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Solomon Islands to host country investment roundtable forum

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BY NED GAGAHE

Solomon Islands will be hosting a one-day country investment roundtable forum next week.

Robert D Kaua, Deputy Secretary Governance of the Ministry of Provincial Government & Institutional Strengthening said that forum will be held on Friday, July 19th, 2024 at the King Solomon Hotel Conference Centre, from 9:00am – 2:30pm.

The FAO Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific (FAO-RAP) is implementing a Technical Cooperation Programme in collaboration with the Asia-Pacific Rural and Agricultural Credit Association (APRACA) to facilitate the delivery of effective and inclusive rural financial services in selected five countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Laos, Nepal and Solomon Islands) in the Asia Pacific region.

This effort targets enhancing rural financial services’ effectiveness and inclusivity amidst noted challenges in financing rural and agricultural enterprises.

According to the forum’s concept note, during scoping studies in the countries, it was generally observed that there is a gap in financing the rural and agricultural enterprises due to various factors.

The other highlights of the assessments are limited financial infrastructure, a nascent digital finance landscape, and significant gaps in financial literacy and access in rural communities.

However, one major issue flagged by the financial institutions that there is shortage of bankable projects, and the farmers/agribusiness companies (except few large companies) are not able to bring good and investible proposals.

To resolve this stalemate and disconnect, there is a need to demystify the bankability issues for the small/medium sized rural and agricultural projects which could be done through bringing all the actors in agricultural value chains to a common platform in the form of an investment forum.

The one-day investment forum has been planned in the five selected countries to learn from both the sides on the issues and challenges to reduce the gaps in financing.

MEHRD urges education stakeholders to comply with Education Act

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Christina Bakolo.

BY NED GAGAHE

The Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD) is urging education providers in the country and stakeholders to comply with the Education Act 2023.

The Education Act 2023, effective from January 1, 2024, mandates strict adherence to registration requirements for educational institutions and teachers alike.

Speaking during the MEHRD’s Tok Story session on SIBC on the socialization and implementation of the Education Act 2023 this week, Christina Bakolo, Policy Analyst and Team Leader at MEHRD, emphasized the importance of adhering to the Education Act 2023.

“Now that Education Act 2023 is being implemented or enforced education providers, teachers, school leader and other stakeholders who are implicated by the education act should now comply with the provisions provided in the act.

Mrs Bakolo highlighted key directives for education providers, stressing the need for registration of all owned or operated schools, including new ECE centers, primary, and secondary schools.

“The education providers are expected to register all the schools they own or they operate, that is if they have not registered yet, they are new ECE centres, primary schools or secondary schools. Education providers are not expected to register their schools if they have already registered them.

Bakolo stated that newly recruited teachers must apply for registration using forms available at the Ministry of Education.

“Education providers must make sure that new teachers whom they recruited at the beginning of this year and are teaching in the schools should be registered. The new teachers must apply to become registered teachers.

“There is a teachers registration application form which is available now in the ministry that new teachers must complete. MEHRD can supply the teacher registration forms to the education providers on request. Please contact the officer in charge at the Teaching Service Division.

She further urged ongoing teachers without registration certificates to complete the registration process within the stipulated two-year transition period ending January 1, 2025.

“Ongoing teachers who have already registered and have been issued with their registration certificate need not apply to become a registered teacher, however, if you are an ongoing teacher and has been teaching for some years but have not yet obtain a teacher registration certificate, you would need to complete the teacher registration application form.

Bakolo appealed to education providers to support teachers in obtaining necessary qualifications and ensure compliance with the Act’s provisions.

“Let me reiterate and appeal to education providers. Education providers are reminded that teachers who are teaching in their schools currently but do not have full registration as a teacher must endeavored to support the teachers so that they can obtain their teaching qualification or complete the teacher registration process.

“Education providers must support their teachers who have other qualification but not teaching qualification to ensure they acquired their teaching qualifications.

“Ensure that all teachers are registered and teacher registration process within the two-year transition period that is currently allowed under the Education Act 2023 for teacher registration which is effective from 1st January 2024 to 1st January 2025.” Bakolo said.

Woman charged in husband’s murder case to return to court for plea  

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

The case against the woman accused of inciting her husband to return and kill the deceased will return to court on July 25 for a plea.

The prosecutor updated the court on Friday July 11, stating that the disclosures had been served to the defense counsel last week.

The defense counsel requested a 14-day adjournment to review the evidence and obtain instructions for the plea.

The court granted the adjournment and extended the remand for the accused.

The incident allegedly occurred in the early hours of December 17, 2023, between 1 am and 2 am. Nelson Magi (the first accused), his wife Zilma Ben (the second accused), and another female were on their way back to Jackson Ridge after attending a party at Lau Valley.

