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FIRST IN THE PACIFIC

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Solomon Ports aims for efficient operations with launch of its new overhead gate

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) is striving to ensure that its port operations are more efficient and reliable.

Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Chief Information Officer (CIO) and Manager Special Project Ellison Pade told media during the commissioning of the new Ports overhead exit gate last week.

He said that Solomon Islands Ports Authority’s overhead exit gate comes after they had previously built a terminal entry gate.

He said that the new SIPA overhead exit gates have a three-floor office on the top and two gates underneath.

“In the future, if there is a truck inside the terminal, two trucks will come out at the same time. So, actually, with the gates, we provide for the future of growth and development inside the port,’’ said Mr Pade.

He said that the port operation system is also installed at the new exit gate.

“With the double-exit gate, two container trucks can come out and process and verify the document at the same time. So, for the processing, we have to improve the gate,’’ he said.

He said that Solomon Islands Ports is the first to have an overhead gate compared to other regions in the Pacific.

He said that the cost for building and the pavement is about SBD 1.5 million, and it took about eight months to complete the project.

“It’s quite an achievement where SIPA has taken on board to try and improve every infrastructure in the port. It’s an ongoing plan for modernizing and port development,’’ said Pade.

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Turner new international commissioner of SI Scouts

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British High Commissioner to Solomon Islands and Non-Resident Commissioner to the Republic of Nauru, His Excellency Paul Robert Turner is the new International Commissioner of the Solomon Islands Scout Association.

Mr Turner who was a member of Scouts in his teenage days, in Worcester, England, says – “It is a first for me!”

He says he is excited and honoured to be Solomon Islands international commissioner, and will be looking to try and help young boys get a sense of community and belonging.

“Today is so different to the 1970s England I grew up in.

“More challenges, more alienation for young people. I think Scouts and I working on anything that can give a sense of purpose for youths is good but it is difficult, I have no illusions of that.”

Turner took his Oath at Government House on Thursday before Chief Scout and Governor General Sir Rev David Tiva Kapu in a brief investiture and installation programme, a statement by the UK High Commission yesterday said.

Chief Commissioner of Scout Joe Billy Oge welcomed Turner to the Scout Movement:

“Welcome to the worldwide brotherhood of Scouting your Excellency British High Commissioner as the newly appointed International Commissioner for Solomon Islands Scout Association.

“We look forward to a close working relationship with you during your term in office in Solomon Islands.”

In his brief remarks for the ceremony Turner said:

“I was once in the scouts as a boy and I know the huge value the scouts can bring, both to young people and local communities.

“The scouts offer wonderful opportunities for boys to develop a range of life skills and to be a key part of the community.”

The Oath of Office ceremony was administered by the office of the Chief Commissioner before Governor General Kapu.

He was assisted by the Chairman of the Scout Council William Barile and National Commissioner for Training Edward James Anisi.

The appointments were approved by the Scout Council and signed by Governor General Kapu.

The Solomon Islands Scout Association was admitted as the 172nd member of the World Organisation of Scout Movement (WOSM) with voting rights as of June 30, 2021.

‘Residents must be innovative towards urban agriculture’

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Residents in urban areas, such as Honiara, have been urged to adopt innovative approaches to urban agriculture.

Alex Makini, a researcher and lecturer at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), emphasized this point during a discussion at the recent FALA seminar.

The conversation stemmed from concerns over the lack of space for backyard gardening, commonly known as “supsup gardens.”

Makini acknowledged that limited space poses a significant challenge for many urban residents. However, he highlighted practical solutions such as vertical farming and other techniques that enable the cultivation of crops and vegetables, even in confined areas.

He also stressed the importance of urban agriculture in combating the rising rates of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the region.

 According to Makini, prioritizing health and well-being is essential, and urban agriculture offers residents access to fresh, nutritious food, which can play a critical role in achieving this.

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SINU to launch report

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE Solomon Islands National University (SINU) will be launching the 2024 Solomon Islands Elections Research Report this coming Thursday.

