the youngest son of Qoqoe, a Ni-Vanuatu chief.

In 1869, Marau, like two of his brothers before him, went to the Melanesia Mission School on Norfolk Island and was baptised and confirmed in 1875.

He travelled to Ulawa with Walter Waaro from that island in 1877 to begin the first school, initially for only three months.

Marau returned to Ulawa in 1878 for another year. He battled very difficult conditions and after three years little progress had been made.

Clement Marau, Ulawa, Solomon Islands. (From a Photograph by Bishop Montgomery.

When he wanted to marry Susie, a local woman, her family requested an exorbitant £50 for the bridewealth payment.

He learned to carve shell inlayed bowls and sold them to raise the money, and they married later married Susie in 1883.

Marau became a deacon in 1890 and a priest in 1903, by which about four hundred Ulawans had been baptised.

He became very influential, and supervised the building of a beautiful church from sawn coral rock, which still stands and was considered the most substantial building in the Protectorate until the Catholics built their stone church at Visale on Guadalcanal in 1909.

Unfortunately, Marau was suspended for some years for faithlessness and returned to Merelava, but he was later restored to the Mission and returned to Ulawa.

In 1918, his son Martin Marau was put in charge of the Ulawa church, a position he held for twenty-four years.

Clement Marau lived quietly nearby at Su’utaluhia until his death in 1920.

Uta Princess II – from South Korea to Solomon Islands

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Uta Princess II being launched with its guests on board.

By Ezekiel Talatau

“IT is a first time in history for us, 6 members of Uta shipping company to transport UTA Princess II from South Korea Sea to Japan Sea, Guam, and Caroline to Solomon Islands,” said Master Sutu.

This is the man responsible for bringing the Uta Princess from Korea to Solomon Islands.

He added that they encountered a lot of challenges on their way to the Solomon Islands from Korea.

“We departed the South Korean Sea to Japan Sea. At the arrival on Japan, we have given a 1 week to monitor the weather if it’s fine for us to travel.

“Unluckily, the weather patterns seemingly changing, therefore the Japan chief captain told us to leave Japan before typhoon hits the country.

“Along the way from South Korea to Japan, We have come across Traffic Density in other words, increasing movements of ships in and out of South Korea to Japan Sea.”

He added that he never before experienced such kind of ship movements, but that experience gave him an insight view of what he learnt during his studies to become a master.

“On our way out from the Japan, we have experience minor problem on steering and low barometer,” Master Sutu said.

“This is an indication of low depression which we just pass resulting from Typhoon that hits japan recently.

“We travel from Japan, Guam, Coraline Islands to Solomon Islands within 14 days. The 2 days we have experiencing strong rough sea and fine sea with the rest of the days.”

Sutu added that, he never before, transported ships this far, but with the help of his chief engineer, chief officer, and crews, he has done so.

Launching & commissioning of Uta Princess II at Susubona

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Uta shipping crew display their uniform at the launching.

By Ezekiel Talatau

THE launching of the Uta Princess II yesterday marks a history of the people of Hograno to witness the new arrival of their ships.

The launching took place at the Susubona wharf (Isabel province), escorted by two canoes and led by chiefs.

In front of the Uta Princess II was a two boats guided by Uta Princess I.

Guest welcome at Susubona wharf.

On the way to the wharf, Hograno delegation, communities and church leaders gathered and waited to welcome Uta Princess II led by the Uta Shipping Company, guest and Rock Heaven staff.

The launching started with beautiful songs from the Momotu choir; followed by other chorus songs, the Solomon Islands national anthem and the Isabel anthem.

The theme “From Nothing to Excellence, Rural revolution” signifies the struggles, hardship and challenges people in Hograno face and how they overcome the challenges and changes to their way of living.

Selwyn Riumana the director of Uta shipping company and Rock Haven Limited said the new ship Uta princess II will help everyone in Hograno regarding transportation.

Uta Princess II being launched with its guests on board.

Bank of South Pacific representative Mr Christopher Robertson said he is proud to see such development within these communities.

“The future of this people is also relies on such knowledgeable men that has a heart to his people to create and open a door way to development.”

With the appreciation of the chief and the communities, the guest received small prices.

The programme ended with a lot of entertainment led by the Uta shipping company and Rock Haven staff followed by dancing groups.

Kolotubi Choir singing the Commissioning Hymn.
Uta shipping crew display their uniform at the launching.

Communication & power supply – major challenges

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

THERE are many challenges not just here but also in Taiwan but the two major challenges in Solomon Islands is communication and power supply.

This was stressed by Professor Yue-Gau Chen of National Taiwan University (NTU) when speaking to the media after attending a reception with other members of the NTU delegation, the Taiwanese Central Weather Bureau (CWB) delegation and officials from Ministry of Environment’s Meteorology Department on July 18.

