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The Black Sistaz to tour Solomon Islands

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Black Sistaz Band of West Papua.

By Gary Hatigeva

AUSTRALIAN-based band of West Papua, the Black Sistaz have been confirmed to tour Solomon Islands in the middle of this year in an effort to help local organisers raise funds for victims of the natural disasters that struck parts of Papua New Guinea and in Fiji recently.

Concert organiser and promoter, and Managing Director of Treasure Islands Promotion, Henry Star Dora in an interview, explained that the intentions for inviting the band is to stage the Public Concert to raise funds towards the Earthquake Victims of PNG and Fiji, while at the same time encourage local music and musicians.

Star Dora further explained that it is important local musicians remember those in the affected regions because in our lowest in similar circumstances, their musicians also did the same for this country.

“Only that this time, we will be doing things with the help of international stars, especially with the likes of the Black Sistaz whose fan base in the country has grown enormously amongst our young people.

“The girl-band’s tour to Solomon Islands should also be a good motivator and empowerment for our young and talented women musicians to push boundaries if they want to peruse music as a career.

“If these girls can make it, why can’t we? This should be the question and motivation that arise in the minds of our girls involved in the local music industry,” the promoter stressed.

According to organisers, the venue is still to be confirmed, but are highly considering the Rugby Stadium at Town Grown, which they suggested as the most suitable venue to host both public shows.

Organisers added that confirmation on specific details regarding the event and venue will be released in the coming days, but emphasised that fans and the general public should start making pre-arrangements and plans for the concert.

Meanwhile, Star Dora called on local bands that are willing to participate in appeal Music Concerts, to contact him through 7582666/8760277 or email: [email protected]

He however revealed that they are also looking for what he described as, genuine partnership and companies in the hosting of this famous band here in Honiara.

“Upon your consideration and approval prior to our negotiations, a memorandum of understanding and agreement will be drawn up to further seal our undertakings,” Star Dora explained in his appeal.

The fascinating and Australian, (Melbourne) based popular musical sensation according to organisers will be touring on June 25 to July 2, 2018.

Influenced by the Legendary West Papuan band, The Black Brothers, whom their late Father was a lead singer and guitarist, this is the very core of who The Black Sistaz is today.

The Black Sistaz, Born into a movement, Lea, Rosa and Petra Rumwaropen, three West Papuan singers with a powerful message, standing strong for a FREE WEST PAPUA.

Upbeat Island Reggae and Soul meets traditional sounds, language and sweet harmony, the group arrived as one of the first West Papuan refugee families, and the now Australian based group musically communicates the journey of living a life in exile.

A celebration of identity, with a strong legacy to continue, their music comes a message, and with their message comes a movement.

The Black Sistaz band consist of three (3) female and five (5) male, mostly of very famous former Black Brothers, a total of 8 members.

This band has made a number of records with some other international music sensations including the Big Mountain Band and Pacific’s very own, George Telek.

Mining can be new source of growth: report

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Gary Hatigeva

WHILE it is projected that the Solomon Islands national economy will grow on an average by around three percent per year over the medium term, driven by major infrastructure investments in the road transport, telecommunications and energy sectors, sources to impact the growth are likely to reduce.

In its latest released Economic update on East Asia and the Pacific for this month, World Bank revealed that in the near term, the country’s economic growth will be supported by major infrastructure projects as logging is projected to decline.

The report, which was launched last week then projected that an impending decline of logging industry will likely significantly reduce growth and a vital source of government revenue.

But the outlook according to the report, with a currently revealed status in logging, is subjected to considerable risks, particularly from any contraction in long demand in China (being the main export destination for logs), or delays in infrastructure projects.

“With accessible logging resources expected to be fully depleted in the long run and uncertainty around the exploitation of the country’s mining potential, Solomon Islands faces the challenge of developing new sources of growth,” the Economic Report further adds.

