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Auki Y@W provides training in Foia community

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Auki Y@W provides training in Foia community

FIFTY-THREE young people from selected villages in Malaita had the privilege to be in a training under the Auki Youth@Work programme starting this week.

They are from Sulufou and Foia in North and Foumamanu in east Malaita who came to attend the two week training in Foia village.

It is an introductory training which will lead up to a young entrepreneur’s training facilitated by the Youth@Work programme.

The small informal opening was graced the Provincial Minister of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Hon Rose Liata.

Speaking to the youth during the ceremony, Ms Liata encouraged them to be prepared in becoming assets of their societies.

She further assured them that the Malaita provincial government has provided in its policy a framework to enhance the provisions for youth training and development therefore they should not think they are being left out.

During ceremony there was a section for questions and answers which gave the chance for participants to ask directly about the types of services available for them whether within the government or through other organisations such as Youth@Work.

The training was aimed at getting these young people to become self-aware of the potentials which they possess, issues that affect them and the roles they are responsible for in their families and their communities.

Specifically focused on the youth mindset development and their surrounding environment and become aware of issues like the Non-Communicable Diseases, Climate Change and the effects of a growing population which proves to put pressure on their available resources.

Speaking to the Youth@Work Provincial Coordinator Mr Hika Gone, he shared his enthusiasm and explains further what the training has contributed to in the lives of the young individuals.

“I understand it is very important for young people to know who they are individually or as a team, in that way they can utilize their potential for the better of their family and society.

“Through observation for the past few days, they have embraced the opportunity and in their time spending it together it has brought down some indifferences which they harbor in the past and this is one of the things we are proud to witness.”

Mr Gone said that most of the participants and the leaders in the community has showed positive response and have expressed their gratitude towards the initiative that was introduced to them.

He concluded by saying, that most of the participants have found the training to be an eye opener.

Among the dignitaries and facilitators Youth@Work thanks the support of Olafou Solomon Islands, the provincial youth division and other ministries who have attended and facilitated.

Youth@Work programme is implemented by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community in partnership with Solomon Islands Ministry of National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation, the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs with funding from the Queens Young Leaders Programme (UK), the Australian Government Aid Programme, the Pacific Leadership Programme and Plan International. Youth@Work is an initiative to tackle youth unemployment in Solomon Islands and to help youth of the Solomon Islands find pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.

–YOUTH@WORK PRESS

Forest fraud

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Logs

Illegal logging of government land at Komaridi costs government $30m in lost revenue

BY ALFRED SASAKO

AN investigation by the Island Sun newspaper has uncovered a major fraud in the logging industry, linking the Commissioner of Forest, Reeves Moveni and the landowners of a 5,560 hectare tract of land reserved for the development of the Komaridi Hydro scheme in east Guadalcanal.

The Government has abandoned the project but the land is still on a 75-year lease to the Government.

Landowners have however been logging it, raking in about $64 million in revenue under a felling licence granted by Mr Moveni, allegedly knowingly for the land already on lease to the Government.

Sources told Island Sun that this is a major fraud, and those responsible should be arrested and charged for defrauding the Government.

“This is costing the Government up to $30 million in lost revenue since Mbetilonga Land Holdings Group Community Company Ltd and One Pacific Company Ltd signed a five-year deal to log the reserve.

“Those who facilitated the illegal logging deal should be investigated with a view to charging them for being part of the scheme to defraud the Government,” one source knowledgeable about the logging industry told Island Sun on the weekend.

Documents obtained by Island Sun show Moveni has signed off Parcel Numbers 191-060-1, 191-060-2 and 191-060-3 for the logging operations. The Map of the Reserve shows these Parcel Numbers are the same numbers for the catchment area, over which the Government has a 75-year lease in force since December 2, 1980.

The government is paying $500,000 in rentals for the three parcels, according to the Lease Register documents obtained from the Honiara Land Registry.

These documents show Moveni granted Felling Licence No. A101521 to Mbetilonga Land Holdings Group Community Company Ltd on April 24, 2015. Under the licence, the company is given an annual production quota of 50,000 cubic metres – 40, 000 cubic metres for export annually and an additional 10,000 cubic metres of sawn timber, the documents show.

The company has since entered into a “Mutual Technology and Management Agreement” with an Asian company called One Pacific Company Ltd.

Many suspect the Asian company is a shelf company, established for the convenience of accessing the rich forest resources in the reserve, owned by the Government.

It is estimated that the reserve still has about 400,000 cubic metres to be harvested.

One Pacific Company Ltd has been logging the reserve since it signed a five-year agreement with Mbetilonga Land Holdings Group Community Company Ltd on April 23, 2015.

The five-year agreement expires on April 24, 2020.

