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MFMR on 5 strategic areas

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

MINISTRY of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) will actively focus on five strategic areas in quest to successfully communicate their mission statements, services, activities and achievements to it’s array of audiences.

This was expressed in the ministry’s Communication Strategy (2018-2020) which was recently launched and is linked to the current MFMR (2017-2019) strategy.

The ministry will work on fisheries policies, fisheries management, operational plans and functional services, staff, development programmes and projects and partnerships.

Under the fisheries policies, MFMR expressed that they will continue to develop, review and update policies for the orderly management and development of fishery operations including offshore, inshore, provincial and aquaculture.

In relation, based on these policies, the policy, planning and legal division along with MFMR’s communication officer will identify key policy messages to use in communications.

Moreover, in fisheries management, operational plans and functional services, the ministry said its tactic would be updating commercial operators about existing requirements and changes through paper and electronic means and during the application for new and renewed fishing licenses.

In terms of staff, MFMR highlights that they are the best and cost-effective means of communicating information given their consistent contact with customers, stakeholders and partners thus staff who are well informed and trained to deal with the media will help project the vision of MFMR.

Henceforth, the ministry expressed that it will organise and deliver a number of media and public relation trainings for all MFMR staff.

On grounds of development programmes and projects, MFMR has been working with key stakeholders, partners and various communities throughout the country to promote and deliver programmes and projects to enhance community fisheries livelihoods.

Additionally, in the scope of its development programmes and projects, the ministry stated that their role in all these projects and any progress made will be clearly communicated so their partners, donors, the national government and people of Solomon Islands are regularly and well informed.

Furthermore, the Fisheries and Marine Resources ministry voiced that it values its partnerships with national, regional and international bodies to date and the potential they bring for the future thus seek to communicate its services and the support it can provide to sustainable development of the country’s fisheries sector through established national, regional and international forums that include the Fisheries Advisory Council, the Chamber of Commerce and the Seafood Industry Working Group established by PHAMA.

Siota school kick starts fundraising

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

CENTRAL Province Siota Provincial Secondary School (PSS) students and Staff have arrived in Honiara, kick starting their school rehabilitation fundraising programme this week on Monday.

Two night shows have already taken place at Gilbert Camp and one at Kukum Market Area yesterday during the day being a success so far according to their aim said the school’s Principal.

A walkathon is to take place on Thursday starting from Kukum to Pt Cruz and to be ended at White River around 9am to 1.30pm in the afternoon.

“We thank the Honiara City Council (HCC) Clerk for allowing us to carry out our fundraising within HCC’s boundary,” said Siota PSS Principal Fr Patterson Tako, guiding the school students during this school break with Mr David Rubaha who is the Team Leader and one of Form Six (6) Teacher’s of the school.

“There is plan to perform on Thursday at the Solomon Islands Port Authority (SIPA) but we are yet to get confirmation from the Chief Executive.”

It is understood that the school group will be spending one and a half week reaching mid next week in Honiara as more updates will be made known.

“So far the programme carried out is going according to plan as we want more ex-Siota students especially to come out and give their full support to their former school’s strive,” said the School Principal.

He said for further inquiry to the school’s programme, the school group can be contacted through his mobile phone, (8562711).

Recently during one of their fundraising held at Tulaghi raising more than $14,000, the School Chaplain for Siota, Fr Tony Ubara, explained while waiting for the Education Authority of CIP to help the school’s maintenance and other much needed areas to be addressed, they are fitting in their programme’s ways to address their school situation as soon as possible.

“There is the need to quickly improve classroom buildings, dormitories, Staff houses and other buildings by repainting them and doing small repairements needed to be done to help us be in a conducing learning environment.

“Not only the buildings but focusing on improving other areas as well,” said the School Chaplain.

The fundraising is said to include selling of foods, entertainments and as well as other performances to take place in Parishes that is yet to be confirmed according to Fr Patterson Tako.

Siota PSS Principal speaking to Island Sun yesterday adds in making a strong appeal to the school’s family, to support the school towards driving for its rehabilitation programme.

“We need strong support to further improve our Provincial Premier School which is for our children’s sake,” expressed Fr Tako.

Elimination of malaria on target

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

ONE of the big initiatives now is to eliminate malaria according to Solomon Islands Prime Minister Hon Rick Houenipwela.

The PM said this at his Press Conference after returning from visits to Australia and New Zealand.

“This is in line with the Asia Pacific Leaders Malaria Elimination Target of 2030 for the elimination of malaria,” said the PM.

The PM elaborated that this was something they signed when he was in London this year discussing with Australia to support them towards the elimination of malaria.

“This includes working together to tackle the health crisis on non-communicable diseases (NCD’s) that is said to be accountable for the majority out of every ten (10) deaths in the country,” said the PM.

“NCD’s is a very big problem for Solomon Islands being an area to seriously look more into.”

Slowly but surely

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

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.

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