It then suggested that the Mining has the potential to become key driver of growth in the country, but added that future developments in the mining sector hinge on the development of a legal and regulatory framework conducive to mining and clear procedures for the acquisition of land (for the exploration and exploitation).

“Such frameworks and procedures will also ultimately impact the extent to which forthcoming benefits from mining are shared across the population,” the World Bank Economic Report update adds.

Meanwhile, the report revealed that the baseline scenario highlighted in the report has assumed gold mining activity, the exploration of large nickel deposits, and sustained levels of foreign direct investment averaging 3.3 percent of GDP.

On a specific analysis of the Solomon’s Economy, the report stressed that a return to sound fiscal management in 2018, complemented by key public financial management reforms and the commencement of a tax review, could lay the foundation for additional fiscal space for spending in the social sectors, and on much—needed infrastructure investments, while rebuilding fiscal buffers over the medium-term.

It states that payment of domestic expenditure arears are expected to bring confidence and reduce delays in capital expenditures.

It adds that ongoing expenditure pressure associated with the 2019 general elections, the government’s tertiary education scholarship programme, and the hosting of the 2023 South Pacific Games pose a continued risk to medium-term fiscal consolidation.

It however pointed out that the country’s current account deficit is expected to widen to five percent GDP by end-2018, showing an increase in imports related to much needed infrastructure and energy projects, and the underlying long-run decline in logging exports.

Meanwhile, the report suggested that the Honiara consumer Price Index is expected to remain at around three percent over the medium term.

The World Bank through its report, further pointed that while the growth in developing East Asia and the Pacific is expected to remain strong in 2018, there are emerging risks to stability and therefore emphasized that sustained growth requires close attention by all nations involved.

Partnership launch of SolChoc Festival a boost for local cocoa Industry

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Gary Hatigeva

A joint partnership consisting of local and international corporations into the enhancement and development of the Cocoa Industry in Solomon Islands has launched a festival, which looks to showcase the country’s unique flavours and delicious chocolate products.

Known as the SolChoc festival, the event comes as part of a collaboration between organisers Strongim Bisnis with the national government through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA), the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), the Pacific and Horticultural Market Access Program (PHAMA), the Rural Development Program (RDP) and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).

The Solomon Islands Cocoa and Chocolate Festival (SolChoc) according to organisers, is an annual festival that comes with fun and festivity, and was established to support the local cocoa sector, through its promotions and marketing.

Organisers in a joint statement explained that the cocoa sector is one of three sectors Strongim Bisnis supports as part of efforts by the Australian Government to help Solomon Islands with its economic development and prosperity.

“This is the first year a program of public events will be offered alongside the annual cocoa competition which is very exciting,” SolChoc spokesperson and Strongim Bisnis Coconut Business Advisor, Brown Onahekeni said.

Also featured in the joint statement, CEMA’s Chief Produce Inspector, Patterson Siliota further explained that the one-week SolChoc Festival will showcase Solomon Islands cocoa to boutique and fine flavour chocolate-makers and cocoa and bulk buyers from the United Kingdom and the region.

Meanwhile, SolChoc organisers outlined that the festival will be held in Honiara from April 30 to May 5 with industry specific events in the first half of the week and events for the public held from May 3 – 6.

Organisers added that in between the course of the SolChoc festival, sideline events will also be organised with an aim to raise small funds for the initiative.

The sideline events includes an interactive Chocolate Tasting that happens on May 3, 2018, where those interested will get the chance to taste the best chocolate the Solomon Islands has to offer.

“Come and hear a master chocolatier talk through the wonderful intricacies of judging the best chocolate and listen to how our homegrown cocoa experts get judged as the nation’s best,” organisers explained.

Also comes as part of the sideline events, a Masquerade Cocktail Party (Fundraiser) will also happen, just a day after, where those interested will join an evening of fun and festivities including entertainment, canapes, cocktails, dancing and a live auction.

“Tickets for this particular side event is $600 per person”.

The other two side events includes a Fair for all family, which takes place on the 5th, and a Silver Screen Chocolate Cinema, happening on the 6th.