Mbetilonga Land Holdings Group Community Company Ltd and One Pacific Company Ltd share the proceeds of sale of round logs extracted from the operation.

A Malaysian-owned company, Gallego, owns the machinery used in the illegal felling of trees on the government land. The company uses its logo pond at Tenaru Beach, east of Honiara, to smuggle the illegal logs from the logging site, using its joint venture operation under Mbahumea logging company.

It is estimated that Mbetilonga Land Holdings Group Community Company Ltd received $63,751,172.76 since shipments began on November 24, 2015, according to shipment log obtained by Island Sun.

In terms of volume, some 65, 698.631 cubic metres of round logs were exported between November 24, 2015 and October 4 last year. In that time the company paid about $15 million in export duties.

The money should have been going to government coffers given it is the legal custodian of Parcel No. 191-060-01, 191-060-02 and 191-060-03 under the lease agreement. Mbetilonga Land Holdings Group Community Company Ltd, has however claimed it has not received any rental payments for quite some time and is engaged in the logging operations to recover what it is owed.

Island Sun was unable to contact Mr Moveni for comments.

EU pulls out

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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EU

European Union withdraws from Solomon Islands

 

By Alfred Sasako

THE European Union, one of the nation’s major multi-lateral aid donors, is pulling out of Solomon Islands – literally – after more than three decades here.

It is heading to Fiji.

No official reason was given for the pull-out and a phone call requesting an interview two days ago was never returned. It is advertising the sale of its large office and residential compound at Lengakiki in suburban Honiara.

The Delegation of the European Commission was first established in Honiara in 1981with a mission to look after both Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. It followed the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty on December 1, 2009, and the instatement of an EU Ambassador to Solomon Islands and Vanuatu resident in Honiara. It is one of more than 130 EU Delegations around the world. It has the status of a diplomatic mission and officially represents the European Union in Solomon Islands and in Vanuatu.

Its mandate includes:

  • Developing and maintaining good and effective contacts with the national, regional, local authorities and administrations, representatives of the business community, EU Member States’ Embassies, third countries’ Embassies as well as with international and regional organizations/institutions;
  • Establishing a close dialogue with the authorities and other stakeholders (civil society organisations, local media) on economic, social, governance, human rights and other policy issues;
  • Stating and explaining the European Union position to the national authorities and to local Member States Representatives; and
  • Supporting the preparation and implementation of the development cooperation programs financed by the EU.

At the time, the then Ambassador said the European Union’s bilateral relations with the Pacific states of Solomon Islands and Vanuatu have developed significantly over the years and continue to grow in scope and strength.

On August 1, 2014, the EU Delegation to Solomon Islands, previously dependent on the EU Delegation to Papua New Guinea, was upgraded to a fully-fledged Delegation. It now also covers relations with Vanuatu.

“It is my aim as EU Ambassador, Head of the Delegation based in Honiara, to help strengthen and deepen even further relations with the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. Together with my team, we are working closely with local stakeholders in the two countries, both state and non-state actors, as well as with other international partners.

“Our goal is to help bring about stability, reduce poverty, while supporting democracy, good governance and human rights. Experience has shown that working on both these angles is indispensable for achieving sustainable and inclusive political, social and economic progress,” the ambassador said..

In the 37 years since its inception, the EU Office funded the following projects in Solomon Islands

  • Protecting children from sexual exploitation and sexual abuse through empowerment and cooperation between November 2015 and November 2017
  • Total Cost of the Project: EURO 667736.49 €
  • Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP) from July 2013 and November 2016
  • Total Cost: EURO 7136900.00 €
  • SICCI Business Development Initiative (March 2013 – February 2016)
  • Total Cost: EURO 249546.11 €
  • Electoral law reform, political parties systems reform and legal reform to improve women participation in political life (Sept 2015 – Jan 2017)
  • Total Cost: EURO 208890.00 €
  • Building Human Development: Improving WASH in Solomon Islands (Sept 2011-Sept 2016)
  • Total Cost: EURO 2570087.00 €
  • Building grassroots democracy in rural and vulnerable areas of the Solomon Islands (April 2010-Dec 2013)
  • Total Cost: EURO 127630.00
  • Sector reform for rural WASH (Budget Support) (Feb 2015 – July 2019)
  • Total Cost: EURO 13000000.00 €
  • Strongim Mere: Promoting Women’s Political Participation and Representation in the Solomon Islands (Jan 2014 – Dec2015)
  • Total Cost: EURO 355947.27 €
  • Strengthening NGO Effectiveness in Solomon Islands (March 2013-Feb 2016)
  • Total Cost: EURO 212746.67 €
  • Empowering Civil Society to promote gender equality and combat gender discrimination in the Solomon Islands (April 2012 – March 2015)
  • Total Cost: EURO 315789.00

While nothing may substantially change in bilateral relations between Solomon Islands and the EU, its relocation to Fiji is likely to impact on the time it takes to get approval for funding.

