High rise complex aux staff undergo training

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September 29, 2021

MAL — Presentation during the session at Heritage Park Hotel.

A workshop that introduced and demonstrated approaches and tools relevant to supporting revitalisation of the Land Purchase Cooperatives (LPCs) in Solomon Islands was held recently.

Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, Ministry of Commerce, Immigration, Labour and Industry (MCILI) and rep from the Ministry of Women, Youth Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) participated in the virtual meeting hosted by Julie Delforce Whitelum Group- project management & supervisor consultant.

The virtual meeting aimed to introduce and demonstrate practical approaches and tools relevant to supporting revitalisation of Land Purchase Cooperatives (LPCs), specifically; bringing the ‘Market system’ together to help LPCs access new opportunities and Family Farm Teams (FFT), a team approach to the business of farming. Both approaches are currently in use in Solomon Islands.

“All these workshops were intended to help develop practical tools, communication materials and approaches that MAL and MCILI can draw on for their future work to support LPCs,” Julie Delforce from Whitelum Group- project management & supervisor consultant said.

“This workshop was one of a series involving staff of MAL, MCILI, Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey (MLHS) and MWYCFA. It followed consultations with LPCs in Guadalcanal, Malaita, Isabel and Western Province late last year which resulted in preparation of a detailed Assessment Report and Stocktake Database.

Earlier workshops focused on Land issues (with MLHS) and Organisational options (with MCILI Co-ops unit). All these workshops were intended to help develop practical tools, communication materials and approaches that MAL and MCILI can draw on for their future work to support LPCs,” Ms Delforce said.

She thanked all the participants for their active participation in the workshop, and in particular Permanent Secretary of MAL Ethel Tebengi Frances for providing such strong leadership and support. “We wish you all well as you take this work forward into the future.”

The Government of Canada assisted the national government through the Ministry of Agriculture with a technical funding assistance of CAD$203,000 (approx.SBD$1 million) toward the LPCs revitalisation effort.

The funding requested by MAL to support MAL vision to revitalise these LPC as is where the country has years of large cocoa and coconut plantations. With support of Whitelum Group MAL in alliance with MCILI carried out preparatory and research work which included the reviewing of current state of farmer and marketing cooperatives in the country, recommending regulatory and policy measures that the Government may take to provide support to farmers through these cooperatives, and carrying out a pilot activity to implement part of the report’s recommendations.

“These LPCs are part of our agriculture sector history and described as ‘Dormant Resources awaiting to stimulate agriculture development in the Solomon Islands,” Ms. Frances earlier said.

She said reviving the country’s LPC’s is in line with the current government policy of growing our economy, create jobs and better the lives of our people.

Ms. Frances said as a nation of islands it is difficult for Solomon Islands farmers to access markets adding Cooperatives are a mechanism that can support farmers address market access challenges.

–MAL PRESS

Forestry says it’s keen on copying SFRM model

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September 29, 2021

Ministry of Forest and Research is eying replication of the Sustainable Forest Resource Management (SFRM) Project model in the country once the project comes to an end.

This was highlighted at the SFRM Joint Coordinated Committee (JCC) meeting held recently. JCC is a platform that implementors of the SFRM project sits together to update, scrutinize and analyse ongoing activities implemented at two selected pilot sites – Kumoniboli and Falake communities.

Japanese International Corporation Agency (JICA) on behalf of the Japanese Government and its people is partnering with the Solomon Islands Government through the Ministry of Forestry and Research in implementing this model here.

Forestry Deputy Secretary, Wilfred Atomea says the SFRM project model is an ideal way forward for Solomon Islands rural community setting, given our nature of living that depends very much on our forest resources.

“With our overall aim to divert current thinking on reducing logging and transforming forest industry to a more sustainable pathway, the two demonstration pilots must be successful and the model replicate across the country while the SFRM Project is running.

“The Ministry of Forestry and Research is renewing our commitment as a government to continue implementing the programmes and hopefully this remaining year will be another year of making advancement in enhancing the principles and demonstration of Sustainable Forest Resources Management in rural settings to assist in improving the resources management that will trickle down to individual members of the tribal and community members.”

He adds amongst other ongoing collaborating pilot and research projects that we have engaged with, SFRM project had been successful and generally in line with its schedule.