The Fair according to organisers, looks to have specialty chocolate and chocolate-themed foods, cocoa-themed beauty products, a live cooking demonstration, kids entertainment and a cocoa industry technology showcase.

While on the Silver Screen, organisers are encouraging families to bring their children to be part of a double feature at the Coral Sea Cinema, with films that also feature chocolates.

“Bring the kids along to see the family favourite film, Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory and back it up with the French-village set, romantic, comedy-drama, Chocolate.

“See one or both! Enjoy your movie marathon with a special chocolate cinema snack menu or chocolate cocktail and dessert special from the Coral Sea’s special SolChoc week menu,” the group further explained.

Meanwhile, the joint initiative through their statement revealed that all profits from the events will be channelled back into supporting local farmers and the cocoa sector, which is showing increasing economic promise with more than 22 percent of rural households involved in cocoa in the country and a rising global demand for chocolate.

The partnership make up includes, Strongim Bisnis, funded by the Australian Government, is collaborating with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, the Commodities Export Marketing Authority (CEMA), the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), the Pacific and Horticultural Market Access Program (PHAMA), the Rural Development Program (RDP) and the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and it is all thanks to them for bringing SolChoc to Honiara.

Fraud case moved

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

TRIAL into the case against Malia Katalake and two others will continue from July 23 to August 3 this year.

The trial was scheduled to resume this week, but since Katalake’s lawyer is busy with another case, it has been adjourned.

Principal Magistrate Tearo Beneteti set the tentative as the matter was heard by the Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea.

Ms Beneteti said she will set tentative dates but will be confirmed by the presiding magistrate therefore she adjourns the case to May 7 to confirm the trial date.

This is the case which involves corruption related offences of fraudulent falsification, false pretences and embezzlement.

The accused on the case Ms Katalake; she is a former employee of the Solomon Tropical Product and was working as a plant manager when the alleged incident occurred.

She is charged with two other co-accused, her husband Peter Rockson, 30, of Lord Howe, Malaita Outer Islands and 29-year-old Junior Morris Bolas from Choiseul.

Rockson faces four counts of receiving and soliciting while Bolas faces seven counts of receiving.

Katalake was responsible for receiving copra from local farmers, scaling and writing on receivable company document (copra inspections and payment forms) for farmers who came from the province.

The allegation said that between January 1, 2008 and June 21, 2008 Malia and Bolas made up false copra payments sheet under the ghost name Sisi David and fraudulently withdrawn a total of $152,570.80 from the company.

Police alleged Malia was the mastermind of the company scandal.

Most payments were alleged to have been done on cheques at the National Bank of Solomon Islands, now the Bank of South Pacific, and Malia and Bolas were the ones who collected and cashed the cheques at the Bank.

The matter was reported to police by the complainant, John Vollrat, who is the general manager of the Solomon Tropical Products, a company that deals with local farms by purchasing, processing and exporting of copra.

Office of the Director Public Prosecution appears for the state.

Imburano communique sets new road map for KLTF-Gov’t partnership

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The iconic Imburano mountain in Kolombangara is a conservation area which is not disturbed by Forest Plantation activities
Chair of the KDAC Sub-Committee Jimson Tanagada at the meeting

A new partnership road map between the Kolombangara Land Trust Foundation (KLTF) and the Government has been adopted in a communique signed at Imburano Eco-Lodge in the Highlands of Kolombangara last Friday.

This new partnership arrangement was sealed following consultations between the KLTF Executive and the Cabinet Sub-Committee on the Kolombangara Development Advisory Committee (KDAC) in the Prime Minister’s Office.

A KDAC team led by Chairman, Jimson Tanagada and the Permanent Secretary of Forest and Research, Vaeno Vigulu with support from the Cabinet Sub-Committee Secretariat visited Kolombangara over the weekend to consult the KLTF Executive and conducted field visits to forest plantation sites.

