By Loretta B Manele

Combining local wisdom with scientific methods is said to be key in creating a framework for better outputs.

Rhea Moss-Christian, Executive Director for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) spoke about this when contributing to the recent Honiara Summit on SDG 14.4 “Achieving Sustainable Fisheries”.

Speaking under Session 4: “Achieving sustainable fisheries through science”, she stressed on how traditional knowledge can be blended with scientific methods to create a balanced approach that will be more effective and bring better outputs for everyone.

In early remarks, Moss-Christian expressed that many local artisanal fisheries depend on traditional, time-tested knowledge and no one knows this better than island communities.

She added that these communities have been experiencing and living in concert with the ocean and marine environment for centuries.

Moss-Christian said listening to these community insights is just as important as high-tech monitoring.

“By combining local wisdom with scientific methods, we can create a balanced approach that will be far more effective and return better outputs for everyone.”

Moss-Christian explained that the goal is to create a framework where insights from local stakeholders are respected and combined with scientific analysis to produce actionable advice.

She said as “managers” or local stakeholders, they know that when that data comes to them, it needs to be presented in a way that they can take action.

Henceforth, as stated, this is where the platforms that support that interaction and dialogue between scientists and managers is absolutely necessary for bridging gaps between science and policy.

She said this means setting up mechanisms to create regular and structured dialogues whilst ensuring that actions are agreed and based on the best available science.

“When that scientific advice is presented in clear, actionable terms, it becomes a powerful tool for decision makers.”

She also took the opportunity to share her experience in the WCPFC.

Moss-Christian said from their experience, interface between scientists and policy makers has been key to timely and effective management decisions.

“We benefit from the deep experience and knowledge of the scientists in the Pacific community, who, through the strength and contributions of the Pacific Island countries and territories in this region, that have been collecting and submitting and now analysing data for decades, continues to form the basis of management in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean.”

Moss-Christian said the WCPFC is committed to adopting rigorous, scientific-driven, and ecosystem-based management practices.

She stated that the success stories of fisheries management across the globe demonstrate that when science is prioritized, sustainable outcomes follow.

Moss-Christian voiced that whether this is through detailed assessments in data-rich fisheries, or adaptive, community-informed approaches in data-poor contexts, robust scientific advice is the cornerstone of effective management.

“If we can continue to foster that ongoing dialogue between scientists and policy makers, and invest in the product of research and future talent in our young people, we will build a resilient future for fisheries everywhere.”

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BY NED GAGAHE

To commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day, the Solomon Island Planned Parenthood Association (SIPPA) will be offering two days of free cervical cancer screening for women aged 25 and above.

This initiative is part of SIPPA’s ongoing efforts to support women’s health and rights.

The screening will take place at the SIPPA Clinic, New China Town, from Monday, 10th March to Tuesday, 11th March 2025, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

This year’s celebration will be held under the theme “Accelerate Action: For all Women and Girls: Rights, Equality.”

A statement from SIPPA said, “As we observe this year’s International Women’s Day, SIPPA is taking concrete steps to improve women’s access to essential health services. The free cervical cancer screening is a vital service aimed at early detection and prevention of cervical cancer, a leading health concern for women worldwide.”

This event is open to women aged 25 years and above. In addition to the screening, an information tent will be set up on-site to provide valuable resources and information related to women’s health, rights, and gender equality.

“We encourage all women to take advantage of this opportunity for free screening and to join us in celebrating the progress and continued efforts to achieve gender equality.” The statement said.

SIPPA is a non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting and advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights for all individuals, especially women and girls. Through education, advocacy, and accessible healthcare services, SIPPA strives to empower communities and reduce health disparities.

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Only RSE scheme conducts recruitment through agents: MFAET

BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MFAET) has clarified that only the New Zealand Labour Mobility program under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme conducts recruitment through Agents.

In a statement yesterday MFAET via their Facebook page announced that for 2025/2026, the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) has recently issued licenses to 7 active agents who will be tasked to do recruitment in country for RSE work in New Zealand.

“As we have announced earlier, only the New Zealand Labour Mobility program under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme conducts recruitment through Agents.” MFAET said.

“The RSE Agents will be working closely with their Approved Employer in New Zealand for recruitment and will report to the LMU for data purposes and pre departure briefings.” The statement said.

Last week, the Labour Mobility Unit (LMU) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade is responsible for overseeing the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) Scheme, which facilitates employment opportunities for Pacific Islanders in Australia.

The LMU has issued a public warning about individuals and groups falsely posing as recruitment agents for employment under the PALM and Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) schemes.

These fraudulent agents have been demanding upfront payments, despite the fact that the PALM scheme is free, with applicants only needing to cover costs for their passport, police, and medical clearances.

The LMU has clarified that recruitment for the PALM scheme is not taking place at this time and urged job seekers to only engage with official, verified sources.

The unit continues to emphasize the importance of caution and vigilance to prevent people from falling victim to scams.

Meanwhile, the seven (7) active agents who will be tasked to do recruitment in country for RSE work in New Zealand this year are; Islander Recruiting Agency, AMA Recruiting Agency, United Isles Recruiting Agency, Kelvin’s Recruitment Agency, Macos Recruitment Agency, Teraroa Company Agency and Leeman company Agency.

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Police in Auki, Malaita province, have arrested and charged a 26-year-old man with rape.

The complainant is a 23-year-old female and the incident allegedly occurred on February 25, a police media statement yesterday said.

Malaita PPC Chief Superintendent Tex Tafoa said the complainant was drunk and asleep in her room when the incident allegedly occurred.

Tafoa said the complainant’s girlfriend witnessed the incident.

The matter was reported to Auki Police and the suspect was arrested on February 27.

The suspect was charged with rape contrary to Section 136 (f) of the Amendment Sexual Act and is currently remanded at Auki Correctional Centre awaiting court appearance on a later date, the police statement said.

Taro police in Choiseul province have arrested and charged a man over allegations of multiple sexual activities with an underage girl.

Police media statement yesterday said the complainant is a relative of the suspect.

Choiseul Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Superintendent Berry Pogesopa said these incidents occurred on different dates and locations between January 2023 and January 2025.

Pogesopa said initial report shows the first incident took place when the complainant was 14 years old.

Police allege the last incident occurred on January 21, 2025.

That day members of the community conducted a search for the girl and found her with the suspect, police media statement said.

A report was filed at the Taro police station and the suspect was arrested.

The suspect was charged with the offence of Persistence Sexual Abuse of a Child Contrary to Section 142 of the Sexual Offence Amendment Act 2016.

Pogesopa said the suspect is remanded at Gizo Correctional Services awaiting court on a later date.

He said investigations into this matter is ongoing therefore appealed to any person with relevant information to come forward and assist police with their investigation.

Police arrest 23-yo male under warrant for domestic violence

Auki police in Malaita province have arrested a 23-year-old male who was under warrant for domestic violence in Honiara last year.

Police media statement yesterday said Auki police acted following a report from the office of the Public Prosecution in Honiara of the man’s status.

The suspect failed to attend court after he was charged with domestic violence and went home, the police statement said.

The warrant was issued on the man for evading and failing to attend Magistrate Court.

The suspect was arrested on February 27at his home village in West Are’are and will be escorted to Honiara, where he will appear before the Honiara Magistrate Court, the statement said.

Malaita Provincial Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Tex Tafoa said, “Failing to attend court does not mean that the courts will sweep their cases under the carpet.”

He also thanked community leaders and individuals for their ongoing support to the police in upholding the laws.