Western province marks International Women’s Day in Gizo

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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From left Western Province Women’s Desk Officer Mrs Lisi Wong, Hon Malloney Lopoto, UN Women Market for Change Solomon Islands Market for Change National Project Coordinator Collin Potakana, and Mrs Rendy Solomon cutting the cake to mark the International Women’s Day with the theme ‘Press for progress towards gender equality’

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

HUNDREDS of women from different schools, NGOs, churches, business houses, private sectors and women from rural area celebrated International Women’s Day yesterday in Gizo, Western province.

The theme for this year’s event is ‘Press for progress towards gender equality’.

Guest of honour Western province Deputy Premier Hon Malloney Lopoto highlighted that the occasion is celebrated internationally on the 8th day of March each year.

He said it is a time to reflect on the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.

“This annual event celebrates women’s unity, cooperation progress achievements and pushes forward towards gender equality.

“This day brings together global government, Women’s Organization, NGOs, stakeholders, churches, community partners and other stakeholders under the banner of International Women’s Day.

“This day itself will be marked by the talks, the activities, the programme, performances, rallies, connections and networking among women as the theme reflecting it states that women should be allowed to progress and advance in all their efforts.

Acknowledgement was rendered to participating women from NGOs, churches and communities within Gizo, Vella la Vella, Simbo, Ranonga and as far as from Marovo, Roviana, Vonavona lagoon and Shortland Islands.

During the celebration, Gizo’s Chief Health Inspector, Mrs Rendy Solomon also highlighted some challenges faced by women throughout the past years.

Deputy High Commissioner of Australia, Michael Hassett, and UN Women Market for Change Solomon Islands Market for Change National Project Coordinator Collin Potakana also acknowledged and appreciated women who participated in the celebrations.

Distinguished guests who witnessed and participated in the opening ceremony include the Deputy High Commissioner of Australia Michael Hassett and delegates, UN Women Market for Change Solomon Islands Market for Change National Project Coordinator Collin Potakana, Western Province Secretary Jeffrey Wickham, Western Province Police Commander Mathias Lenialu, Branch Manager NPF, Gizo Correctional Centre Officer and community based NGOs and other stakeholders.

See more pictures of the event on our facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pg/theIslandSunNews/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1914032398927276

From left Western Province Women’s Desk Officer Mrs Lisi Wong, Hon Malloney Lopoto, UN Women Market for Change Solomon Islands Market for Change National Project Coordinator Collin Potakana, and Mrs Rendy Solomon cutting the cake to mark the International Women’s Day with the theme ‘Press for progress towards gender equality’

Sentence done on 2015 killing

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY GEORGE MANFORD

AUKI

SENTENCING has been done by the Auki magistrate court on the case of the killing at Ofega village near Okwala in the central highlands of Malaita province in 2015.

The court decided yesterday that the accused, Johnson Tua, had murdered his own brother after an argument between them one morning in January 2015.

The victim, late Frank Ora, had approached his younger brother, Mr Tua, asking him for nails to repair his pig fence, when the argument began.

Prosecution said that Tua, who was in possession of a bush knife, used it cut the left side of the deceased’s neck which resulted in instant death.

The court heard that Tua then dragged the deceased’s body to the outskirts of the village and left it there.

He then went and turned himself over to the Auki police that same day, confessing to killing his own brother.

He has since then been reprimanded in the Auki correctional centre for his safety.

Tua is sentenced to life imprisonment.

Justice Leonard Maena presided the case, prosecutor Serepu represented the State while the defendant was represented Nigel Galo from the public solicitors office in Auki.

Vonunu solar hybrid project land consultation ends

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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A brief Solar Hybrid project land consultation held at Vonunu on Wednesday. Photo by Tim Bula.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

A solar hybrid project land consultation has ended successfully at Vonunu village, South Vella la Vella Island in Western province.

A team from Solomon Power visited Vonunu and held talks on the solar hybrid project on Wednesday with leaders from the Bilua region of Vella la Vella.

Former Principal of Vonunu Secondary School Tim Bula said yesterday that the project started two years ago when he approached the branch manager of SIEA in Gizo for advice on power generation at the school.

Mr Bula said he suggested a better approach to powering not only the school but the surrounding communities as well through the solar hybrid system.

“This idea was widely circulated locally and a high powered delegation led by the Deputy GM/Chief Engineer, Mr Martin Sam came for the first briefing in 2016.

“Several meetings and visits followed and data was collected and processed to see if it was viable to install one such energy scheme here.

“It was considered viable after compilation of data and Vonunu Project was submitted to the Solomon Power Board,” said Bula.