KLTF, incorporated under the Charitable Trust Act in 1992, represents the Kolombangara, Ghalavasa, Ngedoana, Viuru and Leanabako tribal groups.

One of the key outcomes of the Communique is a call on the Government to return all alienated lands on the island to be returned to KLTF as provided for under the Deed of Trust signed in 1992.

The parties resolved that all Perpetual Estate must be returned to the KLTF and that the Organisation shall be the only body that all Perpetual Estate shall be transferred to, and that any other Perpetual Estate that has been transferred to other parties must be rectified and transferred back to the KLTF.

3 members of the KLTF board at the meeting

Another significant outcome of the Communique is the call on the Government to transfer shares to KLTF or any corporate entity created for that purpose.

The parties resolved that 20 percent out of the 40 percent shares held by the Investment Corporation of Solomon Islands (ICSI) be transferred to the KLTF.

The Kolombangara Development Advisory Committee (KDAC) was established by Cabinet to provide advisory services to the KLTF in capacity building, strengthening of leadership, development of business arms, and strengthening of partnership with Stakeholders.

The KDAC is mandated to coordinate all government required obligations, activities, and ancillary rights to pursue outstanding issues with KFPL, customary landowners and the KLTF and with investors or shareholders of the Kolombangara Forest Products Limited.

Members of the KDAC Sub-Committee during consultations at Iburano Eco Lodge in Kolombangara last week

The KDAC also aims to address all outstanding issues of the main stakeholders that have concerns on Kolombangara Forestry Plantation activities including KFPL, landowning tribes, KLTF and shareholders of KFPL.

Improving the business environment for KFPL through such intervention as the KDAC is strongly supported by the SIDCC government.

“The final outcome of the Consultation meeting with KLTF is expected to assist Government in mapping out its activities in addressing the issues and challenges faced in developing the forest resources of Kolombangara,” said Chairman of KDAC, Mr Tanagada.

Group Photo of the KDAC Sub Committee and KLTF Executive at Iburano Eco Lodge

Tanagada informed the KLTF Executive of the Government policy in relation to KDAC and its desire to address the challenges and issues facing the forest resources in Kolombangara.

Kolombangara Island in the Western province hosts one of the largest forestry plantations in the country, with three quarters of the Island being planted with different tree species.

The consultation team constitutes KDAC members, staff of the Cabinet Sub Committee Secretariat and the Prime Minister’s Office.

–GCU

Public officers upskilled in project management

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Public officers upskilled in project management

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

Public officers upskilled in project management

PROJECT management is an area that graduates lack despite graduating with various degrees or certificates from the different tertiary institutions.

Yesterday, 30 officers from the different Government ministries received their Certificate of Attendance from USP’s Pacific TAFE, Certificate IV in Project Management.

This course provides participants with a thorough understanding of how and why projects are managed including setting project goals, planning and scheduling, risks management, HR management including business case studies for projects amongst other topics.

Speaking to Island Sun, Dr David Mapuru of Pacific TAFE says the Project management course is mainly to build the capacities of government, private organisations and NGOs in how they manage projects.

Mr Mapuru says, they have realised that project management is an area which Solomon Islands needs because in the past projects funded for by government or aid donors were often incomplete.

“Sometimes a project was not completed successfully and sometimes a project is still to be completed but finances have already dried up so these are the areas affecting our human resources because they lack the skills and technical knowledge on project management.”

Mapuru says this is not our people’s fault but the University because they fail to better prepare students for the real thing.

“This is why Pacific TAFE came in to bridge this gap to upskill our workforce because it is important for our country.”

Mapuru says for Solomon Islands, Pacific TAFE is trying build skills base capacities mainly in community leadership, community development, ethics in public sector, good governance, project management, procurement and logistics management including events management and protocols.

“These are the areas which the university hadn’t tapped into but they are the practical skills needed in a workplace.”

