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2023 Games presents rare opportunity for businesses

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Chair of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Jay Bartlett

BY TARROMANE MARTIN

Chair of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Jay Bartlett

THE business community will benefit at the same time contribute significantly to the local economy as a result of the country’s hosting of the Pacific Games in 2023.

Managing Director of Hatanga Limited and Chair of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), Mr Jay Bartlett expressed this sentiment when addressing the Prime Minister’s Breakfast, hosted by SICCI, in Honiara Wednesday last week where Prime Minister Hon Rick Hou formally engaged with the private sector and members of the business community.

Mr Bartlett said the hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games is one of those rare opportunities where the eyes of the Pacific will be focused on our country.

“Business participation before and after the Games has many opportunities for the benefit of our local economy,” he said.

A significant benefit for Solomon Islands is the long term investment which comes from preparing for such a major event like the Pacific Games.

The most notable infrastructure development project the Solomon Islands Government in collaboration with the Japanese Government are undertaking is the Kukum Highway Upgrade Project, which is also part of preparing Honiara City for 2023.

Mr Bartlett commended both governments for their commitment towards the project which will also be beneficial for businesses and investment.

“The current Kukum Highway Upgrade Project and the recent commitments from JICA to upgrade our international airport will improve efficiency in mobility and drastically give a much needed facelift to our capital city,” he said.

“The first impression of travelers to the Solomon Islands is Honiara and we must continue to invest and reinvest to modernize our capital to increase our appeal as a tourist destination,” he added.

Mr Bartlett said development in key fundamental areas like communication, energy and transportation will redirect our economy to improve the investment climate so businesses can grow to benefit the community.

West prepares for 40th anniversary celebration

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO

PREPARATIONS for the upcoming 40th Independence Day celebration day is in full swing at the Western province capital – Gizo.

Celebrations are set to be hosted at the John F Kennedy Stadium.

The programme will start tomorrow which will include sports. Seven sporting events have been scheduled for July 7.

Stalls are being erected along the street of Gizo and at the venue of celebration.

Western Provincial Secretary Jeffrey Wickham yesterday said the Day’s celebration is being organised by the Western provincial government’s Youth and Sport Division, coordinated by the Gizo local organising committee.

Wickham said the official programme will start at 8:30am on Saturday morning with a parade; participating groups will march into the JF Kennedy Stadium.

He said the guest of honour is the province’s new premier, who will be escorted to the dais by the provincial police commander for the general salute and the singing of the country’s anthem.

“Parade commander will invite Hon Premier for parade inspection and after the inspection, colour party will march in front of the dais, and then PPC Mathias Lenialu will escort Premier to the dais.

“The blessing of the National flag will be conducted by Bishop L Capelli of the Catholic Church, and at 1pm flag raising, general salute and national anthem to be played while Premier will remain at the dais for speech.”

After the official segment, cultural dancing groups will perform for the crowd before the sporting competitions begin.

Meeting our security challenges – national security workshop

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Group photo taken duriing the national security policy

By Ezekiel Talatau

Group photo taken duriing the national security policy

THE Solomon Islands government, police, stakeholders and private sector held consultations on the country’s proposed national security policy yesterday.

Themed “Meeting Our Security Challenges”, the workshop aims to gauge views regarding setting up a national security policy for the country.

Police commissioner Mr Mathew Varley clarifies that national security concerns every Solomon Islander, not just the police, hence requires the whole country to address challenges.

“2017 is the historical landmark for RAMSI. Law and order was restored, but the country’s security is another thing the country needs to address,” he said.

To date, Solomon Islands’ security challenges are the results of poverty, urban drift, corruption, high unemployment rate and a weak regulatory system.

“The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) are working on a strategic direction for this year to 2020 in tackling crime as part of the country’s security measures.”

Director of National Security Division Mr David Diosi elaborated that ‘national security changes as technology is changing’.

“Solomon Islands resources are limited, we still rely on donors. Now, it’s time for us to work together in partners to develop national security to strengthen our border.”

