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Amazing Israel: Part One

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Members for the Pacific Media team team in Israel.

BY MIKE PUIA

Members for the Pacific Media team team in Israel.

IN a word, the State of Israel is simply “amazing”. This is why I decided to use this word for this series. This series is intended to share my experience whilst in Israel.

My travel to Israel started on 11th June 2018. I arrived back in Honiara on 26th June 2018. I spend eight days in Israel while the other eight days were for traveling to Israel and back.

Before I start, let me thank the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs for giving me, and my pacific colleagues, the opportunity of a lifetime to visit and learn about Israel.

Israel is well known to Solomon Islanders. Most learn about this place through the bible. This is where the story of Jesus, the son of God who saves human kind, took place.

Jesus was born in Bethlehem, raised in Nazareth, does most of his work around Galilee and was crucified in Calvary. All the places and sites recorded in the story of Jesus are found in Israel. This is why Israel is called the holy land.

Others learn about Israel through secondary school history studies. The famous six days war was fought by Israel. Maybe others learn about Israel through the news. News seems to tell more about bombing between Israel and its neighbouring Arab nations. I learn about Israel probably through everything above- bible, school text books and news.

So, my travel started four days early. I arrive in Nadi, Fiji, on 11th June and spend four days there before I continue to Seoul, South Korea, on board a Korean Air flight. It was a 10 hour flight.

On arrival in Seoul, I was told I have been arranged to accommodate in a hotel outside Seoul’s terminal. My other colleagues from Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea were not allowed to go out of the terminal. That means I don’t need a visa to enter Seoul. I prefer an accommodation inside the terminal and that was arranged.

The next day, we boarded another Korean Air flight to Tel Aviv, the second most populous city in Israel after Jerusalem.

After 12 hour in the air, we were above the Mediterranean Sea through Turkey on the north. Looking across the horizon, eastward, are Tel Aviv’s city lights. We landed at Ben Gurion International Airport in the evening on Saturday 16th June 2018.

Tel Aviv is located on Israel’s Mediterranean coastline. The young but fast growing city is the financial and technological center of Israel. It has the third-largest economy in the Middle East after Abu Dhabi and Kuwait City.

The city has the 31st highest cost of living in the world and it receives over 2.5 million international visitors annually.

The city was founded in 1909 by Jews as a modern housing estate on the outskirts of the ancient port city of Jaffa.

Tel Aviv was at first called “Ahuzat Bayit”. The name changes to Tel Aviv, meaning “ancient hill of spring”.

There is a saying in Israel that goes “Jerusalem pray, Tel Aviv parties and Jaffa works”. Indeed, Tel Aviv is a party capital in the Middle East with a lively nightlife.

The team of 12 pacific media practitioners were given a VIP treat on arrival at Ben Gurion International Airport.

Two black private mini buses were there waiting to pick us. We had to skip the long queues to the last gate where our passports are checked before we collected our luggage.

We were introduced to a new guy who then led us to a white private mini bus that was parking outside the terminal waiting for us. The bus has a Wi-Fi so we had to access the internet after long hours.

We were transferred to Leonardo Plaza hotel in Jerusalem. Tel Aviv to Jerusalem is about 54 kilometers. At about 10pm we checked-in in our hotel rooms. By that time it was about 6am in Honiara.

We woke on Sunday morning to the start of an exciting journey. Sundays are like Mondays here in Honiara being the first day of the week. Every offices and businesses opened for business.

For the next couple of days I spend in different parts of Israel, everything I thought about Israel changes- most opposite to what I imagine.

I often wonder how people cope with having to live with fear every day and how restricted movements in the country must have been. The Israel I visited is so peaceful and free. The people coming from different tribes enjoy so much freedom. They practice their faith even in public places without fear.

Israel is a shining example of how people of different backgrounds can live in harmony with each other.

In the second part of this series, I will share my experience while visiting the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Yad Vashem, the world holocaust remembrance center, on Sunday 17th June.