They are currently working together under the signed MOU on Meteorology Cooperation by Taiwan and Solomon Islands in April last for cooperation in meteorology and earthquake prevention.

Speaking of weather stations and challenges faced, he voiced that while there are a lot of challenges both in Taiwan and Solomon Islands, two major challenges they have come across in Solomon Islands are communication and power supply.

In terms of communication, he said translation is the challenge as languages vary given the number of different islands across the country.

Power supply deemed the most challenging with Professor Chen pointing out that sometimes when the power goes out, they can’t work out anything.

Henceforth, he added that those responsible to ensure that the power supply is maintained have an emergent task to perform so that they can keep the system running.

All the more, Professor Chen said that it is all about working together.

Recently, the Central Weather Bureau delegation travelled to Auki where they visited the Met station and the National Disaster Management Office and installed an A900A seismometer while National Taiwan University’s delegation travelled to Savo’s seismic station to review facilities and collect data.

Thank you my Rennell/Bellona people: PM

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Renbel premier welcoming the PM at the ceremonial grounds

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has acknowledged the dignity and pride of the people of Rennell/Bellona province whom have dedicated their invaluable service to Solomon Islands.

The Prime Minister in his speech to mark the 25th Second Appointed Day Silver Jubilee celebrations in Tigoa, Rennell Island, has thanked and congratulated the working population and the people of Renbel province for their valuable contributions to the country.

“Please allow me to acknowledge, and at the same time, congratulate our working population in this wonderful part of our country, who have worked tirelessly with dignity and pride, with commitment and resilience, and with noble dedication, in the building of this country and province to make it what it is today,” Houenipwela said.

He said despite difficulties and challenges faced throughout the years he also acknowledged the provincial workers for their priceless contributions.

“I thank the administrators, financial managers, planners, nurses, police, teachers, other public officers, community workers, business people and their organisations, church and community leaders, local politicians, NGOs and all stakeholders for their contributions in developing this province and the country as a whole,” he said.

The Prime Minister assured the people of Renbel province that despite the challenges the people face as a country; his Government remain committed and will continue to support Rennell/Bellona province.

“The National Government, through its various Ministries and Agencies, will continue to work with the provincial government in supporting you to achieve the development aspirations of your provincial government and its good people,” he said.

He said the national government will continue to provide resources and technical assistance to cater for the province’s human resource needs, financial needs, socio-economic aspirations and guidance in making policy decisions and encouraging active participation and cooperation with our people to ensure that development does take place in this province.

“The journey ahead is challenging but we must work together and make sacrifices to ensure we chart the future we want for our next generation,” he said.

–OPMC PRESS

SI students get first hand info on Taiwan educational opportunities

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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(Left to right) CWB and NTU officials with Professor Chen (fourth from right)standing next to SINU official and Met Director, Mr Hiriasia.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

(Left to right) CWB and NTU officials with Professor Chen (fourth from right)standing next to SINU official and Met Director, Mr Hiriasia.

TAIWAN’S resources and quality serves as the top reason as to why international students choose to undertake studies in the country home to an estimated 24 million people.

The sentiment was expressed by Professor Yue-Gau Chen of National Taiwan University’s (NTU) Department of Geosciences who on July 19 delivered a presentation to Taiwan Scholarship recipients at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) lecture theatre.

He told the students that there are a great number of international students who have studied and are studying in Taiwan.

Chen added that among 10 reasons why foreign students favour Taiwan as a suitable place to study, academic resources and quality, diverse culture and reasonable and affordable tuition settles as the top three reasons.

Moreover, he explained that Taiwan has a total of 155 universities in four categories, namely; national universities, private universities, national technological universities and colleges and private technological universities and colleges.

The professor also took the opportunity to introduce his university to the students, the National Taiwan University, regarded as a prestigious university that is also celebrating its 90th anniversary this year.

Professor Chen emphasised that the university’s four missions are; to create new knowledge through research, cultivate talents from teaching, contribute to society through service and combine theory and practice through entrepreneurship.

Meanwhile, Chen also spoke about the work Taiwan is doing with Solomon Islands under the MOU on meteorology cooperation.

Under the MOU, Taiwan and Solomon Islands signed in April 2017, both countries through the National Taiwan University, Central Weather Bureau and MECDM’s Meteorology department are currently working together to install weather stations, improve seismic network, and provide training to Solomon Islands Met staff under the common goal of mitigating natural hazards.

Professor Chen was accompanied by fellow NTU delegation members, Central Weather Bureau (CWB) officials and Director of MECDM’s Meteorology Department, Mr David Hiba Hiriasia.

