Home Blog Page 1598

SI Postal Corporation launches Postpay

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

SOLOMON Islands Postal Corporation’s long struggle to change the way it has been delivering services to the country has been answered.

Yesterday, Chief Financial Officer of bibimoney, Ms Debbie Thomas and Chairman of Solomon Islands Postal Corporation, Mr Robert Bokelema took part in a signing ceremony at the Heritage Park Hotel to launch the local postal corporation’s new mobile wallet service, called “PostPay”.

The local postal corporation’s deputy CEO, Mr Alfred Ghemu in his address highlighted that they have been searching for a way to re-invent their role across the islands noting that the post office has found it difficult to adapt to change.

He added that mail delivery has been in decline and the onset of email and mobile phones have changed the way people stay connected.

Moreover, Ghemu stated that the cost of maintaining infrastructure and services to the country has also become very expensive.

“The post needs to offer new services to the people of Solomon Islands. We need to support women, youth and our rural population. We cannot just be focused on the major towns, we must try and include everyone.

“Our search came to an end last year when we contracted a UK FIN-TECH company to help us launch a fully interoperable Solomon Post mobile wallet service. It will be called PostPay,” he said.

Ghemu mentioned that although mobile money has been set on trial before in the Pacific with varying results, it was never tried at a national level with a product that is fully interoperable.

He explained that the PostPay wallet will be applicable on any phone and any network without affecting the consumer’s current mobile provider’s services.

Ghemu further stated that PostPay will give people access to a full range of financial services such as; withdrawing cash, transferring goods, buying goods, transferring money, international payments, bill payments and micro loans and savings.

Provincial school libraries go empty

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0
Japanese volunteer, Mr Hirofuni Masui

By Mike Puia

SCHOOL libraries in the provinces are becoming boring these days. Most children don’t go there and read up books.

This is an observation made by a Japanese volunteer, Mr Hirofuni Masui.

Hirofuni said people in the provinces, especially school children, are not used to libraries saying this is “a problem”.

“Libraries are less attractive to students. I found out in some libraries, some books are never been looked up for years,” Masui said.

Hirofuni, who arrived in the country in 2016 under the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) volunteer programme, has left to his home country yesterday.

Hirofuni spends most of his time in Buala, the provincial center of Isabel Province, supporting the Isabel Provincial Education Authority.

Since arrival, he has been visiting schools in Isabel, Malaita, Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Makira, Western and Honiara introducing the reading promotion on literacy programme.

Hirofuni uses a game call ‘bibliobattle’ to get school children visit libraries to read up books and understand the story in preparation for presentation and voting. The one who answer most question from colleagues and get more votes is the winner and is named a ‘bibliobattle champion’. In some schools, teachers offer prizes to bibliobattle champions.

He said the program he delivered is showing good results in participating schools.

“I have taught the game in most schools in the country like a hundred times,” Hirofuni, a bibliobattle champion back in Japan, said.

As part of his programme, he also sourced reading books for schools that lacks reading books.

Hirofuni said he is happy that some schools children have picked up the game and are now spending time in the library.

A mobile wallet that faciliates Domestic and International Services

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0
Bibimoney Chief Financial Officer, Ms Debbie shake hands with SI Postal Corporation’s chairman, Mr Robert Bokelema to mark signing as DPM and Finance Minister, Hon Sogavare looks on.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

THE growing problem for financial institutions is finding strategies to tackle issues like capturing the unbanked market, leveraging technology and providing new services to existing customers.

This is according to Bibimoney’s 2017 report that highlights the stressing issues behind banking services and how Bibimoney solves these barriers.

Bibimoney states that since billions of people are either unbanked or underbanked, this gives banks a huge opportunity to utilize new technology that will attract customers cost effectively while creating financial inclusion.

In relation, the second factor, “leverage technology”, the report mentions that in order to in order to increase market share, profits and shareholder value, existing banks need to tap into emerging technology.

The last problem for financial institutions expressed by Bibimoney is the provision of new services to cater to existing customers of which noted is the statement that in emerging markets customers are often young and dissatisfied with existing services.

Henceforth, in response to the above issues, the report expressed that Bibimoney resolves these issues by providing a 24 hour convenient low cost access to financial services, providing access to bill and salary payments, airtime top ups, domestic money transfers, micro-finance and insurance services, providing basic banking services to the unbanked and providing access to fast low cost remittance corridors.

Additional issues pose by the report include the lack of interoperability, apps only work effectively on smart phones, does not link from one country to the next and it often requires senders and recipients to have a bank account.

