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SI, first country in pacific to launch domestic violence counselling guide

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By Loretta B Manele

One of the achievements of Pacific Partnership Phase 1 is Solomon Islands being the first country in the pacific to have launched a domestic violence counselling guide.

This was revealed by Dr Cedric Alependava, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) who was one of the speakers at the launching program of Pacific Partnership Phase 2 and Project Golkipa at Mendana Hotel on Tuesday this week.

He said the Pacific Partnership Phase 1 was a partnership with Solomon Islands government through MWYCFA, SAFENET’s 12 members and 3 key civil societies, Family Support Center and Malaita Christian Care Centre, Sefi Ples and referral center.

Alependava stated that in this phase we can see the strengthening and implementation of national legislation as well as policies.

“One of the achievements in phase 1 was, we were the first country in the pacific to have launched domestic violence counselling guide”

Alependava said they have trained 8 people and will further train more to be able to help survivors and victims.

“One of the key gains in gender equality support by the Pacific Partnership is the expansion of SAFENET, from 8 now we have 12”

Alependava explained that SAFENET is the largest government led program coordinating the sexual and gender-based violence response in Solomon Islands and it supports nine provinces.

Under SAFENET, referrals are made to other services providers to coordinate formal referral pathways as well as prevention and advocacy, program and governance and accountability framework.

Alependava stressed that under Pacific Partnership Phase 1 in supporting government and civil society, they implement best practice standard and guidelines for multi-sectorial services and knowledge to develop on current underdeveloped areas.

These areas are; Solomon Islands domestic violence counselling and ethical practice, Family support services, supervising guide, Solomon Islands domestic violence counselling registry guidelines, 12 Solomon Islands referral pathways, Malaita Christian Care Center, Self-care guidelines and SAFENET.

Alependava said Pacific Partnership Phase 1 was for five years and supported by coordinating organizations, Australia and European Union (EU) as well as UN Women and SPC.

“We are thankful for the support.

So, thank you UN Women, Fiji office in Solomon Islands for help coordinating to be able to prevent violence against women and girls”

Australia proud to support advancement of SI women

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By Loretta B Manele’

Australia is proud to be supporting efforts for advancing women’s leadership in Solomon Islands.

Dr Tristan Armstrong, Councillor from the Australian High Commission expressed this whilst at the launch of Pacific Partnership Phase 2 and Project Golkipa on Tuesday, 26th Nov at the Mendana Hotel.

He said they are proud to support Solomon Islands women in politics, business, government, faith-based organisations, civil society, in communities and homes.

Armstrong stated that they are currently finalising the next phase of their bilateral support programme for gender equality which is for another four years’ worth around 10 million dollars.

He said they will focus on reinforcing women’s leadership and participation in economic empowerment, eliminating gender-based violence and providing more support for those who provide frontline assistance.

Armstrong pointed out that they know that achieving gender equality will require collective commitment, determination and a lot of work.

“So, we must really build on our energy and enthusiasm to go further every year in our work to change the situation and improve the lives of girls and women here and everywhere in the world”

Armstrong emphasized that violence against anyone should not be tolerated anywhere and it cannot be justified and excused.

He also shared that the ambassador for gender equality from Australia, Stephanie Copus Campbell during her recent visit to Solomon Islands was really happy to hear about the incredible progress that has been made for contemporary special measures from the grassroots to all the provinces and all the way up through government to the highest levels.

Armstrong said Campbell spoke powerfully about how improving gender equality is not just about the right thing to do but it is the smart thing to do.

He added that by fully realising the economic and social potential of women, who make up 50 percent of the population, this will drive economic growth, contribute to reduction in poverty and will improve the quality of life for everyone.

Armstrong said these are not just words because there is strong evidence from across the world in places where the energy and talents of women are given the space to be showed and flourish.

“Society and economy will also flourish and everyone will benefit from this”

Armstrong said in the last 12 years, Australia has invested over 300 SBD million dollars in Solomon Islands to address gender equality, improve the services for women and for survivors of gender-based violence, to strengthen the role of women in leadership and decision-making and to build up women’s economic empowerment.

He expressed that as we celebrate progress today, it reaffirms the call for action over these two weeks of 16 days of activism.

Armstrong said we must also remember, cry and grieve for other loved ones who are no longer here with us and families who don’t have any support.