Secretary of Border Security Management, John Wasi, added that Solomon Islands needs to ‘carry out a foundation on how we can implement a strong border boundary, including ports and airport’.

“Immigration should start preparing for an upcoming issue of the country, the government sectors and the police in partnership to tackle any issue on security.”

The workshop was held at the Kitano Mendana Hotel.

People in Malaita wait for MID road maintenance

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Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

ROAD users in Malaita province are waiting for the promise made by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) to carry out maintenance on roads in the province.

A driver of one of the passenger trucks in North Malaita, who wished to remain anonymous, made the call yesterday.

He said a couple of months back MID published in the media their plan to do maintenance on roads in Malaita.

“But up to now, nothing is done to roads especially in the north and eastern region as promised.

“I don’t know about road leading to the southern region of the province, but on our side, no maintenance and nothing at all happen,” the driver said.

He said roads are still in deteriorated conditions and people are waiting for the fulfillment of MID’s promise.

The driver pointed out that MID should seriously consider that people use the road daily and also is the only means of transport in north and central Malaita.

He said the poor roads affects movement of people as well as goods and services in the province.

“So my appeal is whether MID will fulfill its sugary promise or not, and tell us the road users in the province,” driver said.

Understanding the richness in our cultures: Yauvoli

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Milton Ragaruma
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Yauvoli

By Gary Hatigeva

HOSTING of the Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival (MACFest) in Honiara is an opportunity for Solomon Islands to understand the richness of Melanesian cultures, says Director General of Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Ambassador Amena Yauvoli.

Island Sun took time to visit the MSG Secretariat booth and interviewed the Secretariat’s Director General who pointed out that events like the MACFest are important for the promotion of the many cultures and pride of Melanesia to the world.

Yauvoli explained that this is an opportunity of a lifetime for most, especially Solomon Islanders, as their nation hosts the MACFest.

He said it is an opportunity for the Solomons people to experience the rich cultures of the Melanesian region in one place.

He therefore suggested for the Solomon Islands population who are here in Honiara and those that are planning to be in the capital within these two weeks period, to take advantage of what he described as a chance to visit all stalls and learn about them (cultures).

“It’s not like this event happens in the Solomon’s every year, because it comes in every four years and gets to be hosted in different countries.

He said it is also important t for the people of Melanesia to be true to their cultures and traditions, and embrace their values, which are ideal in promoting and building cohesion and oneness of a nation.

He added that this year’s theme for the MACFest is very fitting as it gets the people of Melanesia to celebrate their countries’ rich cultural diversity as well as to rediscover cultural passion through poetry, songs, and cultural performances and exhibitions.

The Director General also suggested for the people to respect and appreciate Melanesia’s rich heritage, “which is also why the Secretariat is here, to promote and see that we do not lose them”.

Meanwhile, referring to all stalls within the Melanesian Village at the Panatina Campus venue, Ambassador Yauvoli explained and urged the people to also take time and visit them, including that of the MSG Secretariat.

He added that given the infancy of the Secretariat’s initial efforts, which mostly devoted to developing the required administrative framework and necessary legal parameters to sustain and facilitate all operations of the organisation, it is also under their mandate to educate the people on matters related to cultures of Melanesia.

“We are here to educated and inform our people of the roles and responsibility of the Secretariat, at the same time help promote our Melanesian pride.

Also commending the theme, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Andrew Nihopara in an earlier interview, stressed that there is an alarming rate in the pacific, especially in Solomon Islands, which people are embracing foreign cultures and abandoning their own.

Nihopara further stressed that with the theme, it is high time people learn to protect their own values and norms rooted in culture, and through events like these, the governments of each Melanesian countries, encourages and supports partnerships that can stimulate the arts and culture into contributing to the country’s peace, and its economy.

The Permanent Secretary who is also the Chair of MACFest 2018, shared in his welcome statement on the event’s page online, that the theme of the 6th MACFest “Past Recollections; Future Connections”, also reinforces the significance of this festival as a time to reminisce on Melanesia’s history and cultures.

