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PM SOGAVARE MEETS ADB CHIEF

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM Sogavare and President Nakao with ADB Officials.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare has met the visiting President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Mr Takehiko Nakao in Honiara on Tuesday 22 August 2017.

At the meeting, the two leaders discussed areas of common interests, including, ways to progress sustainable development in Solomon Islands.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare acknowledged the development assistance programmes by ADB in Solomon Islands, notably, its support in transport infrastructure, climate change and ADB’s interest to support the country’s tourism sector.

During his 5 day-visit, President Nakao will discuss ADB’s assistance program with senior government officials and other development partners and visit ADB-supported projects.

He will view some of the latest achievements of the ADB supported Transport Sector Flood Recovery Project and visit the University of the South Pacific campus in Honiara.

The President will also deliver an address to the Prime Minister and Cabinet Ministers this Thursday.

Prime Minister Sogavare and President Nakao are expected to visit ADB-funded bridges in North-East Guadalcanal as well as taking part in a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the start of construction of the University of South Pacific Campus in Honiara.

 ADB has been working with Solomon Islands since 1973 and has approved 19 loan projects amounting to $123.42 million, 15 grant projects totaling $160.52 million, and 75 technical assistance projects totaling $31.2 million.

Source: PMO

MFMR IMPLEMENTS E-MONITORING ON LONGLINE VESSELS

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Satlink technicians (L-R) Derrick Tagosia, Jorge Brechtefeld and Eduado Jose mounting a Camera on one of the longline fishing vessels over the weekend. Photo: MFMR Media.

The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) in partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has started implementing E-Monitoring on Long Line Vessels with two vessels already fitted with E-Monitoring Units over the weekend.

The units are made up of cameras and recording hard drives which will be used to monitor all activities on the fishing deck.

Global Fisheries Limited and Solong Seafoods Ltd – two locally based company vessels were the first to be fitted with e-monitoring devices.

Director of Fisheries, Mr Edward Honiwala said TNC provided the first eight units and the last vessel is expected to be fitted with e-monitoring units by the end of October 2017.

He said introduction of e-monitoring device on longline fishing vessels is important because it will increase the rate of monitoring on Longline Vessels.

Currently the Ministry of Fisheries is doing five percent (5%) observer coverage using human observers on Longline vessels but is required to increase coverage so the introduction of the e-monitoring will solve that issue considering the challenging living conditions faced by observers on longline fishing vessels.

E-monitoring would be seen as a solution to collect both biological and compliance data. These biological and compliance data is vital for proper management of this very important fishery. The Western Central Pacific Tuna Commission recommendation is for member countries to implement electronic solutions for improved data management.

Mr. Honiwala stressed that this system will assist the Ministry of Fisheries with monitoring and compliance as vessel operators will always be mindful of their actions and activities, as they know well that they are monitored through these system.

“This system can also be used for Fish Identification and also to collect other biological data, for example the units can be calibrated to estimate length of fish and so on, he added.

With the support of the New Zealand funded MSSIF Programme to house the related onshore infrastructure, MFMR fisheries technicians will analyse the stored data, collected during the fishing trips, when the vessel is in port for transhipment.

They will remove the hardware and analyse it for likely infringements if there is any during the fishing trip.

The Fisheries Director said this process is important to ensure all locally registered fishing boats comply with the conditions of their license and also measures governing Illegal Unreported and Unregulated fishing inside the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

TNC also supported similar projects in Palau, Republic Of Marshall Islands and Tuvalu.

Two Satlink technicians (from Fiji and Spain) were engaged to install units which include cameras and monitor on the two vessels.

The cameras are positioned in three locations (one at the back and two in the mid-section) of the vessels to monitor all activities on board.

 Francis Pituvaka, Communications Officer – MFMR

MEDIA WELCOMES NEW CEO

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Hilda Lamani second from right (in red) with the new MASI executive members.

The Media Association of Solomon Islands (MASI) welcomes the appointment of Ms Hilda Lamani to the position of CEO of MASI.

The President of MASI, Mrs Deli Oso, previous press secretary to the Prime Minister and now an editor for the Solomon Star newspaper, believes that Ms Hilda Lamani will bring a wealth of business management and financial management expertise to MASI “Ms Hilda Lamani has accepted the position of CEO of MASI”, she said. “We welcome her to the organisation and together with my Executive Committee, we look forward to working with her to build MASI into a strong and proactive organisation”.

Ms Lamani has a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting and Business law from the University of Southern Queensland, combined with her experience working within the media industry as the business and financial manager at the Solomon Star newspaper, provides MASI with the perfect mix of business management skills and intimate knowledge of the media industry.