He furthered that this is very sad and we must remember every effect of violence because it really touches the core of life of people and of anyone touched by violence.

Armstrong said he looks forward to seeing this Pacific Partnership Phase 2 and Project Golkipa take shape and address the root causes of gender-based violence to make real and positive changes in the lives of the women and girls in Solomon Islands and beyond across the Pacific.

PAC launches inquiry into 2025 budget proposal of $4.83 Billion

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BY NED GAGAHE

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has launched its inquiry into the 2025 Appropriation Bill 2024, which seeks Parliament’s approval for a total expenditure of $4.83 billion to fund government operations and services for the year.

The Bill includes provisions for annual borrowing limits, allowing borrowing through Treasury Bills for exceptional circumstances, and from development partners or domestic financial institutions to finance key infrastructure projects.

Accompanying the Bill are detailed Budget Papers outlining financial strategies, as well as recurrent and development budget estimates.

Key government officials, including those from the Central Bank of Solomon Islands and various ministries, participated in the first day of the inquiry on Monday, 25th November 2024.

The PAC’s inquiry will continue over the next two weeks, with a final report to be presented for parliamentary debate. A statement from Parliament this week revealed that the Bill seeks Parliament’s approval for a total expenditure of Four Billion, Eight Hundred and Thirty-Two Million, Two Hundred and Seventy-Three Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Nine Dollars ($4,832,273,739) to fund the government’s operations and services for the year 2025.

“This Bill establishes annual limits on new government borrowing, in accordance with Section 66(2) of the Public Financial Management Act 2013, allowing borrowing through Treasury Bills for exceptional circumstances, and from development partners or domestic financial institutions to finance high-priority infrastructure and development projects,” the statement said.

Key government representatives, including officials from the Central Bank of Solomon Islands, the Ministry of Finance and Treasury, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Health, were present for the first day of the inquiry.

“This Bill outlines annual limits on new government borrowing in line with Section 66(2) of the Public Financial Management Act 2013. Two categories of permitted borrowing are stipulated:

  • Borrowing by way of Treasury Bills to address exceptional circumstances.
  • Borrowing from development partners or domestic financial institutions to fund high-priority infrastructure and development initiatives.”

The Bill also establishes specific borrowing limits for each of these categories. It includes provisions for the Minister for Finance and Treasury to issue Advance Warrants and Contingency Warrants throughout 2024.

For a proper understanding, the Bill should be read alongside the accompanying Budget Papers, particularly:

  • Budget Paper 1: Financial Policy Objectives and Strategies Statement.
  • Budget Paper 2: Recurrent Budget Estimates.
  • Budget Paper 3: Development Budget Estimates.

The Bill authorizes the Minister for Finance and Treasury to issue a General Warrant, in accordance with Sections 55 and 56 of the Public Financial Management Act 2013, to the Permanent Secretary of Finance and Treasury for the amount of $4,832,273,739. This enables the Permanent Secretary to issue Accounting Warrants as outlined in Section 57 of the Act.

PAC’s inquiry will continue over the next two weeks, with a comprehensive report to be submitted for parliamentary debate. Budget briefs from the recent Floating Budget Office review will inform MPs’ discussions.

Man charged with persistent abuse case to return to court

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case of a 38-year-old man charged with the persistent abuse of his daughter will return to court on December 6 for mention.

During the last hearing, the defense lawyer from the Public Solicitor’s Office confirmed her representation and requested a 14-day adjournment to consult with the accused and obtain instructions for his plea.

According to allegations, on October 15, 2021, the complainant was sleeping when the defendant lay beside her and touched her body.

The victim reportedly woke up, shouted, and the defendant apologized, asking her not to tell anyone and promising it would not happen again.

The following day, October 16, 2021, the defendant allegedly assaulted the victim again by removing her shirt, leaving her topless. While holding a knife, the defendant threatened her not to disclose

The defendant, holding a knife, allegedly threatened the complainant not to tell anyone about the events of the previous day, before instructing her to put on her shirt.

 Later that day, while the victim was asleep, the defendant reportedly approached her, cradled her in his arms, and pretended to search for lice on her head.

The victim woke up, paralyzed with fear, and was unable to react as the defendant allegedly began touching her body. He allegedly told her to allow him to touch her, promising to buy her a smartphone.