Meanwhile, speaking to Island Sun, a number of the participants gave their commendation on the course and how it had been an eye opener for them. They say having gone through this course had enabled them to understand how projects work and the importance of planning, budgeting and having a business case to work from. The course participants say this course helps them to identify that in each planning in the work place, there should be a goal and how can they achieve this goal. At the same time, they recommend that senior government officers and directors should also attend this training.

“They are the ones involved in planning so if it is possible, they should be attending this training as well.”

At the same time Permanent Secretary (PS) of MDPAC, Shadrack Fanega says it is enlightening to see a number of public officers from the various ministries undertaking this course.

He revealed that in 2017 MDPAC had released two reports on project management and the findings of the reports had been mixed. He said limited progress had been made and progress had been unsatisfactory.

“Nonetheless there is gradual improvement with regards to people’s submissions to MDPAC.”

The project management training is seen as providing a step closer to achieving the vision of the government’s National Development Strategies (NDS) and the implementation of its strategies.

The course module was carried out by Roger Goodman of USP Pacific TAFE with the assistance of Steven Amasia from IPAM.

The course for the public servants is co-funded by SIG with funding support from the European Union (EU).

Taiwan expands solar street lights to outer Marshall Islands

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, quoting Radio New Zealand International – April 16, 2018; Taiwan is extending a solar streetlight program to remote outer atolls of the Marshall Islands.

“The Taiwan Ambassador to the Marshall Islands, Daniel Tang handed over 100 solar streetlights, 66 batteries and $US20,000 to support the installation costs earlier this month.

“Through the National Energy Planning Division of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Commerce, the Marshall Islands government received the aid from Taiwan.

“The Marshall Islands has maintained diplomatic ties with Taiwan since 1998.

“This latest donation of solar streetlights aims to provide lighting to communities in the outer islands.

“The goal is to get local governments to use the government’s Outer Island Economic Development fund to purchase solar streetlights with the the ones donated by Taiwan to be used to match the purchases by up to 10 per atoll.

“Taiwan has donated hundreds of solar powered streetlights that are in operation in the urban centers of Majuro and Ebeye.

“The new batteries included in the latest donation would replace batteries for the existing solar streetlights in Majuro.” Copyright : RNZI 2018   (All Rights Reserved)

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

Media awareness training for the RSIPF

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, I was very pleased to read on Monday, April 16, 2018, that the Provincial Police Commander (PPC), Choiseul Province, Superintendent Cedor Nevol said the Media Awareness Training conducted at the Taro Police Station earlier this month would enable her officers to make more use of the power of the media to spread information to the people in the Province and rest of the country about the work of the police.

Superintendent Nevol was also quoted in the paper has having said:

“We are so privileged to be given this opportunity to learn about how we police officers can use the media to spread information and key messages about the work of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) but more specifically the activities of the police in Choiseul Province,” says PPC Nevol.

Superintendent Nevol adds: “If we the police want our communities to have confidence in us, we must be transparent about our work and one of the ways we can do this is using the media including newspapers, radio and now the social media which is accessible by our people.”

Twenty one years ago as the Commissioner of Police in the Solomon Islands when I first implemented a policy of issuing regular police media reports I was heavily criticised for doing so by certain elements of the community.

In my subsequent book ‘Policing a Clash of Cultures,’ which I wrote after leaving the Solomon Islands at the end of my two year contract in July 1999, I recorded these observations of that unwarranted and unfounded criticism.

“Policing a Clash of Cultures Part 18: The Media Relations Connection

“Excerpt from my memoirs.

“Something of a ‘first’ for police – media relations in the Solomon Islands – deciding to make forming a Police Public Relations Office (PPRO) a priority.

“The relationship between the media and the police is a tricky one; yet the objectives are the same – to inform the populace of events in an unbiased manner.

“The media is in the business of selling news and the police are in the business of protecting the public who get some of their knowledge about events which concern them, by reading the news. Reports are not interesting reading – sensationalism is interesting reading. Therefore the media do tend to play with words.