Pope Francis appoint Solomon Islands’ first local Catholic bishop

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Fr. Peter Houhou Bishop elect.
Fr. Peter Houhou Bishop elect.

HIS Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Rev Father Peter Houhou to be the new Bishop of Auki Diocese of the Catholic Church.

Fr Houhou is the first Solomon Islander to hold the post of Bishop; his appointment was made yesterday.

He is currently the Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Honiara and Administrator of Holy Cross Cathedral.

He was born in Marau on October 10, 1966 and is from Makira, Our Lady of Fatima Parish. Even though he is from Marau he has ethnic roots in Ulawa and in West Are’are.

His beloved parents the late Mr Luke Iawai from Ulawa and late Mrs Salome Sautareia from West Are’are.

They have six children, late Peter Marau Houhou, Abraham Taroainimae, Saniela Atohui, Fr Peter Houhou (Bishop elect) and Elizabeth Nunuhia.

Peter was ordained priest on July 3, 1999 by His Grace Emeritus Archbishop Adrian Thomas Smith SM after he completed his studies at Holy Spirit Seminary in Bomana Port Moresby. His ordination theme was “Take up your Cross and follow me” (Lk 9:23).

The Catholic Diocese of Auki has an estimated population of 50,000 people who live in more than 270 Catholic communities which comprise the 11 parish regions of the Diocese.

The 34 priests and 21 religious sisters of the Diocese along with the more than 500 lay catechists will be happy to welcome the first local catholic bishop.

Fr Houhou is the 3rd Bishop of Auki; current Archbishop Chris Cardone, OP is his predecessor.

The Diocese of Auki began in 1984; long serving New Zealand Marist Missionary: late Bishop Gerald Francis LOFT, SM founded the Diocese.

Details of Bishop-elect Peter Houhou’s ordination will be decided by the Auki Diocesan Administrator and the leaders of Auki Cathedral Parish of St Augustine.

Ministries and offices held

July 1999 to April 2000: Assistant Parish Priest of Ruavatu Parish, Honiara

April 2000 to May 2006: Parish Priest – Makina Parish in Marau, Honiara

May 2006 to Feb. 2015: Parish Priest – Visale Parish, Honiara

May 2011 – present: Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Honiara

Feb 2015 – present: Administrator of Holy Cross Cathedral, Honiara

–CATHOLIC MEDIA

Solomon Islands: Consider Hydroponic Methods for Food Security, Job creation and Potential Exports  

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, my recent letters in the local SI media about hydroponic growing methods generated quite a number of enquiries asking about the techniques and the basic equipment needed for growing vegetables, salad crops and tomatoes to be used for home consumption and for sale.

The aim of my letters was to promote the idea of hydroponic cultivation in simple systems using water and a rich nutrient solution and without the need for soil.

The World Bank sees the potential for simplified hydroponic systems to enhance climate resilience while helping to create local jobs and fostering regional investment.

In the context of creating regional investment I would pose the question of the SIG what measures are being considered to improve the production of different farming methods in view of the need for food security and job creation, especially given the advance of climate change and salt water incursion in parts of the country?

Simplified hydroponics can be taught to farmers and individuals with no prior knowledge. Those farmers could generate income from small plots of land with vertical farm tools, even in urban areas. New jobs and farms supported by hydroponics contribute to a green economy and job security.

The methodology also creates opportunities for additional income in developing regions, including from personal experience in Swaziland, Kenya.  In Kenya, in particular, there has been developed a world wide export market for the flowers it cultivates.

Given what I have said about the impact of climate change and the reduction in food crops in some parts of the country, I would urge the government to consider asking for help from countries that have extensive experience in hydroponic cultivation methods, including Singapore, Thailand,  Taiwan, Japan, Israel and Kenya.

The UN recently gave a small grant to a resident of Kiribati most recently and he has successfully created a business from the units he made.

