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SINU students concerned over allowance delay

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

STUDENTS at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), who planned to spend their midyear break in their home provinces and villages, are worried that they could wait another week or two before their allowances are paid.

With less than three weeks left before the institute goes into its first semester break, students have expressed that any delays could affect their preparations to leave for their respective homes, and meeting outstanding costs they have with the university.

Following queries to the ministry over the raised concerns, students were practically told that payments were already made and funds are currently being processed by the ministry of finance and treasury.

But further enquiries by this paper with the ministry of finance revealed that no payment has yet been lodged by the Education Ministry for any student allowance.

These concerns however contravene earlier statements, which the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education made, assuring that student allowances for the last quarter of semester one were to be paid before they leave for the mid-semester break.

But with only two weeks left, students are concerned that they could be stuck for another week or so before they will receive their allowances.

“We go into our final exams for semester one next week, and are expected to finalise all assessments and other related programs, the week after.

“After all, that we are expected to leave campus especially, those of us that are boarding, so what do you expect will happen if our allowances are delayed?

“We have already suffered enough throughout this semester in terms of our allowances, through the ministry of education, now this?” one of the students stressed.

Island Sun was unable to get comments from the Ministry regarding the concerns raised, but will continue to seek response in our next issues.

PM Hou denied proper protocol at Brisbane departure this week

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Prime Minister Rick Hou being escorted by his Deputy, Manasseh Sogavare on his arrival on Monday at the Honiara International Airport.

By Alfred Sasako

Prime Minister Rick Hou being escorted by his Deputy, Manasseh Sogavare on his arrival on Monday at the Honiara International Airport.

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela must be wondering what happened when he turned up at the Brisbane International Airport on Monday, ready for the final leg of his journey home.

Instead of being accorded express check-in and proper protocol befitting heads of government, he simply went through the ordinary check-in counter.

Solomon Islands’ High Commissioner to Australia, Colin Beck saw Prime Minister Houenipwela off in Brisbane last Monday.

“The Prime Minister’s delegation was accorded proper protocol when they arrived in Brisbane from Taipei. They were taken to the VIP lounge and so on,” insiders said.

But this was not the case on his departure from Brisbane on Monday, according to travellers who were on the flight from Brisbane.

“He (Prime Minister) simply checked in as the rest of us,” one traveller told Island Sun.

Officials are said to be wondering why the Prime Minister was accorded such disrespect, especially on the eve of his visit to Australia and New Zealand.

Prime Minister Houenipwela is due to leave on a two-week visit to Australia and New Zealand beginning on June 5 this year.

Officials say he will travel to New Zealand first and will cross the Tasman to Australia later.

The mishap in protocols is not the only bungle suffered by the Prime Minister’s delegation.

Insiders told Island Sun on Tuesday the first mishap happened in Japan and later in Taiwan when it was found the Imprest Officer on the delegation could not access funds through his credit card to pay the costs they incurred.

The officer, said to be from the Office of the Prime Minister, had dumped all the Imprest money into his credit card before the delegation left Solomon Islands.

“The card was not recognised by ATMs in those countries. As a result, the people on the delegation had to resort to paying their duty-related costs using their per diems all throughout the trip,” the insider said.

“It was embarrassing but there was little delegation members could do. They just had to use their per diem.”

Ambassador Waleanisia refutes TV report on $900m request

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Aid for the Solomon Islands

By Gary Hatigeva

SOLOMON Islands Ambassador to Republic of China (ROC) Taiwan, Joseph Waleanisia has refuted reports that the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands, Rick Hounipwela, made a direct request to ROC President for an assistance of $900million.

This report has also made headlines on many of the local online forums, which gave much confusion and attracted widespread debates, both questioning the report and the Prime Minister’s diplomatic credibility.

The news from a station known as the Formosa, a Taiwan Television, also made it to other online mediums including youtube, which also attracted thousands of criticism on both the Solomon Islands and Taiwanese governments.

Circulated via a clip, the news reported that legislators of ROC Taiwan were questioning the request by the Solomon Islands Prime Minister to the ROC’s President, of a total of $900million, at a lunch banquet during his one week visit there.

It also reported that the Solomon Islands should not take advantage of its strong ties with ROC Taiwan and use the island nation as its ATM.

But in his response to the news, Ambassador Waleanisia clarified and urged that people should not listen to this News Clip from Formosa Taiwan TV, because it has mis-reported the meeting between Solomon Islands PM and President Tsai Ing-wen.

“I want to clarify that there was no mention of a figure neither at the Lunch Banquet, or the Bilateral meeting, nor at the brief Remarks PM gave at the Honor Guard put in PM’s honour.