 The victim, distressed by the situation, refused and reportedly stood up crying, leaving the house. She did not report the incident to anyone at that time. In July of this year, the defendant allegedly assaulted the victim again.

This time, the victim confided in her aunt, who subsequently reported the matter to the police.

The Public Prosecution Office is representing the Crown, while the Public Solicitor’s Office is representing the defendant.

CASH SHORTAGE WARNING

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IMF Finds Solomon Islands government’s cash reserves critically low

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Recent findings from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have revealed that the government’s cash reserves in the Solomon Islands are critically low.

Masafumi Yabara, an IMF advisor from the Asia and Pacific Department, made this statement during a press conference last Friday in Honiara, where his team presented the IMF’s findings.

Speaking at the Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) Board Room, Yabara emphasized the need for the government to maintain sufficient cash reserves to effectively manage fluctuations in cash flow.

“Our assessment shows that the current cash buffers are alarmingly low. This situation presents a risk: if a major shock occurs or anticipated revenue fails to materialize, the government may have to halt certain operations or delay payments to vendors and suppliers,” Yabara explained. He added that such actions could harm private-sector economic activity, which is concerning.

Yabara stressed the urgency of improving the resilience and effectiveness of fiscal policy, describing it as a critical challenge.

“Three key actions are required. First, it’s essential to rebuild the government’s cash balance to mitigate liquidity risks posed by the depletion of cash reserves. Second, the quality of public spending must be enhanced,” Yabara stated.

He also highlighted that ongoing cash shortages and reduced spending have significantly weakened the government’s capacity to implement policies and provide services.

“This issue needs immediate attention. Additionally, fiscal discipline around domestic borrowing must be enforced. As the government continues to borrow domestically, it faces refinancing risks, which could crowd out private investments due to the underdeveloped financial markets in the Solomon Islands,” said Yabara.

The IMF believes these three issues need urgent action, with the first priority being to address the fundamental deficiencies in fiscal data and public financial management.

“We see a significant lack of timely and reliable fiscal data. The government does not provide monthly or quarterly data, which must be rectified,” Yabara said.

He also emphasized the need to close the financing gap in the budget proposal.

“In recent years, the budget proposal has shown financing gaps, meaning the government’s estimates of expenditures, domestic revenues, tax revenues, donor support, and financing from the domestic market do not fully align. This leaves a gap, resulting in expenditures that are not entirely funded at the time of budget preparation. This has led to persistent cash shortages and spending cuts,” Yabara said.

He advocates for a stricter fiscal approach, taking into account the challenges of rebuilding cash reserves, improving public spending quality, and enforcing fiscal discipline regarding domestic borrowing.

“The domestic bond market is shallow, with a limited number of investors, including the National Pension Fund and several state-owned enterprises. This raises concerns and reinforces the need for fiscal discipline in domestic borrowing,” he added.

Yabara warned that continued substantial borrowing from the domestic market could lead to increased debt service costs, as interest rates are significantly higher than those associated with concessional loans from international donors.

“This situation presents risks, including refinancing risk, where the government may struggle to secure refinancing when funds are needed. If the government takes a dominant position in the market, it may restrict the availability of resources for private enterprises,” Yabara explained.

“We share concerns about domestic borrowing, and this is reflected in our recommendations,” he concluded.

SI Communities celebrate Pijin day

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

SOLOMON Islands communities in New Zealand are celebrating the inaugural Solomon Aelan Pijin Langguis Wik, a week dedicated to honoring the pijin language and culture.

This year’s theme, ‘Protektim langgus an kalsa blong yumi’ (Protect our language and culture), is aligned with the broader theme for 2024’s Language Week Series, which focuses on ‘Sustainability.’

In his opening remarks, Solomon Islands High Commissioner to New Zealand, Eliam Tangirongo, underscored the significance of Pijin. “Like any language, Pijin is vital for communication – it allows us to talk with each other, give instructions, teach, share ideas, and express ourselves,” he said.

He encouraged communities to come together to celebrate, socialize, and connect with friends and family.

The weeklong event, supported by the New Zealand government through its Ministry of Pacific Peoples, highlights the increasing resources available to teach Pijin.

“In the past, we only heard Tok Pijin on Pacific radio. Now, we have resources to teach our children and anyone else who wants to learn,” Tangirongo added.