According to SINU, the launch, set to take place at SINU’s Kukum Campus from 4pm to 6pm, will showcase key findings and insights from research conducted during the country’s first-ever joint election.

The launch will also involve the opportunity to learn and discuss with researchers, academics and the general public.

This event is open to students, staff and the general public.

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It takes a whole village to educate a child: Rodie

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By Loretta B Manele

Educating a child needs the collaboration of all partners.

Dr Franco Rodie, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) expressed the sentiment at a recent function hosted at Mendana Hotel to celebrate the work and end of the ESSP (Education Sector Support Program) partnership between Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand.

Addressing Rod Hilton, Australian High Commissioner and Rebecca Williams, Acting New Zealand High Commissioner, he said their state government partnership has been a backbone of ESSP.

Rodie voiced that their brave innovation and continued investment in children’s future have had a profound and lasting impact.

“The success stories that you have heard, whether in classrooms, through the voices of teachers, or in communities, speak volumes of your invaluable contributions.

We cherish it as a symbol of true partnership and our shared aspirations.”

Rodie also took the opportunity to thank the education ministry staff, education providers, teachers, students and all stakeholders.

“This success is yours, not mine.

It is the result of your hard work, resilience, and passion. Today we celebrate not just the program, but the spirit of cooperation and unity that defines us, one people, one country.”

It takes a whole village to educate a child and together we have made a difference.”

Rodie also gave a special acknowledgement to the ESSP Project Management Team.

“Our technical advisors, your commitment to ensuring effective communication, consultation, planning and decision-making has been invaluable.”

Rodie stated that there was an increase in local technical advisors since 2022 and this has strengthened their ability to pass practical initiatives empowering our people with skills needed to drive sustainable development, especially in the education sector.

He pointed out that one of the most significant outcomes of the ESSP has been the strengthening of its institutional capacity.

Rodie said through hands-on experience, they have honed their abilities in financial management, governance, compliance, procurement, curriculum development, professional learning and infrastructure improvement.

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Do your booking for clearing of cargos: Ports

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BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Ports Authority has called on drivers and customers to do bookings at Solomon Ports before clearing their cargos or containers.

Solomon Ports chief information officer (CIO) and Manager special project Ellison Pade told media during the commissioning of the newly completed Port Terminal Gatehouse Exit last week.

“We have a new system here, and we encourage you to do the booking so your cargos are put aside. By doing so, you just come in, fill in the documents and go straight to pick up the cargo, which is already put aside,” explains Pade.

He said that this will also help with the traffic management and cargo that come in and out of the ports to reduce congestion at the ports, especially cargo and vehicles.

He said that after picking up the containers, drivers or customers can then drive towards the new overhead exit gate for the documentation process.

“The gates are automatics. When the documentation process is completed, wait for the gate to open before you drive out. Just be careful when the documentation process is finished. You wait until we open the gate, then you drive out,” said Pade.

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‘Traditional food preserving methods important’

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

DR Hugo Bugoro, a researcher at the Solomon Islands National University (SINU), has emphasised the importance of maintaining traditional food preservation methods to combat climate change and ensure food security.

Recognising the significant impacts of climate change on the Solomon Islands, Bugoro stressed the urgent need to actively maintain these techniques.

He explained, “Climate change adaptability is essential. There are techniques that can help us navigate different weather patterns. Historically, we have seen how preserved food has allowed us to survive difficult times.”

Bugoro reiterated the importance of safeguarding these traditional practices, noting that they are vital for enhancing food security.

“Revitalising these techniques supports sustainable solutions and fosters cultural resilience in the face of modern challenges such as climate change and globalization.

“These practices are key to ensuring long-term food security for the nation.”

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Solomon Islands seeks higher Pacific engagement visa quota from Australia

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BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands High Commissioner to Australia, Robert Sisiolo, has called for an increase in the country’s allocation under Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) scheme, citing demographic trends and community size.