In regards to the above, Bibimoney has removed these barriers by being a fully patented SIM-Skin solution and mobile wallet that is simple to install, suitable for any type of phone, fast and secure using 256 bit encryption, scalable to partner’s needs, compatible with any mobile phone network without requiring a partnership with any mobile operator, and facilitates viral customer growth domestically and internationally.

Furthermore, in terms of remittances, Bibimoney’s service is interoperable hence, allowing both sender and receiver use the service without having to use the same mobile network, it works on any type of phone, internet or data connectivity is not required, it is inclusive to the unbanked and underbanked, reduces the cost of remitting funds internationally, efficient in cashing out funds through an agent network and is an instant transfer, descriptively, Western Union in seconds.

“The SIM-Skin is simple to use, advanced, patented technology. You do not need the skin to receive the money, but you do to use it so the recipient becomes as wallet customer locally,” said the 2017 bibimoney report.

Contractors affected by cash-flow syndrome

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

BY ALICE NANTARA

THE working relationship between contractors and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) is again under strain due to the cash-flow problem of the country.

Few contractors who plead anonymity said that this dilemma that the government keeps facing approaching the final months of any given year is starting to get on their nerves.

“We rallied up all our effort and resources to get the contract and meet our end of the bargain only to be told that the government is currently going through a difficult financial crisis right now so the cheque will be delayed.

“All the requirements and the time frame allocated for each project we manage to comply with, get the job done and what did we receive in return?

“Talk of cash-flow issue is what we get in return and then payments are delayed and got carried forward into another year.”

Another individual hinted that the government should really look into the all too common cash-flow issue and settle it once and for all.

According to this person’s understanding, the lack of businesses investing here in our country is the sure cause of the ongoing ‘cash-flow crisis’.

“We deal with the lack of investment in Solomon Islands first and everything else will fall into place straight after.

“Personally I think that one way of strengthening our currency and ensuring this country does not get caught in the habit of having money troubles is to encourage operating businesses to invest here in the country.”

This continuing cash-flow issue has put contractors and MID personnel at an uncomfortable space.

One contractor sadly voiced that the waiting game has seriously taken a toll on his family and construction team and he just hopes that the government pays up ASAP.

Meanwhile an MID worker said that they understand the frustration contractors are going through but at the moment there is not much that can be done except wait for the government.

Young men arrested for unlawful wounding in Malaita

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

POLICE in Malu’u, in North Malaita have arrested two male suspects following a fight at Adau Village, East Mbaelelea, in Malaita Province on January 8, 2018.

The two accused, aged 22 and 24, were arrested on January 9, 2018 and were both charged for unlawful wounding.

“It is being alleged that a fight broke out and the two accused allegedly wounded the victim with a bush knife during which he sustained serious injuries,” says Provincial Police Commander, Malaita Province, Superintendent Timothy Apaesi.

“The victim is still admitted at the Malu’u Health Clinic and still receiving medical treatment.

“This is a serious matter and I call on both parties not to take the law into their hands but let the police do their duty. I also call on anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist police in our investigations.”

The two accused have been charged for unlawful wounding and were released on principal bail to appear in court on January 29, 2018.

–POLICE MEDIA

Gap in govt payment affects road project: Bartlett

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0
Hatanga Managing Director Mr Jay Bartlett

BY ALICE NANTARA

Hatanga Managing Director Mr Jay Bartlett

HATANGA Ltd has confirmed to the paper that government still owes the company a sizeable amount of SBD currency.

According to the information shared by Hatanga Managing Director, it’s extremely difficult to work and keep continuing while not getting paid.

Mr Jay Bartlett said that his company has offered the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) all the relevant notices to inform them of the company’s intention to terminate and demobilise.

Hatanga Ltd has given the government ample time and opportunity to rectify the unfortunate situation to a point whereby the businessman realised the only wise decision is to halt the North Malaita Road Project (NMRP) and terminate the existing legal contract they have with MID.

The contract was terminated due to Government defaulting on the payment terms within the contract, says Bartlett.

The last time that the company received any form of down payment from the government was in December 2016 and the latter months between March 2017 to November 2017 has been confirmed SIG’s due.

Acting Permanent Secretary of MID also reaffirmed that it is the right of the contractor to terminate a contract under provisions of the contract if the employer does not fulfil part of its obligation.

Mr Jimmy Nuake also added that the employer did put in an effort to settle outstanding payments on time but unfortunately it did not workout has planned so now a new contract will have to be procured in order to ensure continuation of the NMRP.

According to the PS (Ag) the North Malaita Road Project is definitely part of 2018’s work plan.