He said the proposed site is situated on the northern end of Barokoma airstrip, around Puarizae area. The land belongs to the UCSI which has the FTE title.

Bula explained that the Church has allowed local people to reside in blocks of land not currently used by the Church.

He said when consent is given to Solomon Power to survey the place, people who have properties within the land will be compensated.

He explained that engineers of Solomon Power have carried out different tests and have decided to install a system that can generate voltage of 11,000V instead of the normal 415 as in the case of Taro, Sasamungga, Seghe and other rural installations throughout the country.

He said the VSHP when operational will be the same capacity as Gizo, Noro and parts of Honiara.

He said this means is the power grid can be extended to Lambulambu in the north, Supato in the west and Sambora in the south.

Bula said the first phase will only cover Vonunu to Barokoma under donor funding. Beyond Vonunu and Barokoma will be the sole responsibility of Solomon Power to run the mains to other villages under its own budget.

He said that if all goes well with land acquisition and the land agreement is signed between UCSI and Solomon Power with the instrument to lands department, the whole project will take at least a year to reach operational status.

HCC called to provide more bins

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

A concerned citizen is calling on Honiara City Council (HCC) to consider the provision of more garbage bins along the streets of Honiara.

Mr Timothy Sulega of Malaita province expressed utter dismay over the town’s careless display of rubbish.

He stressed that the top reason for this eye sore of a situation is the habit or attitude of people have in disposing their rubbish wherever and however they please around the town.

On the other hand, Mr Sulega explained that one way of trying to address this matter is for HCC to provide more garbage bins, situated at least 20m in distance of the next or so to encourage the public to throw rubbish in the bins rather than on the ground.

In relation, he added that they should also carry out awareness programs in schools and communities to strengthen the importance of proper rubbish disposal whilst encouraging people to change the habit of carelessness when it comes to getting rid of rubbish.

Sulega also suggested that parents in rural communities educate their children about where and where not to dispose rubbish so that when they travel to the capital, they maintain that same habit of throwing trash in the right disposal area.

He again calls on the responsible authorities of HCC to provide more garbage bins along areas in the capital.

Gizo market for change happy with celebration

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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A group of Gizo market for change members.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

A group of Gizo market for change members.

GIZO market for change women have expressed happiness with the International Women’s Day celebration held in Gizo, Western Province yesterday.

National project coordinator Collin Potakana said UN Women through its various programmes has worked very closely with the national government, provincial government and key stakeholders to ensure women are included in decision making.

“Market for Change Project, International Women’s Day, is a time for our market venders, majority of whom are women to celebrate and reflect on the progress made in having our voices heard in the market place.

“Through the project our women have learn much about leadership and agriculture skills, financial literacy and more.

“We continue to develop these skills and use them to ensure women are included in decisions being made about our workplace, our market place where we conduct our business.

“Although there is much to celebrate the International Women’s Day, this is also a day to reflect and to recognise that we have long journey ahead to realise empowerment, safety and equality for women in Solomon Islands,” said Potakana.

Potakana thanks the Western province’s women’s development division for supporting initiatives to help women in the province.

Bilua leaders support solar hybrid project

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

Vonunu Solar Hybrid project land consultation is fully supported by all leaders of Bilua in South Vella la Vella Island in Western Province.

“This will improve our way of living while at the same time fulfilling the government’s millennium goal of energising the whole country by 2050,” they say.

A Mr Tim Bula said this is a golden opportunity to shine and be counted as one place that has received safe, reliable and affordable energy.

He said the beauty of this project is that it is not politically driven, ‘it is the Government directing Solomon Power to fully energise the country’.

“I would like to call on the people of vella la Vella Island that this is tangible development coming to our shores.

“Two lights and power point used wisely will cost around $50 per month and 120 dry coconuts dried over cooking areas of our kitchens and selling it at our many local buyers at current price ($2.80/kg).

“Now we are half way there. Members have written so many things about development of our island but some developments have taken shape quietly.”

Tuki applauds Australian gov’t for support

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Milton Ragaruma
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

MINISTER of Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs (MWYCF) Hon Frida Tuki Soriocomua has applauded the Australian government for supporting many of the country’s programmes for women, children and youth.

She voiced this at the International Women’s Day celebration in Honiara yesterday.

She said the support rendered by the Australian government was evidence through the legislation of keeping women and girls of Solomon Islands safe and protected, support through economic empowerment of our women in both the formal and informal sectors.

Also support towards education for promoting gender equity in scholarship awards and of its many technical assistance and advisory to the MWYCFA, especially the women development division.

She highlights that the national government values Australia’s support very much.

“Hence I thank the government of Australia for support towards many of our programs for women, children and youth,” Tuki said.

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