Speaking in a recent interview with local media in Canberra, Australia, Mr Sisiolo said the current annual allocation of 150 visas for Solomon Islands does not reflect the nation’s growing population or the size of its diaspora in Australia.

“For us in Solomon Islands, we have a fast-growing population—larger than most Pacific Island countries, apart from Papua New Guinea, which has around 12 – 13 million people,” Mr Sisiolo said.

“Compared to others, our population in Australia is relatively small, but that’s also why this programme is important for us.”

He proposed an increase in the annual quota to between 200 and 500 visas, arguing that the country is on track to surpass Fiji in population by 2032, if not earlier.

The PEV programme, launched in 2023, offers up to 3,000 permanent residency places each year for eligible nationals from Pacific Island countries and Timor-Leste, with allocations determined in consultation with each country.

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MEHRD working on TVET draft policy

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By Loretta B Manele

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) is in working progress with the national Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) policy.

Dr Franco Rodie revealed this when he spoke at an occasion organized to mark the end of the ESSP (Education Sector Support Program) partnership at Mendana Hotel earlier this week.

The partnership for the education sector is between Solomon Islands, Australia and New Zealand.

In his remarks, he said education minister, Tozen Leokana, has been very supportive and keen of the reform program and in developing the skills of young people through vocational education and training (TVET).

“I have observed that he’s very keen in developing skills of young people. I’m referring to those competencies, skills, which can be applied in real-world situations.”

On this note, he said the minister had asked him if he could be able to draft a national TVET policy of which they’ve done.

In relation, Rodie stated that for now, thanks to the Australian government, they are waiting on the TA who will spend 20 days to review the draft policy.

He acknowledged Leokana for believing in his team and staff.

“So, thank you, minister, for your enthusiasm, interest and for believing in my team and staff.”

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Church workers taught to read Holy Scriptures in Aiwoo language

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In the Reef Islands, the Mikilinave Aiwoo Translation Ministry is committed to see the Scriptures translated into the Aiwoo Language.

Catechists practise reading Aiwoo reading materials. Photo credit – Martha Matzke

Eighteen clergy and 31 catechists are said to be equipped the Holy Scriptures in the Aiwoo language following two sets of training by Solomon Islands literacy group, SITAG.

The book of Mark has been published and the books of Luke and Matthew are due to be consultant checked later this year, a statement by the Ministry last week said.

While Reef Islands Clergy recognise the value of the reading of Scriptures in Aiwoo, many have expressed a desire for training that would enable them to be more confident and fluent readers.

In response the Mikilinuave Aiwoo Translation Ministry planned an Aiwoo Reading Fluency training, the statement said.

A one-week training for priests and pastors, led by SITAG Literacy Consultant Timothy Matzke was held from March 17-21 in Otelo Village.

During the workshop, participants were introduced to a transition reading primer to help them understand the differences between reading English and the Aiwoo Language.

The clergy members spent time practising reading in Aiwoo and Pijin, the statement said.

During the morning devotional sessions, Timothy shared foundational principles from Scripture and the history of Bible translation.

These sessions led to participants gaining a better understanding of the importance of communicating the Gospel in a language that the people understand and value.

The clergy members expressed gratitude for the greater understanding they gained from this teaching, the statement said.

It is hoped that the clergy will continue to practise their Aiwoo reading skills and feel more confident in reading Aiwoo Scriptures and liturgies during church services.

During the closing of the training, Pastor James Lenube of the Kingdom Salvation Centre speaking on behalf participants said, “Because you came, you have woken us up to the real purpose God has given each of us.

“You have helped us see that we have been using a ‘borrowed’ language in our church ministries. You have taught us the value of using our language – the language of the common people.

“Aiwoo is the language of the people and a real language which we should be using.”

A similar training was successfully held the following week, March 24-28, for catechists, the statement said.

As a result of the two trainings, 18 clergy and 33 catechists are now better equipped to read Aiwoo Scriptures.

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