The commemoration will conclude on Saturday, 30th November.

MPG and Safenet partners launch 16-Days activism campaign

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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

The Malaita Provincial Government, through its Women Development Desk and safenet partners, launched the 16-Days Activism Campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Auki yesterday.

The 16-Days Activism is a global campaign on GBV observed annually from November 25th to December 10th. In Malaita, safenet partners will visit identified communities with advocacy programs related to the campaign.

The campaign was launched under the theme “United to End Violence Against Women and Girls,” which encourages collective efforts in the fight against GBV.

Malaita’s Deputy Provincial Secretary, Mr. Peter Herehura, stated that the province has the highest recorded cases of GBV in the country. He stressed the need for united efforts by all stakeholders to tackle GBV in Malaita. As part of these efforts, the 16-Days Activism Campaign aims to:

The campaign aims to strengthen commitment to eliminating violence against women and girls and accelerate progress toward ending such violence. It also addresses the urgent need for increased investment in policies, strategies, and resources to prevent and respond to violence. Emphasizing the importance of investing in autonomous, feminist women’s rights movements, the campaign calls for action at all levels to prevent violence, hold perpetrators accountable, and invest in solutions. It seeks to challenge cultural practices that perpetuate gender inequalities, encourage rejecting and reporting abusers, and promote signing the pledge against GBV. Additionally, it focuses on protecting children from exposure to violence and harmful content on the internet and social media, developing policies to prevent and address GBV, and organizing targeted community outreach and dialogue.

Herehura emphasized that calls for action like the 16-Days Activism are crucial as they shine a spotlight on violence against women. He added that such campaigns create public awareness about what needs to change to prevent these issues at local, national, regional, and international levels.

The Malaita Province Women’s Development Desk will coordinate the campaign in partnership with safenet partners, including World Vision, SIPPA, Authorize Justice, RSIPF, Malaita Christian Care Centre, Health, and others.

During the 16-Days Activism, the safenet partners will conduct GBV advocacy and awareness campaigns in the identified communities in and around Auki, including Lilisiana, Tautaumalefo, Kunu, Kokomu, Sikitae, and Kwainaketo.

EU is here to join forces to combat gender-based violence

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By Loretta B Manele

Let me reassure that the European Union is here in the pacific as a partner to join forces with you to combat gender-based violence.

Barbara Plinkert, European Union’s (EU) regional ambassador to the pacific made the statement at the Inauguration of the Pacific Partnership Phase 2 and Launch of Project Golkipa at Mendana Hotel yesterday.

In initial remarks, she thanked UN (United Nations) Women for organizing the event.

“It’s very fitting to launch the new phase of this important program today as it falls in the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence which is an initiative that the European Union proudly supports all over the world”

Plinkert said the 16 days activism is an opportunity to highlight and recall that we still have a long way to go to break the silence and end the violence.

She stated that in the pacific it is a reality that two out of three women become victims of violence in their lives and gender-based violence is also prevalent in Europe.

Plinkert noted that while EU member states have progressed in combating gender-based violence, there are still significant gaps and challenges.

In this regard, she said many EU countries, particularly in rural areas or economically disadvantaged regions have limited access to support services such as shelters, counselling and emergency assistance.

Plinkert added that they also face like anywhere else in the world, the issue of online harassment and cyber violence which necessitates them to adapt legislation to address digital violence effectively.

On the other hand, amidst these obstacles and challenges, a range of strategies and initiatives have already been successfully implemented in European countries such as in Sweden, France, Germany and Spain.

She expressed that France has launched a system where victims can discreetly report abuse, Germany has been a leader in providing support to others through an extensive network of shelters and counselling centres and Spain has made notable strides.

“Spain has made notable strides in combating gender-based violence with legislation that includes specialized courts for gender-based violence cases, protection orders for victims and a mightier agency approach involving social services, police and healthcare providers”

Plinkert mentioned that the last example of Spain is similar to the great work undertaken by Solomon Islands with the launch of SAFENET, a network of government and non-government organizations to strengthen the referral and coordination of gender-based violence services in the country.

She emphasized that EU is here in the pacific as partner to help tackle gender-based violence.

