BY INDY MAEALASIA

FAUABU Rural Health Clinic in Malaita Province is set to receive a much-needed ambulance, a significant boost to improving emergency healthcare services for the local population.

Earlier this week, a contract was signed between the Japanese Embassy of the Solomon Islands and representatives of Fauabu Clinic, which will allow Japan to fund the logistics and shipment of the second-hand ambulance, amounting to USD 31,346.

Japan’s ambassador, Miwa Yoshiaki, announced the honor of supporting such a project, emphasizing that it will improve the lives of the people.

“This project is a very good example of how the people of Japan can cooperate with the people of the Solomon Islands for its development, and we believe this gift will have a positive impact,” Ambassador Miwa said.

Situated in West Fataleka, Fauabu Clinic is one of two health centers managed by the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM) and is estimated to serve 6,000-7,000 people.

A key challenge currently faced is transporting patients in critical condition safely to the provincial hospital, Kilufi.

“The need arises when referring patients in critical conditions to Kilufi,” Oeta said. He pointed out that patients usually travel on public transport but, at times, are unable to make it.

“We have been losing lives along the way,” he remarked. However, with the recent signing allowing Japan to come on board, Oeta expressed his hopes of seeing positive changes.

“It is a great relief for the clinic,” he said. “It is not just a vehicle, but a life-saving piece of equipment that will save lives in that area.”

Chairman of the operating officer of ACOM, Pete Pitia, expressed his appreciation to Japan for the timely assistance and pledged to work closely with the Japanese government.

By Loretta B Manele

Police officers in Tulagi arrested two chiefs from Salesapa village in Central province for demanding money.

According to Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau, the arrest was done during police patrol in Small Ngella on the 17^th of this month.

It was alleged that the two chiefs were drunk and approached the victim and his family and demanded SBD $10,000 for compensation.

The two suspects demanded money from the family because one of the sons of one of the family members had an affair with a girl.

These chiefs claimed that the girl was pregnant so they were drunk and went to the family and demanded money from them.

However, there was no proof of pregnancy as reported by the medical authority so the two suspects were arrested and will appear court at a later date.

Mangau appeals to elders in communities, especially to chiefs as well as church leaders and community leaders to deal with such matters using our traditional practices.

“As a chief demanding compensation is not a good look in our culture. As chiefs we are the ones to solve such matters according to our traditional practices rather than taking the law into our own hands and demanding our people to pay compensation.

I urge our community leaders to try and apply our cultural ways of sorting out such matters”

By Loretta B Manele

Police in Auki arrested a 30 year-old male for the rape of a person with disability in West Mbaelelea in Malaita province.

According to the police press conference held yesterday at Rove Police headquarters, it was alleged that the suspect led the victim to the bush between July and November this year and had sex with the victim on several occasions.

The victim’s auntie noticed changes in the victim and took her to the clinic for a pregnancy test which came back positive.

She then reported the matter to the police and the police have arrested the suspect.

He was charged and is set to appear in court at a later date.

The victim is under the care of Kilu’ufi hospital.

Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau referred to this case as a sad incident because as a person with disability, the victim and other people with disabilities should be all respected by our communities.

“We have values and elders in our communities and parents should teach their children to respect people with disabilities.

Today it may be someone else’s child that is having that problem, tomorrow it may be any of our children that may have that similar problem”

He stated that as a Christian country, we should show people with disabilities more respect.

Mangau urges people to treat people with disabilities in their communities with respect.

Enforcement of window tint removal from public transport vehicles in Honiara is set to commence on December 2, 2024

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

Enforcement of the removal of window tints from public transport vehicles in Honiara will begin on December 2, 2024, following a 10-day grace period that starts today, Friday, November 22, 2024, and ends on December 1, 2024.

During the grace period, public vehicle operators are encouraged to voluntarily remove tints without facing penalties. Honiara City Council (HCC) Mayor Eddie Siapu explained, “We understand that the change may take time for many operators. This grace period allows compliance without financial repercussions.”

However, strict enforcement will take effect on December 2, 2024, after the grace period ends. The tint removal regulation, gazetted by the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, is intended to improve safety, visibility, and overall security within the city.

“Our commitment to making Honiara a safer place starts with improving the transparency of our public transport system. All public service vehicles licensed by the Council must remove window tints before the enforcement date,” Mayor Siapu said.