“The 900 million figure mentioned is New Taiwan Dollars which is equal to USD30 million or SBD263 million,” the Ambassador explained.

He said if one cares to check the record again, they will find that the US$30 million figure was the original amount the former Government had indicated it would need a donor to assist Solomon Islands with to host the 2023 Games.

“Again, it was misreported as the amount Solomon Islands Government requested. The TV incorrectly stated the amount was requested by PM during the meeting with the President, we were present at all the meetings, and at no time did our PM made any appeal or request for $900 million, as misquoted,” Ambassador Waleanisia added.

The Solomon Islands Ambassador however revealed that the Solomon Islands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade through his office, will make a formal complaint to the Formosa TV Station to correct what he described as, the fake news.

The Prime Minister himself, through an official statement denied the report and claimed that it was a huge error from the news agency’s part.

“It is a factual error that is only aimed at bringing a bad reputation to the Government after we successfully reassured support from Taiwan to assist us with the Pacific Games preparations,” he said.

Prime Minister Hou further explained that his meeting with the President was basically to seek reassurance from the Taiwan Government for the funding of the 2023 Games stadium.

“And no figures were mentioned,” he added.

Inquiry on couple’s death continues in court

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE inquiry into the death of a couple at the Mbumburu area in 2016 is continuing in the Honiara Magistrate Court before Chief Magistrate Emma Garo.

Yesterday a police officer gave evidence before the Coroner in relation to a phone conversation.

The hearing has been conducted since March and several witnesses have been called to give their evidence before the coroner. The hearing was adjourned and then continued on Monday this week.

The inquiry was conducted to establish the cause of death for the deceased couple.

This is in relation to the case where a couple were found dead at their home in November 2016.

Police were called to the scene and retrieved the bodies of the couple and transported the bodies to the National Referral Hospital.

On the day of incidence, residents of Mbumburu were shocked at the sad news and gathered along the road as police entered the house to carry out initial investigations and also to retrieve the bodies.

Reports stated that residents close to the house where the two deceased had lived were not aware of the tragic death.

However, curiosity arose when they realised that the house was quieter than usual and the fact that an unusually large number of flies were circulating the house, battering the windows.

It was then that the neighbours kicked down the locked doors and were met by a foul smell coming from inside that they called the police.

‘We are not your ATM’

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Taiwan flag

Taiwanese legislators react to Solomon Islands’ endless financial requests

 

BY ALFRED SASAKO

TIRED of Honiara’s never-ending requests for financial assistance, Taiwanese legislators have reacted angrily to news that Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela has secured NT$900 million from Taiwan in support of Solomon Islands hosting the 2023 South Pacific Games.

“Solomon Islands should not be treating Taiwan like an ATM [Automatic Teller Machine],” the angry legislators reportedly said.

The Presidential Office has agreed to the request, according to Taiwan’s Formosa EnglishNews.

The agreement allegedly triggered an avalanche of protests from legislators who said Solomon Islands should not treat Taiwan like an ATM.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has defended the agreement, saying the payment should not be seen as “monetary aid, but rather a part of the two countries’ long-term, mutually beneficial alliance”.

The Ministry pointed out that as a faithful ally, Taiwan has already been contributing to the Games’ planning, design and location scouting.

It is not clear whether the new funding is additional to Taipei’s budgetary aid assistance to Solomon Islands.

It is also not clear whether it could impact on Taiwan’s current aid programme which stands at more than SBD100 million in untied aid a year.

Many have blamed Taiwan’s free funding as a source of corruption in Solomon Islands, particularly the use of the money by politicians.

Taiwan has recently taken steps to address the concern by withholding payments of the infamous RCDF grants to constituencies that do not acquit their shares.

In Taipei last week, Prime Minister Hou told a lunchtime banquet held in his honour that Taiwan’s aid to Solomon Islands over the last 40 years has led to new technological innovations in agriculture and other sectors.

“We are pleased that development aid to Solomon Islands over the last four decades has led to new technological innovations in our agriculture fruit trees, vegetables, crop and poultry and pig-farming; and introduction of green energy to rural villages.

“Other assistance programmes in strengthening health and medical services delivery capacity, tertiary education; cooperation in meteorology data system management, climate change and disaster prediction systems installation and training continue to be implemented.

“The benefits these different programmes created for the people and the country can be seen across the different sectors, and their impact felt with varying intensity within individual households, communities and the wider government circles,” Prime Minister Hou said.

