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Slowly but surely

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY GEORGINA KEKEA

WORK on the Kukum Highway project is progressing with significant changes now seen in the prefecture where road work has reached.

Though expected to be fully sealed and paved in June, with adverse weather conditions, work continues to progress in a steady pace.

Currently the construction team are working on the U drains, side walk ways, cube stone, road works and also the old Mataniko Bridge.

Road works are expected to continue in the night mainly for road locations with base course, sub base course, asphalt or tar laying and drawing of road lines.

The Kukum Highway project was launched in 2016 and once complete should give a new outlook to Honiara.

Kitano construction workers at China Town bridge.
Kitano constrution workers at the Kukum highway.
Kitano Construction at China Town.
Road work ahead at Bahai.
Road work ahead at Kolaridge.
Saint Nicholas students enjoying the walkway.

Basic unit parts needed for hydroponic farming

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR EDITOR, on Tuesday, the Island Sun newspaper featured a brief article I had submitted on the benefits of growing vegetables by hydroponics.

The Editor of the newspaper also uploaded a photograph I had sent which clearly illustrated lettuces being successfully grown in a length of plastic pipe clear of any contamination from the ground.

I suggested that individuals or community groups in the Solomon Islands might wish to consider growing their vegetables by hydroponic methods and I also mentioned that the basic equipment needed to make a start was not necessarily expensive to acquire.

Following the publication of my article I was contacted by some Solomon Islanders expressing their interest in giving hydroponic cultivation a try.

If there is any real interest that develops further then it is quite possible that I could assist a potential farmer with off-cuts of non-perishable plastic piping without charge and maybe other plastic items in which vegetables could be cultivated in a rich nutrient solution mixed with clean water.

I can be contacted via the link on my website – www.solomonislandsinfocus.com by any interested party really keen to give hydroponic faming a try but maybe lacking the means of acquiring some of the basic items to make a start.

Wishing you success.

Yours sincerely

 

FRANK SHORT

Good to see one government ministry doing something, but

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Congratulations to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry Labour and Immigration for taking the lead in cracking down on alleged illegal workers in this country. It is long overdue.

Many have been quick to condemn Bangladeshis who were the focus of the investigation. I have been informed that the investigation covers activities undertaken by all foreigners.

What has attracted government intervention is the fact that the Bangladeshis have overstepped the mark in terms of operating outside the parameters allowed in their business licence.

This is where other Asians are pretty smart when it comes to doing business. They stick to running businesses within the confines of the city boundary. Any activities outside the city boundary fall under the jurisdiction of the Guadalcanal Provincial government.

What is worrying is the question of whether the investigation now underway would produce any tangible outcomes. There were similar inquiries in the past with little or no results at all.

Take for example the investigation into the alleged misuse of FOPA money, which has resulted in many contractors still waiting to be paid. Or the investigation of RIPEL, which vanished into thin air.

These inquiries, small or large, are paid for by taxpayers. They demand result, not simply just the label.

Many are of the view that these inquiries go nowhere because they are seen as internal rather than an independent, free and fair investigation. They have a point. How can you expect the same person investigating himself to come up with information that one day could be used against oneself? It is next to impossible.

Don’t get me wrong. An inquiry into alleged illegal activities is a good thing. It is even better if it comes up with actionable recommendations, recommendations that would transform, rather than reform mistakes of the past.

Critical to the investigation is how these illegal aliens came into the country? Were they assisted? If so, by whom? These are the fundamental issues or questions that need to be put under the spot light.

True, we can blame officials in the government ministries responsible for allowing foreigners to enter our country but were these officials acting alone?

Solomon Islands suffers from the too accommodating syndrome. Religiously, we are beyond accommodation because of our compassion for other people, particularly foreigners.

A bad thing? Not at all.

Many local people treat our visitors as gods. And it is a good thing. You can see that, for example when a foreign evangelist visits our shores. More people would throng to the evangelist’s crusades or evening rallies than if the evangelist were a local person.

Unfortunately when it comes to officialdom, there is a red line. More often than not, it is Government ministers who cross this red line for reasons only they themselves would explain.

So the inquiry should be independent enough to shed some light on potential involvement by political leaders in facilitating entries of foreign nationals into our country..

As a result, much of what we are going through were created by politicians. So an independent investigation is very much warranted. It should not be just any investigation – it should be one that is fair, free from political interference and is independent.

Anything else would simply be hot air and a waste of money and time. Investigation should never be just investigation. Rather, it should be focused and outcome-oriented.

Otherwise, we will become just a laughing stock to the very people we are trying to investigate.

Public urged to report directly to MCILI

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
PS for MCILI Riley Mesepitu.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

 THE Ministry of Commerce (MCILI) has issued out a plea for citizens to report any issue relating to illegal business operations and price control

“Any issues relate to illegal business operation and price control should be report directly to the Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Labour and Immigration,” said Permanent Secretary Riley Mesepitu.

Mesepitu said this includes complaints on price control and consumer affairs.

He also urges public not to use media or social media platforms for reporting.

