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Tanangada triumphs

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Lanelle Orlandrea Tanangada

Another female Member of Parliament for the round house

By Mike Puia

Gizo

GIZO/Kolombangara Constituency in the Western Province has a new Member of Parliament (MP). She is Mrs. Lanelle Orlandrea Tanangada.

Mrs. Tanangada is the wife of the former MP of the constituency, Mr. Jimson Tanangada, whom the high court disqualified last November.

The provisional result of the winning candidate was announced by the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) Returning Officer, Christian Siale, at 9pm last night and later officially declared by the Governor General, Sir Frank Kabui via the National Broadcaster, SIBC.

Mrs. Tanangada, a teacher by profession, polled 2,580 votes out of the 5,201 valid votes casted. Six votes were spoilt.

Her strong rival and former Prime Minister, Gordo Darcy Lilo, polled 1,593 votes.

Peter Soqoilo polled 598. Kenneth Bulehite polled 243 votes while Ronald Dive polled 187 votes.

Out of the 12 polling stations counted, Mrs. Tanangada topped eight polling stations. Lilo and Soqoilo topped two polling stations each.

Mrs. Tanangada contested along four male candidates. This is the first time a female won the Gizo/Kolombangara parliamentary seat.

Despite having only seven months remaining before parliament dissolved, Mrs. Tanangada has created history for the current parliament for being the first house to have two female MPs in one term.

There was tenseness when the results were announced to the crowd that waited eagerly outside the police compound.

When the announcement of the winning candidate was made, the crowd dispersed peacefully.

SIEC’s Chief Electoral Officer, Moses Saitala thanked staff of SIEC officers who completed the task despite the delay.

Saitala said he hope everyone will accept the result as it is almost like a landslide.

SIEC’s chairman and speaker of parliament Ajilon Nasiu, SIEC’s Commissioner Taeasi Sanga, the SIEC advisor and overseas observers also preside at the 12-hour counting.

Women with special needs showcasing their creativity 

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Women with special needs during workshop.

BY ELLISON.T.VAHI

Women with special needs during workshop.

WOMEN with special needs attended a workshop at YWCA showcasing their talents.

The women, in their late teens and early 20s, were busy putting the finishing touches to clothes colouring that were to go on show before a select audience at the YWCA.

While all of these young people have special needs, not even the closest examination of their work would give a potential buyer the slightest inkling of this fact.

From the selection of material and accessories to the mixing and colouring, everything about their creations look extremely professional.

Participants said that they are all excited as they gently touched their lovely embellishment.

After all, it was the product of many hours of their own work although anyone looking at it would not imagine that it was created by other person.

“All our children love art, it’s a way of expressing themselves. The colourful clothes displayed are all done by our students,” says a representative.

This the second time that the YWCA hosts such a workshop training for those that with special needing ability.

One of the women showcasing her creativity.

The students’ approach is very collaborative, a comment from the YWCA staff said.

“The finished products are not the work of one person. Before starting on a project we task-analyse. If we take a product, a handbag for instance, there are certain steps that are simple, certain steps that require more skill, and there are certain steps that require a high degree of skill.

“But all these steps are necessary to ensure that the final product is good. After we task-analyse, we then see which children are capable of doing what, and they are assigned their jobs. So, it is a collective effort.”

Jocelyn says she was impressed with their teamwork.

“I wanted to do something together that would really focus the children’s learning and also help to bring about awareness of their abilities, because they are so talented. I wanted to involve them in a business programme, either working in our head office or in retail, to make them independent.”

PM Abe committed to extend humanitarian support across Pacific

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Japan’s PM Shinzo Abe at the opening of the Leaders Summit.

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

JAPAN’S Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he is committed to continue extending humanitarian assistance/disaster relief in times of crisis triggered by natural hazards across the Pacific Islands countries (PIC).

This was highlighted in response to the shared views of the Pacific Island leaders on the vulnerability of the Pacific region to natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, floods and typhoons/ cyclones

Leaders said it is important to share lessons learned from past experiences in disasters, and the need for continued collaboration, welcoming initiatives such as the gender-based training on women in disaster management.

They also mentioned the necessity of enhancing cooperation on disaster risk reduction, especially for building resilience.

Moreover, in reaffirming the importance of sustainable development, management and conservation of environment, the leaders expressed their commitment to comprehensive and integrated efforts to address environmental issues, including promotion of environmentally sound waste management and 3R (reduce, reuse and recycle) policies, conservation of biodiversity and sustainable development of natural resources.

Pacific Islands leaders praise efforts towards North Korea

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

PACIFC Island leaders (PIL) have appreciated the efforts to date by the international community towards the current development surrounding North Korea.

This was highlighted at the recent 8th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting (PALM8) at Iwaki city, Fukushima Prefecture in Japan.

The leaders welcomed the “Panmunjeom Declaration for Peace, Prosperity and Unification of the Korean Peninsula” issued at the Inter-Korean Summit in late April 2018, which confirmed their common goal of the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and expressed hope that the planned US-North Korea Summit in June would deliver North Korea’s concrete actions for such goal.