A historic election win and a boost for gender equality

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR EDITOR, following a reported overwhelming turnout for the Gizo-Kolombangara by-election last week, the poll closed with a landslide victory for Mrs Lanelle Tanagada, a former teacher and the holder of a Masters degree from Waikato University in New Zealand.

Mrs Tangada won by a 987 majority from the 2580 votes that had been cast.

Her historic win means she is the fourth women in the history of this country to enter parliament.

The current parliament will now have two female MPs. The other current female MP being the Hon. Freda Tuki of Temotu Vatud.

The win by Mrs Tanagada has been described as a sweet victory for women in the Solomon Islands.

In 2009 Florence Naesol then the Deputy Clerk to the National Parliament, said “Women taking up senior positions in the Public Service are becoming acceptable among us and I’m seeing a brighter future with Solomon Islands women assuming leadership roles in government”

I too, over the years, have witnessed seeing the value of women’s increasing participation in decision making processes in the public service and across the broader areas of life in the Solomon Islands.

Clearly, from Mrs. Tanagada’s election victory attitudes towards women’s in the electoral role are changing, albeit still too slowly, but nevertheless I see change is on the way.

Some commentators have already said the victory is about advancing women in leadership and gender equality.

Another voiced the option that Mrs Tanagada’s win was a huge victory because the silent majority had spoken.

Mrs Tanaganda will be sworn in as a new MP soon.

I believe all will wish Mrs Tanaganda success in her parliamentary role.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

SICCI briefed on national security policy

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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National Security policy team with the SICCI staff after the consultation

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

National Security policy team with the SICCI staff after the consultation

THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) were briefed on the proposed National Security Policy which the Government is developing for the country.

Consultant National Security Policy, Mr Bernard Bata’anisia informed SICCI that the proposed policy is important for Solomon Islands’ security.

He said the policy would help the country devise strategies and mechanisms to address many security challenges confronting the country, especially for the security outlook for business environment in the country.

He added, since independence Solomon Islands did not have a national security policy in place and such made the country vulnerable to sorts of security challenges, both internal and external.

Bata’anisia also said Solomon Islands also encountered threats to its national interest, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

“Another important issue in the policy framework discussion and debate is how we manage and effectively coordinate our two international maritime borders with Papua New Guinea in the north bothering Western, Choiseul and Malaita provinces and Vanuatu in the eastern bordering Temotu province.

“It is therefore important that we consult widely and listen to the views and aspirations of all stake holders in the country, including SICCI, so that collectively we could address our border and security challenges in a more effective, coherent and coordinated way, to ensure the country is safe and secured as well our citizens and resources,” Bata’anisia said.

SICCI’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Dennis Meone welcomes the opportunity.

“From a business perspective, it is important that we work together to collectively address our security challenges in the country so as to create a peaceful and safe environment for business to operate.”

The presentation to SICCI is part of the National Security Policy wider consultation with all stakeholders in the country and with a view of presenting the final report to Cabinet by end of October or early November this year.

The team earlier on Thursday last week held consultations with the Honiara City Council.

Dialogue for women provincial leaders underway

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Group photo of the participants attending the dialogue workshop for provincial women leaders from the GP, Malaita and Western provinces.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

INFLUENTIAL women leaders from Malaita, Guadalcanal and Western provinces are in Honiara for a two-day dialogue workshop to empower women’s leadership and peacebuilding issues.

The workshop started on Monday at the Mendana Hotel.

More than 30 participants are attending the workshop which is organised by the UN Women, UNDP and Women’s Development Division of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs.

Women from Guadalcanal province pose with a MPA for Malaita province Hon Rose Liata.

It is a follow-up session to one which was hosted in early January this year in which the Government, UNDP and UN Women planned efforts on a gender mainstreamed roadmap.

Permanent Secretary for the MWYCFA Dr Cedric Alependava said the dialogue is crucial for women to share ideas, as they are very influential leaders at the provincial level, to push for women’s agendas.

Alependava adds, such dialogue is meant for women to discuss issues of land, corruption and women’s right which are huge challenges to peace and peacebuilding at the provincial and community levels.

He said from this dialogue women will build a provincial women leaders’ strong network to support the provincial councils to implement dialogue actions and promote political participation in decision making and conflict resolutions.

Group photo of the participants attending the dialogue workshop for provincial women leaders from the GP, Malaita
and Western provinces.

“Such women’s caucuses could also contribute to increase women’s engagement in national election process and to monitor the conflict situation to prevent violence and increase security of women at community and provincial level,” Alependava said.