Mrs Oso explains “it was important that MASI secure a person who could manage and grow a business, understands financial procedures and modern management practices as this will be crucial to the long-term success of MASI”.

“For MASI to survive and grow, being able to manage our finances is critical, and we are very fortunate to have the support of UNDP and the Australian High Commission in providing financial support for MASI, to help us grow and deliver support for our members”.

For Ms Lamani, she is honoured to be the new CEO of MASI, “for me this is a great honour to be able to help lead MASI and grow the organisation”.

“I understand that we have a responsibility to our members to make sure that MASI is financially strong and we cannot support our members and represent the industry unless we remain strong financially and with the strong support from our members”.

Ms Lamani outlines that the immediate priorities for her as CEO is to establish the MASI office, which is suited in suite 211, Hyundai Mall, recruit members and establish financial processes for the organisation, “my first priority is to establish the MASI office,  a working environment where Media Personnel can contact us for more information and become members. If you are not signed up as members now then we would welcome you to sign up. So far we have 45 members who signed up during the July AGM but our aim is to try and double that by Christmas”.

“MASI’s door is open to our members; please feel free to drop in at any time.”

“My second priority will be the hosting of the MASI function on Saturday 26 August for the Previous MASI Board Executives to officially hand over duties to the incoming MASI Board Executives and Farewell MASI’s Media Consultant, Mr Bruce Levett”.

In concluding, Mrs Oso states, “MASI is entering an exciting period of work and my Executive Team, supported by my Vice President, Mr Douglas Marau, are working on a number of initiatives that we hope to share with you soon”.

-MASI PRESS

DEI PACHA ELECTED AS NEW DEPUTY SPEAKER TO PARLIAMENT

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The Democratic Coalition for Change Government continues to maintain its solidarity which was demonstrated by 25 MP’s voting in support of Hon. David Dei Pacha, MP as the newly elected Deputy Speaker of Parliament.

David Dei Pacha is unopposedly the new Deputy Speaker of Parliament after Hon. Steve Abana, MP from the Government Opposition group withdrew his nomination on the floor of Parliament.

The 25 Ministers who were present today in Parliament were;

  1. Prime Minister – Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, MP;
  2. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs – Hon. Manasseh Maelanga, MP;
  3. Minister for Education and Human Resources Development – Hon. John Dean Kuku, MP;
  4. Minister for Finance and Treasury – Hon. Snyder Rini, MP;
  5. Minister for Agriculture and Livestock – Hon. Dudley Kopu, MP;
  6. Minister for Rural Development – Hon. Jimson Tanangada, MP;
  7. Minister for Women, Youth and Children Affairs- Hon. Freda Tuki Soriacomua, MP;
  8. Minister for Development and Aid Coordination – Hon. Danny Philip, MP;
  9. Minister for National Unity, Reconciliation and Peace – Hon. Samson Maneka, MP;
  10. Minister for Health and Medical Services – Hon. Dr Kaituu Tautai Angikimua, MP;
  11. Minister for Infrastructure Development – Hon. Stanley Festus Sofu, MP;
  12. Minister for Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration – Hon. William Marau, MP;
  13. Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade – Hon. Milner Tozaka, MP;
  14. Minister for Forestry and Research- Hon. Christopher Laore, MP;
  15. Minister for Police & Correctional Services- Hon. Moses Garu, MP;
  16. Minister for Fisheries & Marine Resources- Hon. John Maneniaru, MP;
  17. Deputy Speaker National Parliament – Hon. David Dei Pacha, MP;
  18. Chairman of Government Caucus – Hon. Jackson Fiulaua, MP;
  19. Chairman Foreign Relations Committee – Hon. Silas Vaqara Tausinga, MP;
  20. Chairman Education Committee- Hon. Nestor Ghiro, MP;
  21. Chairman Health & Education Committee- Hon. Charles Sigoto
  22. Chairman of Public Expenditure Committee – Hon. Ishmael Avui, MP;
  23. Chairman of Cabinet sub –Committee – RIPEL, Hon. Dickson Mua, MP;
  24. Chairman of Cabinet Sub-Committee – KFPL – Hon. Augustine Auga, MP;
  25. Member of Parliament for Temotu Nende – Hon. Commins Aston Mewa, MP (Backbencher)

Not to mention, Ministers and Backbenchers who were absent due to other commitments but have conveyed their support for the leadership of the Prime Minister Hon. Manasseh Sogavare, MP.

The DCCG continues to maintain the numerical strength with support of its MPs who are committed to ensure key policies of the government are delivered in a timely manner. Unsubstantiated claims and accusations to justify a political agenda that is not in the national interest will only serve to create instability and undermine progress.