Financial mechanisms important for forest TEV transfer

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

ACCORDING to a UNDP report, the rapid economic assessment of the Total Economic Value (TEV) of forest in Solomon Islands indicates that forests are highly valuable with an annual economic value of SBD 16.7 billion.

However, the “Valuation of Environmental Service from Forest Ecosystem” study report stressed that most of this is estimated economic value is not translated into revenue as they are intangible.

UNDP stated that what makes it difficult to translate the economic value of forests into revenue for forest owners is the existence of the problem of free riding.

Additionally, most of the economic activities such as agriculture, fishery, tourism and water supply are stated as not WTP (Willingness to Pay) for the forests ecosystem services.

The report points out that this is why it is important that financial mechanisms are established to ensure that a significant portion of the forests TEV are transferred to the landowners and forest managers.

“This will incentivize the forest owners and managers to undertake forest sustainable management (SFM),” said the report.

UNDP further expressed that there are various schemes and corresponding financial instruments that can be used to unlock the economic value of forests and transfer the revenue to forests managers as incentives.

As stated, these include REDD+ (Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation) scheme and carbon prices, payments for ecosystem services (PES), value chain addition for products such as nuts and medicine and improved marketing.

Rennell & Bellona celebrate Silver Jubilee with PM Hou

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM being led by traditional warrior dancers upon arrival.

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has graced the 2nd Appointed Day celebrations in Tigoa, Rennell/Bellona province.

The Prime Minister and his delegation travelled on Friday and spent two nights with the people of Rennell Island before returning on Sunday morning.

Premier of Rennell/Bellona province Collin Singamoana spoke highly of the Prime Minister for accepting his people’s invitation despite the Parliament session.

He acknowledged that the presence of the Prime Minister has graced the celebrations and the people of Rennell/Bellona are very happy to host him.

PM Hou delivering his speech during the occasion.

Member of Parliament for Rennell/Bellona province Dr Kaituu Tautai Agikimua also shared the same sentiments when acknowledging the presence of the Prime Minister.

People travelled to Tigoa from all around the island to see their Prime Minister including some from as far as Bellona.

“Thank you for accepting our invitation despite your busy schedules,” Kaituu said.

This is the first time in quite a long time for a Prime Minister to visit the province.

PM Hou, Minister Kaituú and Renbel premier watching the entertainments.

The Prime Minister when addressing the occasion conveyed his warm greetings to all the people of Rennell/Bellona on behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands.

“For me personally, it is indeed a great honour and privilege for me and my delegation, to be here with you today, to celebrate your Silver Jubilee and the Second-Appointed Day of Rennell/Bellona province,” he said.

PM Hou also took the opportunity to visit the World Heritage site, Lake Tegano.

He spent one night at Tegano where he travelled the lake and met some of the people and communities.

Communities around the area acknowledged the presence of the Prime Minister and to take time to visit the tourism hub; the largest lake in the insular Pacific.

The Prime Minister is fascinated about the many tourism potentials and investments Lake Tegano has to offer to the people of Rennell/Bellona province.

The Prime Minister and his delegation returned to Honiara on Sunday morning.

–OPMC PRESS

PM being led by traditional warrior dancers upon arrival.

Police still search for culprits behind dumping of chemicals in Tuvaruhu

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Commissioner of Royal-Solomon Island Police Force Matthew Varley

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

THE RSIPF will continues its investigation on the illegal dumping of harmful chemicals at the Tuvaruhu community, the Police Commissioner says.

Police Commissioner Matthew Varley said in a press conference last week that investigation on the chemicals dumped at Tuvaruhu is underway.

“The investigation into the cause of the dumping of the chemicals is still continuing and the chemicals themselves safely removed from the site and stored in a secured location.”

Varley explained they will develop a plan as part of police’s process for disposing the chemicals safely but currently they are being locked, stored, sealed and removed from the school and community compound.

“My understanding is all the risks of the environmental hazards had been removed and no further risk to the community and I understand Solomon Water has also checked in relation to water supply and is all clear,” he said.

“So our officers did a remarkable job working under some difficult condition to fix and remove the chemical safely but the investigation itself into the dumping is still going on.”

With help from the Ministry of Environment, Police Fire Rescue, Ministry of Health and Solomon Water, Varley said they have given safe message for community and school to continue as normal.

“When we were arrive to remove the chemicals we were able to check and remove some part of the soil and take them away, so there was no further spillage or contamination left in the area,” Varley said.

25 different types of chemicals were found dumped near the Tuvaruhu school three weeks ago.

Some of them are quite toxic in relation to human health, some serious acid and other industrial chemicals.

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