“The policy redirection of the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) for the forestry sector focuses on two areas; Downstream processing and Sustainable Logging Development Program, thus the SFRM project remain relevant and significant under these two policy programs and is progressing well on schedule with its immense benefits to target groups particularly at the Ministry of Forestry and Research and the two pilot sites namely Komuniboli in Guadalcanal and Falake in Malaita.”

Resident Representative of JICA Solomon Islands Office, Mr Motoyuki Uegaki says he is inspired to hear the project is making a good progress and achievements with its activities so far.

“I can easily pick up some outcomes which came out after the last JCC meeting. First, the solidarity of the stakeholder of the forest sector has become stronger than ever.

“Second, the social networking system of the project is increasingly holding the spotlight than ever. Third, the survey on gender issue was constructed mainly in the pilot sites and its result being finalized are forthcoming.”

Mr Uegaki adds he firmly believes the knowledge has been created and transferred to the pilot site communities.

“I am sure that the communities and the Ministry are now steadily equipped and will fully utilize the knowledge learned during the project as a tool to guide people in communities to protect, manage and conserve their forest resources.

“And I hope that knowledge will spread not only to the pilot sites but also to other communities going into the future.”

–MOFR PRESS

Shell money shop opens in Honiara

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September 29, 2021

Chrisenthia Lagu and Veronica Sifoburi at their new shell money shop called Shaenkola at Chinatown.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

STEVENs and Sons company is opening a shell money shop called ‘Shaenkola’ at Chinatown, Central Honiara as part of preserving the culture and value of the shells.

This follows shell money being an open market, in which the commodity is being sold in the Central market for public to purchase for bride price and compensation and other cultural ceremonies.

Owner, Steven Sifoburi of Langalanga lagoon in Malaita province said in the past the old people kept the shell money in secret houses.

Sifoburi said today shell money is sold openly in the market, therefore he is opening his shop to give a home for it.

He said as the country is also preparing for the Pacific Games in 2023, it is good to store it in the shop to show to visitors the significance and cultural practice behind the shell money trade.

Island Sun visited his shop on Monday this week and saw necklaces and tafuli’ae of North Malaita, string shell money of Are Are and Talinga of Guadalcanal on sale on the shelves.

Sifoburi said today people of Langalanga bought the shells from other provinces because of over harvesting in the lagoon.

He said making shell money is a long process.

This includes women breaking the shells, drilling them, treading, and men grinding, and women colouring and re-treading before it is a finished product.

Sifoburi said people who use shell money in Solomon Islands used to pay brides for marriage and the couple bear children after that.

He said without the shell money, there would be no children to go through formal education system to get qualifications to help their family.

As such, he said it is important to preserve shell money and promote the culture in years to come.

St Joseph Tenaru’s feat

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September 29, 2021

Writers, Editors and Teachers posing with the Book after the Hand Over ceremony, the school taking ownership of the book

ONE of the country’s leading secondary education institutions, St Joseph Tenaru, on Saturday received a special book which was launched to mark the school’s 75th anniversary.

The book, titled ‘Sacrifice and Leadership’, documents commentaries and reflections from both students and teachers, current and former, sharing their experience during their time at school from as far back as before the WWII.

Priceless photos show people who graced the school during its initial days at Aruligo, activities and places, up to the current site at Tenaru.

This handover followed the book’s launching on Sunday, September 19 at Holy Cross Hall by Archdiocese Vica General Fr John Galvin representing His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP.

A former Student poses with the 70th Anniversary Book

The writers and editors handed the book to Marist representatives, the school Head-boy and Head-girl, and the teachers – the book is now rightly owned by the School.

During the handover, chief editor of the book Sam Alasia in his emotional but joyful remarks, acknowledged those involved in putting together the book and Archbishop Chris for supporting the book.

Sam Alasia Chief Editor of the Tenaru 75th Anniversary Book during the Book Handover ceremony at Tenaru Hall sharing his remarks

He said this ceremony is a great milestone for the school, Marists and Catholic Education in Solomon Islands.

“This is our achievement because no school in the Solomons has achieved what we have done,” he said

“Marist brothers for their educational endeavours and their spirituality which continues to shine out today at St Joseph’s.

“Now the book has returned to where it rightly belongs, at St Joseph’s Tenaru.