In relation to recent speculations, the media is again reminded to be responsible in their reporting.

Parliament was then adjourned today until 28th August, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare, MP requested a special adjournment of Parliament sitting to 28th August, 2017 to give ample time for members of the Parliamentary Public Accounts Committee to deliberate on the 2017 Supplementary Appropriation Bill.

The Prime Minister further added that the Government will also be heavily involved in the visit to Solomon Islands by the President of the Asian Development Bank, Mr Takehiko Nakao.

The visit will coincide with opening of the Mbalasuna Bridge on North-East-Guadalcanal and a visit to Oil Palm Plantations at the Guadalcanal Plains also on North-East-Guadalcanal and the ground-breaking ceremony of the University of South Pacific Solomon Islands Campus at King George the Sixth School Grounds in East Honiara.

Mr Nakao and his ADB delegation arrive in Honiara today.

MOU to destroy ‘Vietnamese Blue Boats’ signed

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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MFMR and Iona signed the MOU.

A MEMORANDUM of Understanding to pave way for the destruction of the three ‘Vietnamese Blue Boats’ caught fishing illegally in the Solomon waters has been signed on Friday 18th August 2017 between the Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources (MFMR) and a local company – Lona Firi Properties Ltd.

Fisheries Director, Edward Honiwala signed on behalf of the Ministry while Wale Tobata for Iona Firi Properties Limited – the company.

Under the terms and conditions of the MOU, the company is required to destroy the boats within four weeks of signing.

Mr Honiwala said the decision to destroy the boats is in line with the High Court’s decision because the boats have failed to pass their sea worthiness examination as confirmed by the Solomon Islands Maritime Safety Administration.

Iona Firi ompany representative, Mr Tobata said they will inform the Ministry of the proposed date for destruction and it will take place in Malaita soon.

The Ministry of Fisheries, Police and other relevant Authorities will witness the destruction of the boats once a date is set.

Iona Firi Properties Ltd will be responsible for the destruction of the boats at no cost to the government.

As agreed, the boats must be destroyed in an environmentally and ecologically friendly manner in line with environmental and International laws Solomon Islands has signed to observe.

Further to that oil, petrol and any other fuel contained in the boats will be removed by Iona Properties Ltd  before the boats are destroyed.

The fisheries director explained that any property including the oil, petrol or fuel that were removed prior to the destruction belongs to the state unless and until they are disposed or sold in accordance with the Agreement.

 

Francis Pituvaka

Communications Officer – MFMR

Pacific Met Services increasingly vital – SPREP

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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(PACNEWS) THE director general of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Program (SPREP) says there is growing political awareness of the importance of weather services in the Pacific.

Meteorological officials from around the Pacific are meeting in Honiara this week ahead of a meeting by ministers in charge of met offices.

Kosi Latu said one issue that has been discussed is the need to extend or improve forecasting services to some of the smaller countries such as Tokelau and Niue.

He said these islands will need resources to build capacity which is now more likely given international interest in improving forecasting.

“Ten years ago the level of interest was quite minimal. But when you start talking climate change then people start realising that the need for, for example, climate services, is so critical in understanding climate change.”

South African minister who assaulted woman at a nightclub resigns

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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A South African deputy minister who assaulted a woman at a nightclub weeks back has resigned his position, the presidency disclosed on Saturday.

The incident involving Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mduduzi Manana, sparked outcry from civil society and opposition parties.

The assault which occured at a nightclub in Johannesburg happened a few days before the country observed the National Women’s Day on August 9 – a commemorating the 1956 women’s protest march under the apartheid government.

“I should have exercised restraint. That shameful incident should not have happened.”

He formally issued an apology for his actions. “I should have exercised restraint. That shameful incident should not have happened,” Manana said in a statement, adding that he will cooperate with police.

The main opposition party the Democratic Alliance called for Manana to step down. President Jacob Zuma is on record to have described violence against women and children a national “crisis”. Zuma said at the time that he was disturbed by the incident involving Manana.

“The South African Government has made violence against women a priority crime,” Zuma said in a statement.

“Women have a right to safety and security and must not be attacked or abused by anyone, anywhere in the country, regardless of the position of the either the perpetrator or victim. South Africa must be safe for all women.”

South Africa has a high rate of violent crime and a string of grisly murders of women and children earlier this year sparked outrage.

The police ministry confirmed that a case of assault was being investigated against Manana. He appeared before a court days after the incident. The police said they were bent on following through the case to its logical conclusion.

“The police must be given space to investigate this case without fear or favour, no one is above the law irrespective of their position in society,” said Police Minister Fikile Mbalula.