Mesepitu said this is because the ministry operates under government structure and policies, thus complaints need to be directed to the ministry.

Doing this will help Ministry responsible carry out investigation properly and compilation of report effectively, he adds.

Mesepitu was responding to complaints from public regarding the price control of goods and consumer affairs in Solomon Islands, an issue which has been debated in social media lately.

He says that the responsible ministry for price control and foreign investors is the MCILI.

“Sometimes complains are coming from public without fair understanding of the legislation for price control and consumer affairs.

“It is better for public to report issues of concern to responsible authorities but not in other social media platform.”

Director and Registrar of Foreign Investment Division, MCILI Mr Derick Aihari reiterated Mesepitu’s call encouraging public to report any activity or incidence relating to illegal or dubious business operations in residential areas.

He said they will deal with reported issues if locals provide detailed information about who runs the illegal business along with price control and consumer affairs.

Printing for 40 year book commences

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Class of 78 member, Loretta Palmer hands over manuscript to Sun Printing General Manager, Oscar Vahimana with class member, Sam Alasia looking on

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

 

Class of 78 member, Loretta Palmer hands over manuscript to Sun Printing General Manager, Oscar Vahimana with class member, Sam Alasia looking on

A BOOK written, edited and published by Solomon Islanders will also be printed locally in the country. Yesterday team members of the King George Sixth School class of 78’ handed over the manuscript of the book to General Manager of Sun Printing, Oscar Vahimana, who will be responsible for the printing of the book.

Titled, ‘Leadership, Scholarship and Friendship, our Journey Post-Independence Solomon Islands’ this book has gone down in the history of Solomon Islands to be wholly local.

“Not only is it written, edited and published by Solomon Islanders, it will also be printed in Solomon Islands,” a jubilant Sam Alasia has told Island Sun in their last meeting.

Alasia says often, we have partners from overseas assisting us in such projects but for this book only Solomon Islanders are involved which indicates an improvement by Solomon Islanders.

The book is a publication of the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) the first publication for the university as well.

Also speaking to Island Sun, Oscar Vahimana, General Manager of Sun Printing says he is much honored to be entrusted with this crucial job of printing. Though they have covered a lot of printing work, this book will also be the first of its kind for Sun Printing.

“I am confident that we will be able to print the number of copies needed for the launch in time and I am most happy to be selected to be a part of this project,” Vahimana said.

The book will be launched on the 5th of July at the SINU’s Panatina Pavilion. The book in particular are life stories of former KG students who were doing form six in 1978 when the country gained its Independence 40 years ago.

Positive growth for visitor arrivals in April

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

INTERNATIONAL visitation to Solomon Islands has shown double digit growth for the fourth month in a row, it is reported.

The Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) this week revealed that international visitation for April 2018 increased by 11.8 percent over the corresponding month in 2017.

Figures SINSO released highlighted that 2,250 total of international visitation showed an increase of 237 over the 2,013 achieved in April 2017.

Australian visitor arrivals continues to dominate as the major source of marketing with a climbing 13 percentage from 2,689 to 3,038.

New Zealand figures increased 17 percent from 443 to 519.

Papua New Guinea figures increased from 377 to 492, an increase of 30.5 percent while US figures grew 19 percent from 341 to 409.

Interestingly, this year Japan visitation to Solomon Islands has climbed by 40 percent from 207 to 290, which shows potential of country’s market to Asia region.

With the Japanese’s positive result, CEO for the Solomon Islands Visitors Bureau (SIVB) Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto attributed to renewed interest in the destination following on from the 75th anniversary of the Guadalcanal campaign last August.

European traffic also continued to build with 338 total recorded representing a 48.9 percent increase over the 227 figure achieved in 2017, according to the Global Travel Industry News.

The Global Travel Industry News also adds April result follows the destination’s best-ever first quarter result with collective visitor arrivals for Q1 2018 up 29 percent.

Solomon Islands is a sovereign country consisting of six major islands and over 900 smaller islands in Oceania lying to the east of Papua New Guinea and northwest of Vanuatu and covering a land area of 28,400 square kilometres (11,000 sq mi).

Fear in Western province over rhinoceros beetle

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
One of the coconut tree infested by Rhinoceros beetle close to the Wesleyan Methodist Church area in Gizo. PHOTO BY PAGEPITU ALFRED

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO

One of the coconut tree infested by Rhinoceros beetle close to the Wesleyan Methodist Church area in Gizo. PHOTO BY PAGEPITU ALFRED

SIGHTINGS of the deadly rhinoceros beetle has caused alarm for people in Western province for fear of their coconut plantations and copra business.

A Mr Andrew Koke said that their coconut trees are infested by the beetle.

“There is a growing threat for the coconut tree industry if the spread of the coconut rhinoceros beetle intensifies and remains untreated in the province.

“People of Ranonga, Vella la Vella, Gizo, Simbo, Kolombangara, Vona vona, Roviana, Marovo Lagoon and as far from Shortland Islands are now worried because coconut tree is really important to the people and one of the main income sources in the province.”