The leaders strongly called on North Korea to immediately take concrete actions in accordance with UNSC resolutions.

In particular, they (PIL) expressed deep concerns about North Korea’s sanctions evading tactics including “ship-to-ship transfers” and emphasised the need to accelerate their own efforts in accordance with the relevant UNSC resolutions, including deregistering North Korean trading or fishing vessels currently flagged on their shipping registers, with development partners supporting FICs in their efforts.

The leaders stressed the importance of seeking a peaceful and diplomatic resolution towards complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction (WMD), including biological and chemical weapons, and ballistic missiles as well as related facilities of North Korea.

They expected that the announcement by North Korea to discontinue nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) test fires and dismantle its nuclear testing facility would soon lead to its concrete actions in this regard.

Pacific Islands leaders affirm vision to PALM process

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Pacific Island Leaders at the Forum

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

PACIFIC Island leaders to the eighth Pacific Islands Leaders meeting in Japan have affirmed long-term efforts to shape their partnership through the PALM process, will be guided by some shered vision.

The visions include maintaining stability through rules –based order, commitment to the respect for serenity, rule of law and peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law and pursuit of enduring prosperity, self-sustained and sustainable economic development underpinned by open markets and facilitation of trade and investment, strengthened connectivity and enhanced resilience of societies;

Also strengthening the flow of and exchanges between peoples: active people-to-people exchanges to enhance mutual understanding assist development and invigorate economic activities; and supporting regional cooperation and integration: advancement of robust regional institutions, with a view to greater regional cooperation and integration.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed his acknowledgment to the commitment of the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) members to regional cooperative and collective action as articulated in the “Frame work for Pacific Regionalism” to realise the visions of the PIF leaders for a region of peace, harmony, security , social inclusion and prosperity.

He said the Government of Japan will continue an unwavering determination of support to Forum Island countries in areas that best reflect their needs, utilising means of Japan’s strength.

Breaking the silence, let the conversation begin

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

A global day to break the silence and build awareness will be held on Monday 28th May at the Maranatha Hall.

Menstrual hygiene day aims to bring awareness about the fundamental role that good menstrual hygiene management (MHM) plays in enabling women and girls to reach their full potential.

MH Day raises awareness of the challenges women and girls worldwide face due to their menstruation and highlights solutions that address these challenges, including through media work.

Many of those challenges faced by girls and women globally is said to be faced by our girls in the country as well.

In Solomon Islands, a study on MHM found that girls face multiple challenges from menstruation in a school setting, including lack of water and adequate ablution facilities, barriers to accessing absorbent materials, inaccurate information on menstruation and menstrual hygiene, beside cultural barriers.

The impacts of these challenges were absenteeism, feelings of shame or embarrassment and lack of concentration and reduced participation in class.

The determinants’ of these menstruation-related challenges in schools that were identified by girls and their teachers includes quality of school WASH facilities, availability of hygiene materials, access to accurate information about menstruation and support from school managers and teachers.

From the study, based on biggest barriers identified, recommendations were to improve school policies, facilities and resources available to manage menstruation at schools, give girls knowledge and skills to maintain their menstrual hygiene safely and effectively at school and to improve national policies and monitoring of MHM in schools.

“While we need to work towards targeted solutions 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,” a statement from the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) says.

Mr Ambrose Malefoasi the programme is hoped to provide a platform for greater inter-sectoral collaboration and partnerships to advance the agenda of MHM in the country.

MEHRD in partnership with UNICEF, will mark the day with an advocacy event involving government officials, NGOs, Church leaders and other practitioners to reflect on solutions and actions.

Schools soon expected to lift standards in water, sanitation and hygiene

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

Young students from Western province enjoying their new water supply.

A study on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) in Solomon Islands revealed that lack of proper WASH facilities have impacted greatly on girls. Girls are particularly vulnerable to dropping out of school partly because many are reluctant to continue their education when toilets and handwashing facilities are not private, not safe or simply not available.

When schools have proper, gender-separated facilities, an obstacle to attendance is removed. Adequate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities and MHM intervention improves the quality of education experience for both female students and teachers. Where pads and education were provided, shame, lack of confidence, insecurity and difficulty in concentrating were improved by approximately 25 percent.

Though there is no specific goal, target or indicator on MHM in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), SDG 5 speaks of gender equality whilst SDG 4 is to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all and SDG 6 is about ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

Based on one of the study’s recommendations, the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) in partnership with UNICEF will soon launch a National Standards for WASH in Schools.

MEHRD’s Under Secretary, Ambrose Malefoasi in a statement says, WASH is schools is globally recognized as a key intervention to promote children’s right to health, education and clean environment and to influence a generational change in health promotion behavior and attitudes.

“If school have access to clean and appropriate toilets, functioning handwashing facilities with soap, sufficient and safe drinking water and have developed adequate hygiene skills, they will be healthier, perform better in school and positively influence the hygiene practices among their family members and the wider community”.