“St Joseph’s Tenaru travelled 75 years till now. This is a great achievement.”

School Principal Abraham Hihiru acknowledged the all the writers and everyone who contributed in creating the book towards the school’s 75^th Anniversary.

School Principal Tenaru Book Co-editor Abraham Hihiru sharing his remarks during the Handover ceremony

Anniversary celebrations will take place from October 7-9, 2021.

He reflected on the story of Neil Armstrong’s words when he became the first human being to land on the moon in 1969.

“One small step for a man but a giant leap for mankind,” he quoted.

“Appollo 11 which carried Armstrong and two other astronauts travelled about 75 hrs to reach the moon.

“The book has been a small step for us all the writers but a giant leap for St Joseph’s as an institution.”

Former students Sally Pita and Frank Wickham and Current Head Boy and Girl also shared their experience as students of the school and how the school shaped and formed them, not only in their education and physical upbringing, but also nurtured their spiritual wellbeing.

–CATHOLIC COMMUNICATION

BRED announces growth in its Solomon operations

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September 29, 2021

BRED Bank says its operation in Solomon Islands is growing and achieving it ambitions.

“Established recently in 2018 and despite the pandemic, BRED Bank Solomon Islands has continued with its growth, market penetration and ambitions,” the bank said in a statement issued yesterday.

“The fourth and latest arrival on the Solomon Islands banking market, it took only three years for the bank to set its strong hold and footprint by capturing second place of the loan market with 21.2%¹ share,” the statement added.

“This success was reflected in the opening of a second branch in January 2021 in the heart of the business district in the city centre of Point Cruz.

“This new point of contact close to its customers created around fifteen new jobs.”

The statement comes after BRED Group recently conducted a capital increase of €5 million in its subsidiary BRED (Vanuatu) Limited.

This strategic contribution, the bank says, is intended to strengthen the positive momentum of BRED subsidiaries in the Pacific, and more specifically to speed up the development of BRED Bank Solomon Islands.

Strong presence of BRED (Vanuatu) Limited

Founded in 2008, BRED (Vanuatu) Limited is the number 1 bank in the loan segment (market share of 36.8%^[1] in Vanuatu.

BRED (Vanuatu) Limited shows how much the Pacific banking market can be the growth driver for BRED Group.

The €5 million increase brings the issued and paid up share capital to €26 million as at June 21.

This increase strengthens BRED (Vanuatu) Limited’s capacities and demonstrates the confidence in the future that BRED has for this region of the Pacific, with the opening of a third branch planned for 2022 in the capital Port Vila, near Bauerfield International Airport.

“BRED (Vanuatu) Limited and Bred Bank Solomon Islands will use this capital increase to further disseminate the global customer approach and value-added advisory model that define ‘banking without distance’.”

BRED is a cooperative Banque Populaire, supported by its 200,000 members, 5.2 billion euros in equity, and 6,000 employees – including 30% outside France and the French Overseas Departments.

It operates in the Greater Paris region, Normandy and in the French Overseas Departments, as well as in Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, the Horn of Africa and Switzerland via its commercial banking subsidiaries.

As a community bank with strong ties in local areas, it has a network of 475 business sites in France. It maintains a long-term relationship with 1.3 million customers.

As part of the BPCE Group, BRED Banque Populaire operates in various activity sectors: retail banking, corporate banking for large– cap companies and institutional investors, wealth management, international banking, asset management, trading, insurance, and international trade financing.

Bishop Quity visits Transfiguration Church

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Ben Bilua

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September 29, 2021

Community of Fishing Village welcomes Bishop Quity and his team

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

THE Diocesan Bishop of Isabel and his team have paid a visit to Transfiguration Church at Fishing Village, Western province.

The team was greeted with special traditional welcome and also hymns followed by lunch before heading back to Gizo.

In his speech, Catechist of Transfiguration, Nathaniel Edau said Fishing Community was honoured to host Bishop Quity and his delegation.

He said the Bishop’s visit was a privilege that will definitely boost the morale of the community in church commitments.

Bishop of Isabel Diocese Reverend Elison Quity speaking to Christian people at Fishing Village

Edau said the population of fishing village has been increasing over the past year and the church has played an important role in nurturing younger generation to be educated and become future leaders of the community.