They stopped on the main road next to Lau Valley SDA church, appearing drunk, loud, and arguing.

Opposite the church, a group of people was sitting under a tent. Magi turned to them and asked, “Who of you is strong?” When one person responded, Magi approached, grabbed a chair, and threw it at the person.

The deceased’s niece ran back to her house and woke up the deceased, who then went to the scene to separate Magi and the other person. As the deceased led Magi away, Magi assaulted him, causing him to fall backward. Magi then walked away towards his wife, Zilma Ben.

Ben shouted aggressively at her husband, saying, “Go back and kill the deceased,” while also throwing stones at the deceased’s house. Magi turned back and attacked the deceased in the rib/chest area with a piece of timber, causing the deceased to lose balance and fall unconscious.

The deceased was rushed to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) but was pronounced dead. Steward Tonowane acts for the crown, and Lazuaus Waroka represents Zilma Ben.

Audit reports and final handovers in progress

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NHA Executive Director Christian Nieng-PHOTO ELTON LONARATHA JNR.

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE National Hosting Authority (NHA) is in the final stages of winding down its operations following the successful conclusion of the Pacific Games 2023.

NHA Executive Director revealed to SunSPORTS that their primary focus is to ensure that all operations are completed without leaving any outstanding debts.

“We are currently progressing with audit reports,” the Executive Director said. “Most staff members have departed, leaving a few Secretariat Staff to oversee the final report preparations. However, we still maintain the Legacy team, which will be handed over to the National Sports Council (NSC) in the third quarter, coinciding with the completion of our reports.”

He emphasized the importance of concluding all remaining matters before the NHA signs off. “We need to properly finalize contracts, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and sponsorship agreements. We are committed to not leaving any debts behind.”

The NHA is yet to conduct the final phase handover of the Pacific Games 2023 (PG23) facilities to the NSC and the National Olympic Committee of the Solomon Islands (NOCSI) through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Earlier this year, the first phase of the handover was completed, including the distribution of vehicles to new owners.

In May, the former Prime Minister and Minister for the Pacific Games 2023, Manasseh Sogavare, handed over seven facilities built for the games to the NSC and NOCSI through the MHA.

Shortly thereafter, the newly elected Prime Minister, Jeremiah Manele, distributed 20 Tata buses donated by the Government of India to 11 recipients, primarily government ministries and institutions, including an Anglican Church of Melanesia College.

At the same event, Manele announced the distribution of 43 vehicles donated by the Government of Korea and 16 vehicles purchased by the NHA to 17 recipients, mainly government ministries.

NHA Chairperson, Dr. Jimmy Rodgers, confirmed that the majority of payments to contractors involved in the successful hosting of the PG23 have been settled, with only a few payments pending.

He assured that the issues faced during the hosting of the Festival of Pacific Arts (FOPA) in 2012 would not be repeated.

“We have already settled 99% of these payments, and we are proud of this achievement. NHA is ensuring that we leave no debt behind,” Rodgers stated.

He added that efforts are being made to settle the remaining payments with available funds before finalizing the audit report.

The completion of the audit report will be marked by one more handover ceremony, after which the report will be presented to Parliament.

With the NHA nearing the end of its operations, it aims to leave a lasting legacy while ensuring a debt-free conclusion to its duties.

The Pacific Games 2023 facilities yet to be handed over include Solomon Islands National Institute of Sports (SINIS), Multipurpose Hall at East End Sports Park and Sports Legacy House Administration at the Sport City.

The first seven facilities that were successfully handed over are National Stadium (10,000 seats), National Aquatic Center, National Tennis Center, Friendship Hall, East End Sports Park at KGVI, Hockey Field at KGVI and the Iumi Water Sports Park at DC Park

FINAL STEP

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Tahiti's Kamalani Bennett & Solomon Islands' Joash Houkulu at the OFC Men's U-19 Championship 2024, Tahiti v Solomon Islands, FFS Football Stadium Apia, Thursday 11 July 2024. Photo: DJ Mills / www.phototek.nz

….National U19 team on Verge of Historic World Cup Qualification

BY ELTON LONARATHA JNR

THE Solomon Islands Men’s U19 football team is writing their own remarkable story, with their eyes firmly set on the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile.

Their journey in the Oceania U19 Championship, held in Apia, Samoa, has been nothing short of impressive, ending their Pool A matches with three victories and a solid defense that conceded no goals.

In their latest triumph, a hard-fought 1-0 win over Tahiti, the young side booked their place in the knockout stages, a crucial step towards their World Cup dream.

Head Coach Batram Suri couldn’t hide his pride in the team’s performance, acknowledging the intensity of the match and the strength of their opponents.