“…whilst at the same time connecting ourselves as one people in diversity for a brighter connected future,” Nihopara adds.

The last time Solomon Islands hosted the MACFest was a decade ago, and this year, Solomon Islands is given the opportunity restart the festival cycle throughout the MSG countries.

West Guadalcanal communities highlight alcohol as main problem

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Milton Ragaruma
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Provincial and national leaders and representatives of various NGO is led into mangakiki village by women cultural performers

By Mike Puia

ISSUES relating to alcohol consumption, violence in the homes and sanitation are reportedly troubling communities in the Savulei ward in West Guadalcanal.

These issues were highlighted during a village forum held at Mangakiki village yesterday.

Representatives of the Guadalcanal provincial government, national government, ombudsman’s office, non-governmental organisations were present during the one-day forum.

The forum was organised by the Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT) in partnership with the Guadalcanal provincial government.

Mangakiki women in traditional costumes during the forum welcome ceremony on Wednesday.

People from Mangakiki and nearby communities had the chance to openly share their issues before people and bodies that can offer ways of dealing with them.

The forum is historic for Savulei Ward as it’s the first of its kind in the Ward. SIDT has been staging similar forums in other parts of the country.

The theme of the forum was ‘bridging the gap between people, policymakers and practitioners for positive change’.

Youth and women representatives and elders in communities in Savulei admitted that alcohol is the number one issue that is bringing a lot of issues to their communities.

Provincial and national leaders and representatives of various NGO is led into mangakiki village by women cultural performers

Basilisa Bubu said issues like family violence and threat to women and children in Mangakiki village are a result of alcohol.

Bubu said recently two women were referred to the hospital after being bashed by their partners who are believed to have been under the influence of alcohol.

She said their village don’t want to experience such experience.

The women rep urged authorities to screen alcohol selling in their ward.

A youth representative from Mangakiki, Aaron Waitasi, who talked about social issues in the village confirmed that alcohol is responsible for a lot of issues their community is facing.

Waitasi said these issues range from violence to the absence of respect.

He said logging which is happening in their area also fueling alcohol consumption in their ward.

Group photo of Mangakiki village.

A lot of information were shared about how villagers can access services in response to the impacts alcohol brings.

Guadalcanal province’s deputy premier, Peter Araonisaka, encourages community leaders to take heed of the issues raised and make it their duty to groom their children in the right way.

Araonisaka said the duty to see children in the community raised in the right way is not only a duty of parents but also that of the community.

Deputy premier of Guadalcanal province, Peter Araonisaka.

As for the province, he said issues raised in the forum are concerns their government is very serious about.

He added, they can formulate ordinances to tackle issues raised by Savulei communities but the direction such ordinance should take is something that must come from communities.

Sanitation was another big concern raised during the forum.

Representatives of Live & Learn confirmed they will soon roll out a five-year programme in the Western region of Guadalcanal targeting sanitation and communities that prepare to embrace their program expect to reap some benefits from the project.

SIDT’s Longden Manedika said with information now delivered to them they hope people living in Savulei villages will make good use of what they learn about their governments and non-governmental organisations.

Villagers did presentations outlining their issues in their villages and what are their action plans.

The visiting team from Honiara took questions thrown at them by villagers.

The programme ended with feasting and entertainment.

Book documenting Langa Langa culture launched

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Milton Ragaruma
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Group photo of Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Taiwan Ambassador HE Roger Luo with people behind the Birana I wala book.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Group photo of Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare and Taiwan Ambassador HE Roger Luo with people behind the Birana I wala book.

 A book documenting the traditional value of the Wala tribe of Langa Langa in Malaita province was officially launched yesterday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance and Treasury Manasseh Sogavare has officially launched the book titled, ‘Birana I wala’, documented by Professor Pei-Yi-Guo and Silas Waletofea.

The research was carried out by Prof Pei-Yi-Guo with support from Silas Waletofea as co-editor and five elders.

The launching was hosted at the national museum hosted by the Taiwanese Embassy together with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

Mr Sogavare said the book strikes an important policy the government is working on.