The initiative addresses concerns about safety and visibility on public transport. Siapu explained that tinted windows obstruct visibility inside vehicles, making it difficult for passengers, law enforcement, and emergency responders to monitor the interior.

“Removing tints enhances passenger safety and allows authorities to respond quickly in emergencies or identify situations requiring assistance. Tints also pose risks by reducing drivers’ ability to spot hazards,” he added.

Public vehicle operators who fail to comply by December 1, 2024, will face penalties, including fines of up to $5,000 penalty units. “We are urging all operators to take advantage of this grace period and comply voluntarily,” Siapu emphasized.

To ensure compliance, HCC will collaborate with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to monitor public vehicles in high-traffic areas. Mayor Siapu expressed gratitude for RSIPF’s support, stating their involvement is vital to maintaining public safety.

The Council is also prioritizing infrastructure improvements to make public transport more reliable and accessible. “Public transport is essential to our city. Thousands rely on it daily, and we owe them the assurance of safety and transparency,” Siapu said.

As the grace period progresses, the Mayor urged operators to act promptly. “Together, we can ensure the safety of our citizens and make Honiara a place where everyone feels secure,” Siapu concluded.

BY INDY MAEALASIA

STUDENTS and staff at Areatakiki Adventist Primary School in Central Guadalcanal had a reason to celebrate following the handover of a brand-new two-story classroom yesterday.

Funded through the Japan Grassroots and Human Security Project, the building valued at over $USD 700,000 will soon be hosting grade 1-6 and is a long-awaited need- better classroom for a learning-friendly environment.

 Head Teacher, Darren Kent expressed his excitement at seeing the completion of the project.  

“We are here together to celebrate a significant milestone: our dreams become reality. We are now witnessing, celebrating, and enjoying the amazing gift from the people of Japan…..It means a lot to us,” Kent said.

For years, Areatakiki Primary struggled to provide a conducive environment and occasionally used local materials sourced from the forest for building maintenance.

“Now the 241 students with their teachers will enjoy their brand-new classroom, “Kent said proudly.

He highlighted that better school buildings have always been a vision of past leaders and expressed his satisfaction in seeing the project come to fruition.

 Kent also recognized the strong bond between the school and Japan, forged through life-changing projects like this one

 “Your gift will continue to light the candle of our heart, and it will remain. I believe this is not by choice, not by power, but by the true love that’s shown through actions by the people of Japan,” he said.

Ambassador Miwa Yoshiaki emphasized that investing in such infrastructure is essential to breeding a well-educated and healthy youth population

“A well-educated generation is great for the advancement of the society, economies, and increasing the standard of living for the future,” he said.

The ambassador further reaffirmed his country’s commitment to supporting the Solomon Islands

Japan will continue to engage in the education field in terms of infrastructure for all sectors, territory assistance, and capacity building in the workplaces to see more healthy faces in many places of Solomon Islands, and to cultivate the collateral relationship between Japan and Solomon Islands,” he added.

By Loretta B Manele

The Chinese people believe in the phrase “leaving no one behind” and this is what the Chinese government has been doing.

China’s ambassador to Solomon Islands, Cai Weiming expressed the sentiment at the handing over of donated items to Rennell and Bellona constituency at the embassy yesterday.

He stressed that by putting its people first, China has lifted 800 million people out of poverty.

“By putting our peoples first, China is ready to work with Solomon Islands to improve the lives of Solomon Islands people from every province including Renbel”

Weiming emphasized this by quoting what Chinese president, Xi Jinping said at the G20 summit this week of which he said, “If China can make it, other developing countries can make it too”

The ambassador said they will continue to provide assistance within their capacity to help Solomon Islands, deepen cooperation at all levels and create a better future for our peoples.

He added that provincial cooperation is an important part of China-Solomon Islands relations and Renbel is a beautiful province with abundant resources.

“Our visa exemption deal which will soon take effect will attract more Chinese tourists to visit your beautiful province. Two days ago, the Chinese government scholarship for 2025 has opened to the public.

We welcome more students from Renbel to apply for the scholarship to study in China and give back to their motherland”

Weiming hopes that the donated items which are; 2 sewing machines, 40 radios, 40 solar batteries, 260 solar lights, 120 T-shirts and 120 short pants will help improve the living and working conditions of the people of Rennell/Bellona constituency.