“I’m incredibly proud of our boys,” Suri expressed. “Playing against Tahiti has always been a challenge, and our players gave their all, especially in the second half. I credit them for their hard work and determination.”

The Solomon Islands’ defensive prowess has been a key factor in their success. Coach Suri attributed this to the organization and resilience of his defenders, who have executed the game plan perfectly. “Our defenders have been outstanding,” Suri added. “We haven’t conceded a single goal in the group matches, and that’s a testament to their focus and dedication.”

As the team advances to the semifinal stage, Suri is keenly aware of the increasing challenges that lie ahead. “Semifinals are always a tough battle, but we have a strategy in place,” he stated confidently. “We will step up our preparations and ensure that our boys are ready for the next level of competition.”

The Solomon Islands’ path to the FIFA U20 World Cup is now within touching distance. Sitting atop Pool A with 9 points, they are joined by Fiji, who also advance with 6 points. The semifinal matchups will be decided soon, with the top two teams from each group progressing to the crucial knockout stage.

The Oceania U19 Championship semifinals will be held next week, and the winners and runners-up will secure their spots at the prestigious FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025.

For the Solomon Islands U19s, this journey is about making their mark on the world stage and inspiring a nation.

As the team from the Solomon Islands continues their remarkable run, they carry the hopes and dreams of a nation eager to see their footballing talent shine on the world’s biggest stages.

Their story is one of determination, talent, and a strong belief in their abilities.

MSIP paid courtesy visit to OPMC

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The 2024 MSIP Contestants with the Supervising PM Tovosia ( fourth from left) with reigning Miss Solomon Islands Tiare T Haro (fourth from right).

BY INDY MAEALASIA

THE 2024 Miss Solomon Islands Pageant’s (MSIP) contestants paid a courtesy visit to the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet yesterday afternoon.

Supervising Prime Minister, Bradley Tovosia warmly welcomed the six contestants, who were accompanied by their respective chaperones, the MSSIP organizing team and the reigning Miss Solomon Islands, Tiare Taisia Haro

During the visit, each contestant seized the opportunity to introduce themselves and passionately discuss their advocacies. Issues discussed included climate change, gender equality, law education, domestic violence, women reproductive health and non- communicable diseases.  

In response, Tovosia outlined the government’s current initiatives and strategies aimed at addressing each of the challenges. He also welcomed questions from the contestants. 

Director of MSIP, Joyce Konofilia, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to Tovosia for availing himself to listen and speak with the contestants.

Echoing this sentiment, Tovosia praised the MSIP as a vital platform for empowering young women to voice their concerns and advocate for issues impacting Solomon Islands society. He acknowledged the contestants’ dedication and commitment to making a difference in their communities.

The Pageant is schedule for 30-31st of August.

Alleged killers face court for plea

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

Three men accused of killing two complainants at Koivo village, Guadalcanal, will face court for a possible plea on July 25.

During the court session yesterday, state prosecutor Olivia Ratu Manu applied for a substitution of charges under section 201 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC).

 The charge against the three accused has been changed from attempted murder to murder.

The reason for the substitution is that one of the two complainants was pronounced dead after being admitted to the National Referral Hospital (NRH).

Manu informed the court that the only outstanding document from the police investigator is the autopsy report from Dr. Maraka, who is currently on annual leave in Choiseul.

 The prosecution requested a 14-day adjournment to liaise with the police investigator and contact Dr. Maraka to obtain the autopsy report.

The court has adjourned the case to July 25 for a possible plea on the amended charges and for the prosecution to serve the remaining documents to the defense counsel for arraignment.

A man found guilty of DV and child cruelty

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BY ROMINAH FAKA

On Wednesday, the court found Harrison Forau guilty of one count of domestic violence and one count of cruelty to a child.

The court extended Forau’s remand warrant until July 17 for sentencing submissions from the crown and defense counsels.

Forau, currently serving a two-year and six-month prison sentence for raping a minor, faced these new charges and pleaded not guilty. The trial was conducted before Principal Magistrate Elma Veenah Rizzu Hilly.

The court heard that Forau, from NFD Area of Tulagi Township, Central Islands Province, psychologically abused his de facto wife by swinging a bush knife at her, causing her to be very frightened. On the same date, while heavily intoxicated, Forau took an infant child from the safe custody of his de facto wife and put human feces into the child’s mouth and over the child’s body.

The matter was reported to the police, leading to Forau’s arrest. The Police Prosecution Department appeared for the Crown, while the Public Solicitor’s Office represented Harrison Forau.

BAN IMPOSED

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Photo supplied.

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

A ban has been imposed and effective on poultry products from Australia due to a recent bird flu outbreak in several Australian states.

Biosecurity Solomon Islands Director within the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Francis Tsatsia told Island Sun in an exclusive interview via a phone call on Thursday 11 July.