He said the policy looks at traditional governance – bringing in our traditional values in the governance system as a way of protecting and preserving traditional values.

With the book, Mr Sogavare said it is structured very well which contains English and Wala language, easy for the current generation to understand.

“This is purposely done as a way of preserving the authenticity of the original ideas and thoughts which could be easily watered down by poor translation of original ideas or cluster of words that carry original idea,” Sogavare said.

Sogavare adds, the research project by Prof Pei-Yi-Guo from Taiwan also tells Solomon Islands about its close ties with the people of ROC (Taiwan).

“It reflects the relationship Solomon Islands and Taiwan developed for more than 30 years ago that were founded on the fundamental principles of democracy, and people to people relationship which cannot be take for granted,” he said.

Member of Parliament for Aoke/Langa Langa Mr Mathew Wale said the book’s publication goes a long way towards redeeming some its lost culture.

He hopes his good people of Wala will be using the Birana I wala book for bed time stories to their kids because it’s codified by custom and traditional value.

Wale said codification of these stories is important to help people understand their identity and title land.

“Having that knowledge will enable us to be liberated and see a way to hold together both the need to hold on together for good value and practices,” Wale said.

“At the same time embrace the 21 century and see that we are part of global community, economy, and if we don’t move forward we lose this very competitive world.”

Local chief praises Traditional Customary Bill

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

A concerned citizen has voiced that the Traditional Customary Bill, if passed in the next parliament sitting will give chiefs more power and benefit resource owners.

Mr Henry Kahui from East Are’Are, Malaita province, said being a chief’s son, he believes the bill is one that chiefs are looking forward to.

Kahui said the Traditional Customary bill will give chiefs, house of chiefs and council of chiefs more power to carry out their mandates, pointing out the case of a prospecting investor’s desire to develop resources as an example.

He explained that should that be the case in the provinces, once the bill is passed chiefs would share 50-50 benefits with the developer.

Kahui stressed that this bill would also benefit land and resource owners.

Speaking of resource owners, he said that logging nowadays does not benefit resource owners as compared to the licensing holder, the company, government, province and middle men who he refers to as the five groups of people who benefit the most from logging operations in Solomon Islands.

“Tribe and resource owners are only given 15 percent by government so when this is shared among us, some of us will only receive $10, $20, $50. The lucky ones receive $500 to $1000. This is reality even when money from royalty is shared,” said Kahui.

“I see the Traditional Customary Bill as one of the best bills for the benefit of our resource owners and our traditional chiefs.”

Shortage of solicitors in Malaita questioned

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

THE ministry of justice and legal affairs and the public solicitors office are being questioned why there is a shortage of solicitors in Malaita province.

A person, who requests anonymity, said currently Malaita is being serviced by only one solicitor, who has an imaginably huge task of covering the cases in the province.

The person adds that because of this limited number of solicitors, people are finding it difficult to get legal advice.

“The legal system in Malaita province is affected. Many legal cases are also observed to be adjourned.”

He said the matter needs to be addressed immediately by the responsible authorities.

On the same note he mentions that since there is no private law firm in the province, it makes the matter worse.

LPA congratulates Premier Qoloni

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Milton Ragaruma
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BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

Lauru People’s Association (LPA) President, Ms Nanette Tutua on behalf of the LPA executive and members congratulates Watson Qoloni for recently being elected as Premier of Choiseul province.

In a media statement, the association also encourages Premier Qoloni to work with his executive towards achieving a sustainable and holistically based socio-economic development for the province and its people.

“LPA and its diverse resources are willing and available to cooperate and collaborate with you and your government whenever needed,” said LPA.

The association also congratulates all members of the assembly that have been voted in last month.

LPA hopes that all members whether they are in the government, back bench or opposition will work together for the benefit of the people by ensuring that their resources are protected.

The Lauru People’s Association also calls on the people of Choiseul province to participate in the development of their resources for their betterment, the betterment of communities, the province and the country as a whole.

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