Another concerned resident Mr Moses calls on responsible authorities for help in eradicating the pest from the province.

He reinforces the call for quick action before the beetle spreads to extensive levels which would prove ‘very difficult’ to address.

When contacted Gizo Bio-security Division of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of the Western province said that they have received reports on the matter and they are working on it by installing traps close to the affected coconut trees.

MID clarifies MACFest vehicle fleet

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
PS Andrew Nihopara

By Gary Hatigeva

THE Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has clarified that the fleet of brand new cars given to the committee of the Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival (MACFest), are a matter under the MID and not the Culture Ministry to answer.

The clarification came following publicities in local online forum on Facebook, Yumi Tok Tok, and local mainstream media, where a series of questions were raised regarding the fleet, some of which alleged that the committee gotten them with funds allocated for the running of the festival.

But prior to MID’s clarification, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Andrew Nihopara also clarified the circumstances and status of the fleet.

Nihopara clarified that those vehicles (Brand new) were never bought with the MACFEST Budget under his Ministry, but were purchasing activities done under the MID program and budget, which were already allocated to respective Ministries for use.

He further clarified that the committee had only requested that they use those vehicles for MACFEST first before they are released to the respective ministries by MID, a move the local Forum described as a clever approach from the MACFest Chair.

Meanwhile, the Yumi Tok Tok forum on Monday published a clarification from someone within the MID who agreed with explanations from the MACFest Chair over the status of the vehicles currently parked at the National Museum.

Following the Yumi Tok Tok revelation, Island Sun also got from MID officials who confirmed that the headlined vehicles were purchased under the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) in their 2017 budget from Ela Motors.

Discussions within the forum also received questions, as to why the new fleet of vehicles when the country is face with a cash flow situation and a negative economic status, but ministry officials explained that based on these concerns, the Yumi Tok Tok forum source was right to state that some government ministries are in need of vehicles for official use.

They however added that this is to also cut down on the issue of hiring of vehicles, which have become costly and unnecessary in many aspects.

This clarification also goes in line with earlier explanations from the Yumi Tok Tok forum, whose source stated that there are certain ministries currently in need of new vehicles, and that some of them are currently hiring vehicles.

Officials further added that the reports in the both the mainstream and online media, were right about the fact that vehicles have been allocated to Ministries that are in need of vehicles to carry out their work, but reassured that not for all ministries.

It was also reported that the six new vehicles highlighted, are valued at more than $200,000 each, estimated at a total of around $1.2 million were bought from Ela Motors, as one of the country’s leading car dealers.

The forum further added in its report their source also revealed that MID took quotes from three leading car dealers, and Ela Motors was the cheapest with a reputable backup service as one of the conditions.

The vehicles according to MID officials confirmations, were given as part of the ministry’s contribution towards the hosting of the Melanesian event, something the MACFest Chair said, will mostly be used to transport officials from participating nations during the festival.

The Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival will run from July 1 and coincides with Solomon Islands 40th Anniversary Day, and the vehicles will be delivered to the Ministries who have already been identified after the festival.

2 juveniles arrested on unlawful wounding

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

POLICE at Tulagi in Central province have arrested and charged two male juveniles on June 18, 2018 for alleged unlawful wounding following a stabbing incident at Burungia Village on Small Ngella.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Patricia Leta says, “It was alleged that on May 20, 2018 the alleged suspects had an argument with the victim whom they claimed had an affair with their sister. It was alleged the victim was then stabbed with a scissor that landed below the victim’s right armpit.

“The matter was reported to police in Tulagi on May 24, 2018. However, the suspects were on the run until they were finally arrested on June 18, 2018 as a result of the support given to police by the suspects’ parent.

“I wish to remind all good people of Central Province not to take the law into your own hands. There is always a way to resolve problems in a peaceful manner. I would also like to sincerely thank the families of the suspects for assisting my officers.

“I would also like to thank my hard working officers who responded to the report regardless of the bad weather experienced.”

Both suspects will appear at the Tulagi Magistrates Court on July 16, 2018.

–POLICE MEDIA

2 juveniles arrested on unlawful wounding

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

POLICE at Tulagi in Central province have arrested and charged two male juveniles on June 18, 2018 for alleged unlawful wounding following a stabbing incident at Burungia Village on Small Ngella.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Patricia Leta says, “It was alleged that on May 20, 2018 the alleged suspects had an argument with the victim whom they claimed had an affair with their sister. It was alleged the victim was then stabbed with a scissor that landed below the victim’s right armpit.

“The matter was reported to police in Tulagi on May 24, 2018. However, the suspects were on the run until they were finally arrested on June 18, 2018 as a result of the support given to police by the suspects’ parent.

“I wish to remind all good people of Central Province not to take the law into your own hands. There is always a way to resolve problems in a peaceful manner. I would also like to sincerely thank the families of the suspects for assisting my officers.

“I would also like to thank my hard working officers who responded to the report regardless of the bad weather experienced.”

Both suspects will appear at the Tulagi Magistrates Court on July 16, 2018.

–POLICE MEDIA

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