“Unfortunately certain members of the ‘international’ news media seemed to have their own agenda and deliberately produced false and misleading stories – stories indeed! Frankly the ‘local’ Islands media were much more honest in my opinion.

“I defined my position to local media representatives by telling them that my broad aims were to assist in providing information on police policies and procedures, in order to promote good public relations with all sections of the community.

“I explained that unnecessary secrecy about police work could be damaging and that the police must display openness and frankness in their dealings with the press. I also added that I considered the admission of a mistake could often evoke sympathetic understanding, but any defensive evasion could only heighten suspicion.

“I explained that it was my intention to eventually, have trained police officers handle press enquiries and to issue releases. However our situation, as they well knew, would make physical progress in this area somewhat slow. However my phone line was still operational both ways.

“While one had the determination to see a PPRO eventuate, one was handicapped from the start by not having even the basic equipment to get the project off the ground.

“One felt it vitally important to make a start and here I began by issuing regular press releases which I typed out myself on an old portable typewriter.

“Finally a computer was acquired; office equipment repaired, such as the copying machine, fax and printer. One was now able to work more effectively and efficiently.

“It was always my desire to ensure the PPRO fulfilled the aims and objectives of police policy, including guidance to police officers, but also to ensure the public would see that our ‘image’ was backed up, acted out and enhanced by the workforce.

“It was regrettable to me that one local parliamentarian in particular, and certain others took the view that by informing the public of what was happening in the police, I was ‘attention grabbing.’ One wonders why they failed to see the wider picture, or were they somewhat perturbed by this new police openness?”

It is therefore heartening, today, to see the RSIPF media savvy and fulfilling their vitally important public relations function with, seemingly, support from the community in doing so.

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

Rubbish in Honiara

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, as a concerned citizen I urge the Honiara City Council to address the issues of proper disposal of rubbish in the Honiara City.

Walking in and around Honiara, you would see that our town doesn’t give a good impression when there’s rubbish lying everywhere.

People have the attitude of littering and not properly disposing of rubbish in the right place.

For example last year I was walking along the walk path outside the United Church area and someone just threw a coconut fruit out of a bus.

Imposing fines should be strengthened and implemented so that people are mindful of where they are disposing there rubbish.

I want to urge Honiara city council to put more rubbish bins along the roads so that people can properly dispose there rubbish.

I also urge good citizens and people living in Honiara to dispose our rubbish in the proper place so that our town can be a clean town and will give a good impression to our visiting friend.

Velisia Lehe

USP SI Campus

Defining violence against women in terms of human rights

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR EDITOR, speaking in Honiara in March on the occasion of Women’s Day, Casper Fa’sala, the Acting General Secretary of the National Council of Women, said to his audience (quote)

“Let me remind all of us again that this International Women’s Day is a reminder that gender equality is a basic human right for all women and girls to enjoy their full legal equality of opportunity and have the same life prospects as their male counterparts.”

“Solomon Islands as a State must do everything possible to ensure that the dignity of our women is never trampled upon but translate our statements and good intentions into concrete actions for the betterment of our women who represents almost half of our Solomon Islands’ population.”

I am mindful at the time of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; violence against women was recognised as a violation of their human rights, but several decades on the international community is still coming to terms in tackling the problem of physical violence and effective enforcement by bringing to bear the human rights framework on women’s private experiences.

Violence against women, and clearly evident in the Solomon Islands context, is linked to the historical inequality between men and women.

It has been argued that removing the political, economic and cultural structures which oppress women is the main way to eradicate male violence.

The SINCW gives voice for women to articulate experiences of violence and I would urge the organization to continue to define violence in all forms against women in terms of human rights. By so doing, the level of expectation about what can and should be done makes the state and civil society more accountable; the problem will then be seen as a legitimate public policy.

Thinking in terms of human rights will encourage a buildup of energy through major campaigns by local women’s organizations such as the SINCW and could lead to better systematic policies to criminalize gender violence, and to empower women seeking remedies.

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

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