In the Solomon Islands get help with grass roots training and, if at all possible, provide subsidies for the basic equipment and inputs.

One commercial company that I know of in Singapore teaches the techniques of simple hydroponic cultivation using basic systems growing hygienic and high quality leafy vegetables and culinary herbs all year round for local consumption and exports.

I know that modern hydroponics on a commercial scale is likely to be outside the scope of affordability for many potential growers in the Solomons but much scope exists for smaller scale hydroponic cultivation.

I advocate looking at U-Tube to see the many simple hydroponics systems people use to successfully grow their produce, including black plastic bags, off-cut lengths of PVC tubing, plastic containers, plastic water bottles and even Styrofoam boxes with lids.

My partner charity, “Takes My Hands” (TMH) in New Zealand is exploring the possibility of acquiring some of the basic needs to commence hydroponics on a small scale and I hope to learn more soon.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

CITREC opens opportunity pathway to Makira-Ulawa

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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CITREC Chairman Ashwant Dwivedi [L] with Makira-Ulawa Province Premier Hon. Stanley Siapu and Temotu Premier Hon. David Maina

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

 

CITREC Chairman Ashwant Dwivedi [L] with Makira-Ulawa Province Premier Hon. Stanley Siapu and Temotu Premier Hon. David Maina last month
GUADALCANAL and Canadian governments have extended their employment mobility to the Makira-Ulawa province recently.

CITREC initiative under the Guadalcanal provincial government and Canadian Government brings opportunities to the people of Makira-Ulawa province.

CITREC Chairman Ashwant Dwivedi confirmed this in his meeting with the Guadalcanal provincial assembly which also included the premier of Makira Ulawa province, Stanley Siapu.

Mr Dwivedi confirmed that Makira-Ulawa province has been included in its new stream of employment opportunities.

“I can confirm that apart from tourism, hospitality and agriculture labour opportunities, Makira-Ulawa province also has the opportunity to be part of the food processing sector,” said Dwivedi.

Dwivedi said the employment opportunities encourage inclusive participation – both women and men to have equal opportunities.

“I want women from the provinces of Guadalcanal and Makira-Ulawa to be part of the pool of workers that would be bound for Canadian employment opportunities,” Dwivedi said.

He adds, currently his academic team is working closely with the education authority of Makira-Ulawa province and its government, with plans to implement the programme by mid-August.

The successful inclusion of Makira-Ulawa province was made possible after Premier Siapu successful held bi-lateral talks with Dwivedi during his recent visit to Guadalcanal.

Siapu said it is his dream of seeing his people and province being included in the CITREC.

He thanked the province of Guadalcanal through its Premier Anthony Veke and executives for providing the much-needed guidance to be able to join the CITREC programme.

So far so good

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Delegates from New Caledonia.

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

DESPITE a few hiccups experienced along the way for our local organising committee, so far everything is going smoothly for the MACFest, currently being held here in Honiara. Since the traditional opening on Saturday and the official opening on Sunday and commencement of exhibitions and performances everything is going okay.

Speaking to Island Sun, Culture Director, Dennis Marita says the turnout of people to the festival is more than anticipated. He said this must culminate from the opening ceremonies over the weekend, thus the high turnout.

Also speaking to Island Sun during a lunch patrol, Superintendent Solomon Sisimia says so far there has not been any mishap nor nuisance experienced during the first few days of the festival.

RSIPF patrolling at Art Gallery.

“Since day one, we are very happy with the reactions from the community as there was no problem encountered and everyone seems to be enjoying the festival. We will continue with our operations till the 10th of July 2018.”

Sisimia says even the visiting delegates are well looked after with police personnel assigned to look after them both day and night.

“So far they say that they are happy and enjoying themselves.”

At the same time, the New Caledonia delegates are quite happy with their stay so far. Also speaking to Island Sun, translator for the group, Roderika says they do not feel any different when in Solomon Islands.

