BY INDY MAEALASIA

ACTING Minister of Mines, Energy, and Rural Electrification Rexon Ramofafia has said continuous collaborative efforts among stakeholders is essential for fostering a sustainable and renewable energy future.

In his closing remarks to wrap up the two-day National Energy Summit last week Ramofafia said, “It is critical stakeholders; government, private sector communities, state-owned enterprise, Development partners remained engaged.”

Given the country’s abundant natural resources, Ramofafia expressed confidence that a sustainable future is attainable through strategic partnerships.

Organised by the Mines ministry, the summit aimed to address challenges related to energy affordability, sustainability, and innovative solutions.

Reflecting on the two days of the informative dialogue, Ramofafia said, “This is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision.”

He noted that the summit has produced clear outcomes and an action plan to guide the next step for the energy sector.

“Resolution from the summit will catalyst better change in our energy landscape.”

Ramofafia also made a call for action, “The insights, ideas, and resolution from the summit must now be translated into action.”

While he acknowledged the challenges ahead to attain a sustainable and renewable energy future, he remained optimistic, stating “the journey ahead is not easy, the challenges are great but the opportunities are far greater”.

SINU student association makes call after female student dies, hit by vehicle at highway road crossing

BY NED GAGAHE

The Solomon Islands National University Students Association (SINUSA) is calling for an increase in road safety measures.

This follows the tragic incident on Monday, where a young DFL student was struck by a truck at the SINU Panatina Campus highway road crossing (also known as the zebra crossing).

SINUSA President Ray William Ereoli said this heartbreaking event has left the university community in shock and mourning.

In a statement, Mr Ereoli extended condolences to the family and friends of the victim, emphasising the need for action to prevent future tragedies.

He urged the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) to implement comprehensive training for drivers, highlighting the critical importance of road safety.

Ereoli reflected on the daily risks faced by pedestrians, urging drivers to exercise caution, especially near crossings.

“We urge all drivers to slow down and remain vigilant, as lives depend on it,” he said.

Ereoli said the tragic incident not only underscores the dangers present on the roads but also serves as a call to action for safer driving practices.

He said SINU as a community honours the memory of their fellow student and are committed to promoting awareness and ensuring that their campuses become a safe environment for everyone.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We stand united in our grief and commitment to improving safety for all,” Ereoli said.

BY NED GAGAHE

Member of Parliament for East Areare, Peter Kenilorea Jr, has expressed concerns about the two media cooperation Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) signed between the Solomon Islands Government and the People’s Republic of China (PRC) during Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele’s official visit in July this year.

MP Peter Kenilorea Jr, who is also the Leader of the Independent Group, expressed his concerns in Parliament last week after it was disclosed that the Government signed 13 MOUs during the trip.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Peter Shanel Agovaka revealed that the Government had signed two MOUs on media cooperation with PRC.

One MOU is between Xinhua News of China and the Government Communication Unit, which aims to establish a framework for collaboration in news and information.

The second MOU is with the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation (SIBC) and involves cooperation with China Media Group, facilitating content exchange, co-productions, internships, training, and technological collaboration.

Minister Agovaka emphasized that these agreements will enhance media relations between China and Solomon Islands.

However, the Leader of the Independent Group stated that while Solomon Islands is ranked relatively high in media freedom, he said it is crucial to examine the implications of these MOUs.

He mentioned that Solomon Islands holds a higher ranking than the PRC and is even ahead of Fiji.

The Leader of the Independent Group also disclosed that China is ranked second to last, just above North Korea.

“What insights can we gain from a country that operates with significantly less transparency and openness? Xinhua News, being a state-controlled media outlet, raises questions about its role in shaping narratives.

“How can we truly benefit from this partnership, considering the differences in media freedoms and practices?

“It’s important to assess whether these agreements will enhance our media landscape or limit our independence in reporting.” MP Peter Kenilorea Jnr said.

In response to the concerns raised by the Leader of the Independent Group, Minister Agovaka stated, “These agreements in more broad sense facilitate cooperation between the two governments, enabling Xinhua News and the Government Communication Unit at the Prime Minister’s Office to engage in mutually beneficial collaboration in the areas of news and information.”

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of media cooperation, noting that while ‘we’ respect media freedom, we acknowledge the challenges faced by various countries, including the PRC.

The Prime Minister emphasized that the exchanges will primarily target improvements in media technology.

 “This is a field where we are somewhat behind, and it will be a focal point of our efforts under these agreements.” Prime Minister Manele said.