The National Standards for WASH in schools will guide infrastructure and hygiene improvements across all schools of the country.

After the launch of the WASH standards, schools will start receiving this standards to improve their overall water, sanitation and hygiene status.

The National Standards for WASH in schools will be launched on June 5, 2018.

US training ship, Golden Bear hosts reception

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
PS Foreign Affairs, Peter Kenilorea Jnr & Fisheries Minister, John Maneniaru pose for a photo with an officer on board the Golden Bear.

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

A reception was held last night on board the United States Training Ship (USTS), Golden Bear.

USTS Golden Bear is currently berthing in Honiara after it arrived from Samoa on Wednesday. USTS Golden Bear is operated by the California State University Maritime Academy (CSUM) in Vallejo, California which is a four-year accredited university dedicated to education seafaring professionals for maritime careers.

Cadets from CSUM routinely participate in summer cruises in various regions aboard TS Golden Bear.

Their training on board the vessle is is to develop their leadership skills and making practical application of classroom knowledge in all areas of demanding shipboard operations, while simultaneously experiencing new cultures and building relationships throughout the global community.

Last night a number of dignitaries and diplomats attended the function hosted by Captain Harry Bolton USMS, Commanding officer on board the USTS Golden Bear.

Director Institute of Maritime Studies SINU, Starling Daefa & Deputy Head of Mission, British High Commission, Paul
Dryden & an officer on board the Golden Bear.
PS Foreign Affairs, Peter Kenilorea Jnr & Fisheries Minister, John Maneniaru pose for a photo with an officer on board
the Golden Bear.

National security policy consultation with schools

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Students from Tenaru school pictured in group photo during the consultation session on the proposed Solomon Islands National Security Policy

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

A Team from the National Security Policy Division of the Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services recently held one week consultation talks on the proposed Solomon Islands National Security Policy with selected schools in and around Honiara.

The consultations were held with staff and students from Selwyn College, Honiara High School, Betikama Adventist College, Don Bosco Technical Institute at Henderson, King George VI Secondary School and St Joseph’s Tenaru.

Led by the National Security Policy Consultant, Mr Bernard Bata’anisia, the team also comprised of Chief Immigration Officer, Mr Chris Akosawa and Foreign Relations Officer, Mr Ronny Horo.

The discussion with the staff and students are focused on the proposed National Security Policy with aim to seek views and inputs from the staff and students.

National Security Policy Consultant, Mr Bernard Bata’anisia, said the Policy is important so that the country could devise strategies and mechanisms to address many security challenges confronting Solomon Islands.

He added since independence Solomon Islands did not have a National Security Policy in place and such makes the country vulnerable to all sorts of security challenges, both internal and external including threats to national interest, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Students from Tenaru school pictured in group photo during the consultation session on the proposed Solomon Islands National Security Policy

Bata’anisia adds another important issue is how to manage and effectively coordinate our two international maritime borders with Papua New Guinea in the North bordering Western Choiseul and Malaita provinces and Vanuatu in the eastern border of Temotu province.

It is therefore important that we address these border issues security challenges in a more effective, coherent and coordinated way to ensure the country is safe and secured as well as its citizens and resources, says Bata’anisia.

Chief Immigration Officer Akosawa informed the students they need to keep Solomon Islands and its borders safe to keep an eye on who is entering the country.

He added with the proposed New National Security Policy, it would enhance work of the various Law Enforcement Agencies in carrying out their work more effectively and coordinated.

Meanwhile, Students from the various schools in the discussions raised issue of influx of foreigners and businesses entering the country and the need to properly check and monitor these so that their activities are not detrimental to the safety and wellbeing of all Solomon Islanders.

The students also supported the development of the National Security Policy to ensure a proactive and coordinated approach in addressing security issues.

Such programme is part of the National Security Policy wider Consultation with stakeholders in the country with a view of presenting the final report to Cabinet by end of October or early November 2018.

The team will also meet with provinces, the private sector as well as civil society and non- governmental organisations.                    

Maepioh tells voters to respect winning candidate

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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1
Former Western Province Premier Hon. Wayne Maepio

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO

 

WESTERN Province Premier Wayne Maepioh has appealed to voters of Gizo-Kolombangara to respect whoever is announced as the new member of parliament.

Counting begins at 7am in the Western provincial capital town.

On Wednesday, voters polled in the 12 stations around the constituency, and at 7pm stations closed, with boxes sealed to be opened for counting.

Maepioh told Island Sun Gizo yesterday preparatory jobs have been done by Returning Officers (RO), Assistance Returning Officers (ARO) and the election officials.

“I hope all registered voters cast their ballot to elect the newly MP for Gizo/Kolombangara.

“I would like to thank all the electors, supporters, public and voters to maintain peaceful voting in all polling stations within Gizo and Kolombangara Island.

“Police operations and high visibility will continue throughout the constituency and they will work with the election officials at the counting room.”

Maepioh thanked the national government and the electoral commission, the RSIPF and others who have supported and assisted in the by election.

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