Delegates from New Caledonia.

“Many Melanesians here so we fit in and blend in well here. The food was great, we have been to the market, so much diversity in the food,” Roderika says.

For the 6th MACFest, the main component of the festival will be on performing arts. More than 80 percent of the participants are featured in this area. Activities under performing arts ranges from dance to music and theatre.

A lot of this is being held at the Melanesia village with a few taking place at the Art Gallery.

Gatapale community holds ‘Bring and Buy’

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

GATAPALE Community at Northwest Choiseul fundraised more than SBD$2000 from a ‘Bring and Buy’ organised at Voruvoru Catholic Mission Station, purposely to raise money for their community.

Member of Provincial Government (MPA) for Ward 12 at Varisi Lavata Hon Nerio Ulemiki speaking to Island Sun elaborated that the money raised will be used to help the community complete their target towards Christ the King Parish upcoming Harvest Festival to be held on 28th of this month.

From report, on sale during the fundraising were cooked and uncooked foods and also card games were played to raise the money.

Gatapale Community has thanked everyone who supported them in their fundraising towards their drive.

China retaliates over Huawei sidelining on undersea cable

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Undersea cable

By Alfred Sasako

(In Beijing)

CHINA has reportedly stopped buying Australian wine, iron ore and an undisclosed number of fruits apparently in retaliation over Canberra’s intervention in the Sydney-Honiara undersea cable project.

China’s telco giant, Huawei, won the contract to build the 4, 000km optic fibre cable, but Canberra has since blocked Huawei from the multi-million project, citing security concern as the reason for its action.

Canberra and Honiara have since initialled an agreement for an Australian company to build the AUD100 million project which Canberra said would provide Solomon Islands “cheap and faster” internet service as well as improved telecommunications in general.

Chinese officials told Island Sun in Beijing over the weekend that Beijing saw no reason at all for Australia’s action.

“Australia should realise that it would lose more than China in this game. We import their wine, fruits and iron ore. We also do a lot of business in Australia. Because of Australia’s recent action, we have responded in kind, starting with selected items,” one official said.

The official said wine, iron ore and selected fruits have been taken off the list of Australian imports. The value of these imports could not be established but it is said to be in tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

The official said China would now turn to other friendly countries to buy their wine and other commodities that Beijing needs.

He said stopping imports of Australian products was only the beginning. Visits to China at ministerial level could be next on China’s list of retaliatory measures.

“In fact China has already denied a request for a ministerial visit later this year. And even if the visit were to proceed, it would not be accorded priority consideration,” the official said.

Women gather for another SIWIBA market

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Women gather for another SIWIBA market

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

Women gather for another SIWIBA market

ON Tuesday, members of the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association (SIWIBA) gathered again at the Girl Guides headquarters to display their items, reconnect and meet customers.

Island Sun caught up with one of the women, Ms Harriet Suiga who hails from Fataleka, Malaita province.

Speaking to the paper, shyly she said she just joined that association two months ago with the purpose of learning new things from other women who have long time members of the SIWIBA.

Suiga added that one of the benefits of joining SIWIBA is being able to display items while at the same time being involved in something that earns her an income.

She also mentioned that she is looking forward to the association’s trainings.

When asked about the items at her stall, Suiga said they are handmade traditionally designed accessories such as earrings, necklaces, colorful head piece and sarongs locally termed as “lava lava”.

A comment from of her friends and SIWIBA member, Ms Gayle Ramosaea was that since becoming a SIWIBA member, Suiga has boosted her confidence and interacts more with other women.

It is understood that SIWIBA whilst replacing “Mere’s Market” is set to hold a total of six SIWIBA markets for 2018.

Village forum set for Mangakiki

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Mike Puia

THE Guadalcanal provincial government and the Solomon Islands Development Trust (SIDT) will hold a village forum at Mangakiki Village on West Guadalcanal today.