Police officer and dog hit by fleeing car

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Police say a 68-year-old man hit a police officer and his dog last night. Photo: Facebook: Storme Tauturi.

(RNZ) A 68-year-old man is due to appear in the Invercargill District Court today after he allegedly hit an officer and a police dog with his car last night.

Police said they attempted to stop the car being driven erratically on the Bluff Highway around midnight, but the driver fled.

Officers said the man continued driving, despite the car’s tires having been spiked, and he hit an officer and a police dog when the car came to a stop.

The dog was checked by a vet and did not suffer any serious injuries.

The police officer suffered bruising to his leg.

The man is due to appear in court today on a range of driving charges.

DCCG PUSHES FOR LAND REFORM, ENCOURAGES UNITY

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DPM Manasseh Maelanga

 The Democratic Coalition for Change Government (DCCG) is currently in the process of implementing Land Reform policies to compliment Traditional Governance.

This is to allow tribal customary lands to be recognised under a legislative framework and allow customary landowners and entities to participate in the development of their land, in both community and commercial development initiatives.

In his speech to mark the 34th Malaita’s Second Appointed Day, the Prime Minster Acting, Mannaseh Maelanga said the Land Reform Program includes developing the concept of Traditional and Community Governance to support legal recognition of customary land.

It is also to assist the national government address demands by traditional landowners for the return of alienated lands and provide a basis for the introduction of a land restitution policy that will cater for traditionally owned land to be recognized in perpetuity.

The government believes that implementation of the land reform program will effectively deal with issues such as land tenure, titles and other land – related issues.

“This is because the current acquisition process divides, rather than unites communities in development”, he told Malaitans today.

He said that the three pillars supporting the traditional governance policy such as tribal, church and government institutions will provide the basis for meaningful engagement at all levels within various communities and offer an alternative approach towards achieving long term sustainable development objectives across all sectors.

The foundation for this approach is currently in the process of being implemented as the policy basis for delivery of all national development priorities of the Democratic Coalition for Change Government.

“This is to promote unity and achieve consistency throughout the country so we can overcome the barriers preventing us from realizing our true potential”, said, the Acting Prime Minster.

The MP for East Malaita also reiterated that the DCCG is confident that meaningful progress can be achieved for the nation as a whole.

Also, to support projects earmarked in each sector for Malaita Province such as infrastructure, aviation, environment and climate change, commerce and industry, agriculture and fisheries.

Hon. Maelanga also announced that a resolution was reached between the Bina/Talifu landowners to the pave way for reconciliation and a formal agreement to be signed that should support actual commencement of the project by early 2018, while Parasi landowners are ready to sign an MOU that is currently with Attorney General’s Chambers and the airfield is expected to open before this this year’s end.

The MP also announced that DCCG’s aim to develop an additional 2,000 to 3,000 hectares of the registered lands at Waisisi under The Waisisi-Wairokai Oil Palm Project.

Meanwhile, Maelanga stressed that DCCG’s commitment in community governance, traditional governance, partnership and working together.

He encouraged Malaita to collaborate and share her visions and aspirations with the other sister provinces.

“The outcomes of course would be an improved livelihood and a strong will-power in the minds of our people to be stronger and more resilient as we move ahead with development.”

The program is attended by Premier of Malaita Province, Hon. Peter Chanel Ramohia, the Speaker of Malaiter Province, Hon. Titus Fika, Malaita Provincial Secretary, Jackson Gege, members of the Provincial Executive and Provincial Assembly who hosted the Acting Prime Minister and his delegates.

Source: Alex Akwai, Assistant Press Secretary to the Prime Minister

RSIPF FIND BODY OF MISSING ASIAN CREW

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Officers shift the death body from the boat

RSIPF with the assistance from local diving company, Tulagi Dives today located and recovered the body of the missing Asian crew from a tug boat that sunk off Bungana Island in the Central Islands Province in the early evening of Thursday 27 July 2017.

There were seven crew members on board the tug boat when it sank. Six of the crew swam to safety on Bungana Island except for the one Asian crew member.

The tug boat was pulling a barge when the incident happened. It was travelling from Honiara to Malaita when it sank after the rope tied to the tug boat broke resulting in the tug boat taking in water and sinking.

The body of the Asian crew was located in the tug boat which is sitting 64 metres under water. Earlier efforts by divers from the RSIPF Explosive Ordnance Team and local professional divers from Tulagi Dives were hampered by the depth of the sunken tug boat and rough seas and strong currents at the location.

The crew of the tug boat, who survived the ordeal, are assisting police with their investigations into what led to the sinking of the boat.

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