USP offers degree courses for form 6 and 7 students

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

BY BEN BILUA

THE Acting Director of University of the South Pacific, Solomon Islands Campus says the university is now offering degree courses for forms six and seven.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday Mrs Patricia Rodie said staffs at the University are available to assist students who are interested to sign up for the courses.

“We are currently offering pre-degree as well as undergraduate courses and postgraduate courses for form 6 and 7 students.

“My team of staff who are currently engaging on the road show will be giving out more information about the courses,” she said.

Rodie also said that the College of Foundation Studies are now teaming up with USP Pacific TAFE and the partnership provides an avenue for students to climb the levels to degree levels.

She said USP will continue to strive for excellence in its courses on offer throughout the region.

Rodie adds that the University continues to showcase the quality and relevance of its programmes through its efforts to accredit all its courses and programmes to be recognised internationally.

She stressed that USP has achieved 18 international accreditations and four recognised programmes.

“This means USP graduates obtain qualification that are not recognised only in the region but internationally,” Rodie said.

She highlights that accreditation of USP’s accreditations are comparable to other universities in the world and this will gives students the confident to appreciate their achievements.

Rodie said USP has produced lots of achievements since its establishment with more to offer in the present and future generations.

HCC refute making bus license profit

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

Honiara City Council (HCC) Mayor Hon Andrew Mua refutes accusation from the public saying that HCC is only raising profit from bus licences following the new routes enforced.

The HCC Mayor expressed that he is shocked to hear of such.

What are we raising business profit for? I know nothing of such doing,” said Hon Mua.

“Our business license fee is $1000 and there is nothing else being added on top in terms of costs charged.”

He explained that the current bus business licence fee is regulated in accordance to ordinance being carried forward from previous years.

Meanwhile, HCC has now enforced the new bus routes for Honiara Town since Monday this week.

Campus to celebrate USP’s half century

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

BY BEN BILUA

THE University of South Pacific, Solomon Islands Campus will host the University’s 50th anniversary celebration this year.

Acting Director of USP, SI Campus, Mrs Patricia Rodie said preparation to host the important event is underway.

She said the weeklong event with lots of interesting activities will take place in April.

Rodie said USP is owned by 12 countries; Cook Islands, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

She explained that these countries have contributed to fund the university on an annual basis.

Rodie adds that other countries in the region including our neighbouring country Papua New Guinea are showing their interests to become a member of the University.

She said USP has 14 campuses, three in Fiji and another 11 are distributed to 11 member countries including Solomon Islands.

“USP has three Faculties; the Faculty of Arts, Law and Education (FALE), the Faculty of Business and Economic (FBE) and the Faculty of Science, Technology and Environment (FSTE).

“These faculties are all offered here at the Solomon Islands Campus,” Rodie said.

She said USP Solomon Islands Campus was established in 1971 and now has established its centres in Gizo-Western Province, Lata – Temotu Province and Kirakira – Makira/Ulawa province.

Rodie stressed that USP SI campus is planning to establish its centres in each of the provinces in the next three to five years as students enrolment continues to increase.

She said more than 30,000 plus students have signed up to study at the university with the number expecting to increase every year.

RAMSI’s cruiser assistance makes MRCC watch keepers work easier

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

DEPARTING RAMSI Maritime Advisers assistance to Solomon Islands Maritime and Safety Administration’s (SIMSA) MRCC with an old Land Cruiser before Christmas 2017 makes work easier.

This is for the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) watch keeper to get transport to and from their duty roster.

It also means SIMSA now has a vehicle that is capable of launching and retrieving the “Lady Jane”, one of their floating asset in Honiara that can be used for “Search and Rescue” (SAR) purposes.

According to SIMSA’s Acting Director Captain Tim Harris, “Lady Jane” which is powered by two 150 HP Outboard motors will only be launched in extreme circumstances.

“The boat is kept on a trailer in SIMSA’s Compound and should be launched if there is an emergency situation in the inshore area around Honiara,” said Captain Harris.

However, Captain Harris said that the boat is a gift from a donor project (nothing to do with SAR) that finished in 2012, and SIMSA has no established position for a dedicated boat skipper to look after it, or fuel allowance specifically for the SAR boat.

“Until very recently SIMSA did not have a vehicle strong enough to launch it or trailer it out of the water,” said Harris.

“We requested from the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) a Toyota Hilux Double Cabin utility vehicle with a tow bar to launch the boat and pull it out of the water but we were only given a single cabin Hilux.

“The first time we tried to retrieve the “Lady Jane” from water, the clutch on the vehicle burned out. That was two years ago.”

1...1,5971,5981,599...1,673Page 1,598 of 1,673