UNDP Solomon Islands Country Manager Ms Azusa Kuboto encourages women to participate fully, to discuss issues relating to land, corruption and women’s rights.

The dialogue yesterday was built on an objective with Provincial Women’s Caucus of the Western Province, Malaita and Guadalcanal will;

UNDP Country Manager Ms Azusa Kuboto with women attending the dialogue workshop at the Mendana Hotel.

Advise the respective Provincial Council in the implementation of the National Dialogue resolutions and the National Action Plan on Women’s Equality.

Promote political participation of women in decision-making and conflict resolution.

Report to and conduct regular consultations with the Premier and their office.

Communicate regularly and consult and/or advise UN Women and the Ministry of Women, Youth and Family Affairs on the effective implementation of the NAP.

(Right to left) Member of Provincial Assembly for Malaita Provincce Mrs Rose Liata, UNDP Country Manager Ms
Azusa Kuboto, PS for MWYCFA Dr Cedric Alependava and a staff.
Three women attending the dialogue workshop.

Miss SI to promote menstrual hygiene management in schools

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Miss Solomon Islands, Emily Chan poses with some students who also witnessed the menstrual day on Monday at Maranatha hall.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE reigning Miss Solomon Islands, Ms Emily Chan has reaffirmed commitment to work for women and girls to support and promote Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in every school in the country.

She expressed this yesterday, adding that menstrual hygiene is a fundamental to the dignity and wellbeing of all women and girls in Solomon Islands and globally.

Chan uttered that good menstrual hygiene is crucial for the health, education and dignity of girls and women.

“Hence when girls have adequate information on menstrual hygiene and its management, it empowers them to enhance their self-esteem and positively impacts their overall growth and development,” she said.

Chan said in this regard, education for girls is not only about text books, class rooms, students and teachers.

“It is about the whole physical environment in school that contributes to learning, ensuring that students especially girls have access to proper, well maintained WASH facility, ensuring soap is available, water is available, information is available,” she said.

Miss Solomon Islands, Emily Chan poses with some students who also witnessed the menstrual day on Monday at
Maranatha hall.
Miss Solomon Islands, Emily Chan poses for a group photo with some of the girl students from King George school,
Betikama college and St Nicholas college school during the menstrual hygiene day.

Menstrual hygiene day commemorated

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Invited guests at the menstrual hygiene day on Monday.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

Ms. Mamita Bora Thakkar, UNICEF WASH Specialist
making her opening presention.

ON Monday, a packed crowd at Maranatha hall witnessed the occasion of the Menstrual Hygiene Day, which aims to create awareness and leverage action on the issues that impact the health and education of girls.

Speaking on the occasion yesterday, UNICEF WASH specialist Mrs Mamita Bora Thakkar this programme was organised purposely for schools to be aware of menstrual hygiene management (MHM) and how best they could provide WASH facilities to help girls manage menstruation with safety and dignity using safe hygienic materials.

She said addressing the issue of menstrual hygiene in Solomon Islands is an issue for adolescent girls for whom MHM is significant in terms of health, well-being and educational opportunity.

“Yet the issues of Menstrual Hygiene Management in Solomon Islands still remain covered in silence due to cultures, beliefs and traditions which leads its invisibility in education programmes and lacks prioritisation in planning, implementation and monitoring.

“Hence it is essential for administrator’s policy makers, political leaders, community members, teachers, girls and boys to speak of the challenges, promote a culture of openness and acceptance,” said Thakkar.

On the same occasion Mr Ambrose Malefoasi on behalf of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development said many of the challenges faced by girls and women globally with regards to this issue are also faced by Solomon Islands girls.

Dr. Zelalem Taffesse, UNICEF making his opening remarks
during the menstrual hygiene day at Maranatha hall on Monday. Photos by Daniel Kakadi.

“While we need to work towards targeted solution to address the multiple barriers, one of the first steps required is to start a conversation around the issue, to break the silence and the secrecy that surrounds the topic.

“In doing so, schools provide the most appropriate platform to integrate MHM and equipping adolescents’ girls in schools with adequate information and skills on menstrual hygiene and having separate toilets, water and soap in schools removes major obstacles to girls’ attendance in schools,” he said.

The event was jointly hosted by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development and Solomon Islands Government.

Present yesterday were representatives from UNICEF, MEHRD, Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA), schools in Honiara, bilateral agencies and donors.

 

Miss Solomon Islands, Emily Chan poses for a group photo with some of the girl students from King George school,
Betikama college and St Nicholas college school during the menstrual hygiene day.
Dream Cast drama group at the mentrual hygiene day.
Invited guests at the menstrual hygiene day on Monday.

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