“We have been informed by the agriculture authorities in Victoria two weeks ago of the bird flu outbreak in Victoria, Australia. Ban has already been imposed and effective two weeks ago,’’ said Tsatsia.

Mr Tsatsia stated that the ban is imposed mainly on poultry products from the Australian states that were experiencing the outbreak.

“The ban is targeted at poultry products from Australian states that were currently facing the outbreak. We are collaborating with the Customs, Ministry of Health and Medical Services Environment division, and authorities from Australia,’’ said Tsatsia.

He stressed that they have been monitoring the situation through working closely together with the Australian authorities in Victoria on the issue.

“This is a serious issue and risk to our food security especially in terms of poultry products importation. That doesn’t mean that all poultry products from Australia have been banned, No. There is no total ban on all poultry products from Australia, the ban is especially for affected states in Australia,’’ he said.

“Currently most of the poultry product coming into the country has been going through proper channels, validation, and certification before it enters the country. So, we are working around the clock on this issue very closely,’’ he said.

Recently Australian media reports that several countries that import from Australia have imposed a ban due to the recent bird flu outbreak in several Australian states.

The agriculture ministries of these countries have announced an immediate halt on the imports of wild and domestic birds, including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, and semen from Australia.

According to the media reports, a highly contagious strain of avian influenza has been detected at an eighth egg farm in Victoria hence work is ongoing on all poultry on the farm to be “safely and humanely disposed of” before the site is cleaned and cleared of infection.

PWDSI represented at the Pacific Disability Forum

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PWDSI CEO, Casper Faasala

BY JOHN HOUANIHAU

The people with disabilities in the Solomon Islands were represented at the Pacific Disability Forum which runs from 8th – 10th July at Tanao Waterfront Hotel, Lautoka in Fiji.

Casper Fa’asala Chief Executive Officer of People with Disabilities Solomon Islands (PWDSI), told Island Sun in an exclusive interview on Wednesday this week.

“The Meeting happened here in Lautoka, Fiji at the Tanoa Waterfront Hotel. It Starts on Monday 8 July and concludes on Wednesday 10 July,’’ he said.

He said that the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) has a vision for achieving disability inclusion and equity within climate and disaster resilience.

According to Fa’asala, this vision is fixed in its draft strategy for Disability Inclusive Resilience (Pacific Disability Inclusive Resilient Development Strategy (the Strategy) which covers ten years from 2023-2033.

“PDF acknowledges that this vision cannot be achieved without the help of partners to realize its vision in the Pacific, which is one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world,’’ he said. 

He stated that the ten-year draft Strategy is an extensive and detailed document that strives to outline strategic actions in pursuit of its working vision for achieving disability inclusion within climate and disaster resilience

“The draft strategy also offers opportunities to review and include regional gender commitments made by Pacific leaders through the Revitalized Pacific Leaders Gender Equality Declaration and the 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific continent.

“The review of the draft strategy importantly also offers opportunities for self-assessments using the Pacific Resilience Standards (PRS), a practical tool that aims to strengthen the effectiveness, quality, and integrity of resilience-building efforts and interventions such as the formulation of a regional disability inclusive resilience development strategy.

“The regional convening is supported through UN Women Fiji MCO, and one of its programs, the Women’s Resilience to Disasters (WRD) program. In bringing a collective and resilient pathway to the PDF vision, UN Women is supporting PDF to convene the regional event of partners, stakeholders, and Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs),’’ he said

Mr Fa’asala said that it is proposed that this convening will ensure that this vision and the accompanying strategy are inclusive, equitable, gender-responsive, and resilient through the ten years of implementation.

He stated that the key objectives of the workshop of the three-day regional convening will have these specific objectives: 

1. To create a space that facilitates a direct and trusted conversation between stakeholders and partners with ODPs and the Pacific Disability Forum (PDF), that will provide insights into strategic thinking for a ten-year disability-inclusive resilience strategy.

2. To ensure a review and strengthening of the draft Disability Inclusive Resilience Development Strategy, which considers women’s resilience to disasters and is gender-responsive. 

3. To convene a capacity support dialogue and learning on resource mobilization for Pacific ODPs that will contribute to the resilience of their work. 

“The event is expected to deliver the following results,(a) Support the PDF and regional ODPs to have a resilient and trusted space with partners and stakeholders that will be in place throughout the ten-year implementation of the disability-inclusive resilience development strategy. (b). The formulation of a gender-responsive, disability-inclusive resilient development strategy.  (c). The sharing of learnings and contextual ideas and best practices for resource mobilization.  (d). Improved understanding of WRD by partners and stakeholders across PDF and the regional ODPs,’’ said Mr Fa’asala.

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