“Let me reassure you that the European Union is here in the pacific as a partner to join forces with you to combat gender-based violence”

Plinkert voiced that they are proud to provide financial support through the pacific partnership to end violence against women and girls and to share their own experiences and learn from the experiences of pacific island countries.

She furthered that the new Golkipa project will bring together people from different sectors to work towards a collective goal, which is to support more girls and women to be able to safely access sports.

Plinkert said the list of initiatives and actions to address gender-based violence is long and will continue to grow, however they are proud to support this through the pacific partnership.

“I want to congratulate all of you who have worked hard to ensure the success of the program by engaging and working governments, civil society and victims and activists.

A particular word of thanks to UN Women for all their efforts in implementing this significant program in Solomon Islands and several other countries across the pacific.

I would also like to thank the government of Solomon Islands in its commitment and forward-looking approach.

Last but not least, let me also mention the partnership between the EU and government of Australia in joining forces to fund the pacific partnership”

Plinkert emphasized that every action counts and she encourages everyone to continue the good work on Pacific Partnership Phase 2.

“We are proud that jointly, we are advancing to make the world a safer and more equal place for women and girls”

It’s about time we change our attitude and behaviour

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By Loretta B Manele

It is about time that we change the paradigm of our way of thinking, our culture, our customs, tradition, our masculinity and attitudes.

Cedric Alependava, Permanent secretary for the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) made the statement whilst speaking at the Inauguration of the Pacific Partnership Phase 2 and launch of Project Golkipa at the Mendana Hotel yesterday.

The Pacific Partnership Phase 2 to End Violence Against Women and Girls is a regional and multi-country programme focused on promoting gender equality and preventing violence against women and girls in pacific island countries and territories.

He voiced that by changing how we think, our culture, our customs or traditions, our masculinity and attitudes we can change our attitudes and behaviour towards our women and girls and end violence against our women and girls in the country.

Alependava stressed that we need to reduce and put an end to violence against women and girls because it is really affecting the fabric of our family, communities and the lives, education and security of our children and youth.

“But more so, it is really affecting our women and girls”

Alependava said you don’t know the amount of stress our women and girls are bearing.

“I can tell you, too much stress can reduce your immunity system and as such, making you more susceptible to illness, sickness, diseases and even death”

He also shared bible verses of how God made woman from man and pointed out that as woman was made from man and in the image of God, men should see women as God’s image.

“Most of the time, we do shy out to make mention of the Bible verses which are fundamental.

Genesis 1, 26-27.  I’m paraphrasing. God said, and let us make men in our own image after our own likeness and let them have dominion over the creatures of the earth.

Chapter 2, the process of making Eve, Chapter 2, verse 21, 22, 23. He caused a deep sleep upon Adam and took one of his ribs and formed a woman out of the ground and placed the ribs into her and breathed into the nose for the breath of life”

Alependava stressed that if only men and boys could see women as God’s image, we won’t have much prevalence of violence against women and girls.

The permanent secretary also took the opportunity to thank Australia and the European Union (EU) for funding the project.

“I wish to thank Australian Government and European Union. Profound thanks for funding”

Education key to North Guadalcanal’s growth

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BY INDY MAEALASIA

Member of Parliament for North Guadalcanal and Health Minister, Dr Paul Popora Bosawai, has emphasized that education is a key driver of development for his constituency.

Bosawai made this statement during the Japanese Ambassador, Miwa Yoshiaki’s site visit to Gaobata School, which is in dire need of better school infrastructure.

He pointed out that despite his constituency hosting some of the country’s major economic development, most of his people are not actively engaged in the process but rather, remain spectators.

Bosawai attributed this to the lack of adequate school infrastructure and limited access to better educational opportunities.

Upon taking office, the minister said he made education his top priority. In line with this commitment, he, alongside the school administration, submitted a proposal to the Japanese Embassy in the Solomon Islands seeking support for Gaobata School.

As the oldest known primary school in his constituency, which still uses many facilities of the past, he emphasized that the proposed assistance from the Japanese government would help keep the school’s history alive.

“This would be a treasured gift, connected to the history of our people,” Bosawai said.

He further stressed that investing in education is essential, as the students of today could become the future leaders of the country.

Acknowledging the diverse population in his constituency, which includes people from various provinces beyond Guadalcanal, Bosawai reminded Ambassador Miwa that this initiative is for the betterment of all Solomon Islanders.

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