“I wish to thank Hon Tuhaika for his assistance in connecting us with your communities”

It shows how much you value the improvement of your people’s lives and we are happy to be part of it”

Member of parliament for Rennell Bellona constituency, John Tuhaika Jr also shared a few remarks at the occasion.

“Solomon Islands values the friendship we have established and we continue to see the commitment of the Chinese government to the people of Solomon Islands distant communities like ourselves”

Tuhaika said they are able to meet the basic needs of some of their communities but are still very far behind in terms of development.

He added that this is why they are working very hard with our partners, China being one very important partner in addressing their basic needs.

Tuhaika said it is welcoming to note that the visa free travel will be implemented very soon and they are very keen and will ensure that they prepare to welcome visitors from China.

He also mentioned that China being able to lift almost 800 people out of poverty by itself should be a message for our communities and people.

“I just came back from China almost a month ago. It was a very eye-opening experience. China has been able to lift almost 800 people out of poverty by themselves.

That is the message we should be telling our own communities and our people that if China can do that, we can do it as well with commitment and setting our priorities correct”

He also took the opportunity to thank and appreciate the donation from the Chinese ambassador.

“I thank you for this generous gift on behalf of the people of Renell/Bellona and on behalf of the Solomon Islands government”

BY INDY MAEALASIA

Vavalu Primary School in Central Guadalcanal marked World Toilet Day on Tuesday with the official opening of three newly upgraded toilet facilities, a historic milestone for the school.

This year’s global theme, “Toilets: A Place for Peace,” emphasized the importance of toilet facilities in promoting a healthy lifestyle and maintaining a pollution-free environment.

The new facilities include one male and two female Sato pan toilets, a low-cost hygienic latrine system designed for rural areas with minimal water usage. These upgrades were made possible through the Upscale WASH in Schools project, funded by the New Zealand Government and UNICEF, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) and implementing partner Live & Learn Solomon Islands. The project aims to enhance sanitation and hygiene facilities in 19 schools across Guadalcanal.

Before these upgrades, the school faced serious challenges, including frequent diarrhea outbreaks and high absenteeism, especially among female students who lacked adequate facilities to manage menstruation.

Head Teacher Timothy Tangiavoa expressed optimism about the impact of the new facilities:
“With the use of these new facilities, we expect a significant reduction in health issues and absenteeism while providing a safe and pollution-free environment for our students,” he said.

The upgrades were met with strong support from the local community. Church elder John Wesley shared his joy, saying:
“It is good to support such changes. In the olden days, we did not have these facilities. This is important as it will contribute to long life, good health, and happiness for our children.”

Wesley also encouraged other communities across the country to support similar WASH projects to improve their lifestyles and environments.

Additionally, MPA for Vulolo Ward, Willy Dai, praised the school community for their initiative:
“I salute the community, church elders, school administration, and students. You did not rely on the national or provincial government; instead, you stood on your own feet and achieved this yourselves,” Dai remarked.
“I am proud that this school is setting an example for our ward and other parts of Guadalcanal,” he added.

Vavalu Primary School currently serves 137 students from Prep to Grade 6, with seven teachers catering to seven nearby villages.

By Loretta B Manele

According to one of the children who spoke at the International Children’s Day event in Honiara, children are our future.

Lisa Cuatt, the country director for Save the Children, Solomon Islands shared this whilst speaking at the first ever “Children’s high-level dialogue” at the Paul Tovua Complex building yesterday.

She expressed that the child said we always talk about children being our future, a point Cuatt agreed to.

Cuatt added that this child also said something she thought is very wise which was that we all must think about children in the present.

In this regard, she stressed that what we need to do now is to set the foundations for the future.

“So, what can we as adults do to ensure our children have a healthy start to life, have access to a good education, and to make sure children feel safe and protected in their homes, in their schools, in their communities and online”

Cuatt thinks a very important first step for adults to take is to listen which she also refers to as the “starting point”.

“To listen to what children have to say about the things that make them happy and the things that they are concerned about.

Hearing what children have to say is included in Article 12 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, the child’s right to be heard”

Cuatt voiced that we often think of children as not understanding things or being vulnerable however, children do need the support, care and guidance of adults.

“It is equally important to recognise that children have capabilities, children have strength and they have a unique perspective on the world”