People living in and around Mangakiki Village will have the chance to sit down with representatives of their local government, the national government, non-governmental organisations and donors to talk about their issues of concern and their plans to move their community forward.

SIDT has been taking the village forum initiative to different parts of the country. The one day forum is organised under SIDT’s governance program that has been running in Mangakiki Village since 2017.

Mangakiki and nearby villages will have the opportunity to sit down and have open discussions with their leaders and representatives from non-governmental organisations and donors.

The forum aims to find ways to bridge the gap between village leaders, national leaders and stakeholders in terms of planning together to meet the aspiration and dreams of villagers from Mangikiki and nearby villages.

The official opening will involve speeches from provincial and national leaders followed by presentations by villagers.

The presentations by villagers will outline their issues and action plans. Other presentations will come from non-governmental organisation and donor representatives.

A panel will respond to issues raised by communities and their proposals.

The forum promised to empower the people at Savulei ward through sharing of information and through the establishment of links.

Commerce and MACFest NOC praised for mini tradeshow

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Gary Hatigeva

SMALL and Medium Entrepreneurs (SMEs) in and around the country are indeed benefiting from the mini-tradeshow that is currently underway in the capital, Honiara.

As part of the 6th Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival (MACFest) for this year, the Ministry of Commerce together with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, agreed to stage the mini tradeshow, with intentions to help small businesses promote their products and services.

On Tuesday, Island Sun was on site talking to a lot of the reputable SMEs who are participating in the show through invitation, and the feedback was massive.

One of the biggest winners is the Rela Coconut company from Malaita province, who expressed happiness to be part of what their representatives described to be, a game changer event for them.

In an interview on Tuesday, Fred Maelasi of the Malaita based company, explained that the mini tradeshow has truly served its purpose for a lot of the participating SMEs, most of which are new establishments.

Young Maelasi added that the event has also given a lot of the local SMEs an opportunity to promote what they have on offer, in terms of their products and services, which he thought can play huge part in the national economy.

“Like in our case for example. Back in the province, we not only manufacturer our products from our own resources, we also extend our sources to farmers in the rural settings who supply us with their raw products where we purchased from them.

“In this way, we are helping farmers benefit from their own resources, while at the same time create employment opportunities for our young people through our set up,” Maelasi explained.

Meanwhile, Elizabeth Bisafo another representative of the Rela Coconut company, also expressed that they are grateful for the opportunity for being part of the event as it gives the wider public audience and customers, to give feedbacks, “which will help us improve our products”.

“Thanks to the ministry of commerce and the MACFest organising committee for inviting us to this important event as it meant a lot to some of us, where we are able to get direct feedbacks from the visiting public.

“Otherwise, we would have produced without realizing the actual or specific expectations of our customers regarding our products and would have wasted a lot of time and money on what will not make returns for us.

“Before coming to the show, we knew our productions were done according to consumer standards, but we also see that there are massive rooms for improvements, and so we hope to go further after show with our products after the event,” Ms Bisafo added.

The group is also looking forward to take part in similar events in the future and assured that they will return with a much bigger and wider range of products made.

Currently, the locally owned company produces four different products from coconut, which includes a soap that has an added cocoa flavor, hair food and body lotion.

Island Sun was unable to get the exact number of participants for the mini tradeshow but a lot of those participating with booths and stalls on site are mostly local but recognised manufacturers, with the likes of Soltuna Company Ltd, Women Specialised Weavers of Simbo in Western province, Coconut Pasifik who manufacture and export various products from coconut, the Honiara Women Council, Varivao Holdings who is now one of the country’s major exporters in coffee, kava and a few other root crops.

Others according to interviews, are mostly new establishments, who also joined the Rela Coconut Company to express their appreciation for being part of the show.

The mini tradeshow is at the Panatina campus venue of the Solomon Islands National University, and it continues throughout the whole of this week along with the timing of the Arts and Culture festival.

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