He adds that the increasing population has been a challenge for leaders to keep younger generation away from unwanted activities.

“Transfiguration has many dreams to improve the church’s mission and activities as well as keeping the younger generation close to the church, but the dreams are far from reality.

“We need a new and bigger church to accommodate the increasing population, we also need a church owned transportation improve the church’s mission,” Edau said.

He also said that sea level rise caused by climate change is a huge risk to the community.

Edau told those present that the church build normally sunk under water during high tides.

“We have tried out best to save our church from the rising by collecting and dumping lime stones to lift ground elevation.

“The church building is safe for now but is still at risk of continual effect of climate change,” he said.

Catechist of Fishing Village Transfiguration Church delivers his speech

Edau acknowledged Father, Canon Erick Kolae for advice towards Transfiguration church’s development and mission over the past year.

In his remarks, Father Kolae, acknowledged Bishop Quity and his team for accepting the program to visit Fishing Village community.

He said Bishop Quity has made history for being the first Bishop in the Anglican Church of Melanesia to visit Fishing Village Community and Transfiguration church.

Kolae told Bishop Quity that Fishing community, the custodian of Transfiguration Church is surrounded by mangroves and the future of the community and church depends on Diocese of Isabel.

Church leaders of Transfiguration Church waiting to welcome Bishop Quity and delegates

“Church located in the middle of mangroves and sea, so sea level rise is an issue to the church.

“Land is an issue as such parishioners are looking at raising the ground level by filling the area which coral and filled the area with ground,” he said.

Kolae said he is happy that the church has contributed to the development of the community especially sending children to school.

Fishing Village is a community with less hundred people located less than 10 minutes’ drive from Western Provincial Capital, Gizo.

CHANGES TO TELCO BILL

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September 28, 2021

Minister outlines communications law in parliament

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Government has amended the Telecommunication (Amendment) Bill 2021 following recommendation from the Bills and Legislative Committee.

Minister of Communication and Aviation, Peter Shanel Agovaka stated this when speaking on the second reading of the Bill in Parliament yesterday.

Agovaka said after an iterative sequence of consultation on the Bill, the Bill together with the corrigendum resulting from recommendations from the Bills and Legislative Committee, has become the final version of the Bill which will be tabled before parliament.

He said other issues highlighted during the BLC hearing are beyond the scope of this Bill and irrelevant to the purpose of this Bill.

“Other issues identified which were related to internet or content will be addressed in the proposed Cybercrime Bill which is currently in the drafting instruction stage,” he said.

The Bill is to amend the Telecommunication Act 2009 to register all prepaid SIM cards that are sold by service providers in the Solomon Islands.

It establishes the minimum age for purchasing SIM cards (15) and requires person to provide valid ID when purchasing SIM cards from the service providers or their agents.

The service providers and agents will be responsible for establishing and electronic registry for recording accurate information to identify the purchasers.

Minister Agovaka said in the corrigendum, section 78 H establishes the provision for sales of a prepaid SIM card to an organization.

He said the reason for the section is to establish a provision that enables organisations to buy prepaid SIM card for work purposes.

Moreover, Minister Agovaka said specific IDs were also defined to authenticate the legitimacy and genuineness of companies who may want to buy prepaid SIM card hence avoiding fraud.

He said the corrigendum further establishes the provision to ensure that all SIM cards that are purchased before this amendment are registered.

Police Commissioner accused of mistreatment

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September 28, 2021

Acting-Police-Commissioner-Mostyn-Mangau — Police Commissioner Mostyn Mangau.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

Some suspended police officers have complained after the Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau made recommendation for their salary to be ceased.

One of the police officers, who wished not to be named, said this is not right under the Police Act 2013.

“This is inhuman treatment because my bail condition disallowed me to travel out of Honiara city.

“Also under the Act, I am not allowed to do any alternative job because I am still on suspension,” the officer said.

The officer said he has written five letters to Commissioner of Police but there were no positive feedbacks.

He said this issue has started since 2016 up until now.

Under Section 123 of the Police Act,

When a police officer is suspended pursuant to this Part, the Commissioner shall determine what portion of pay and entitlements the suspended police officer shall receive or accrue during the suspension period.
If a police officer receives a reduction in pay pursuant to subsection (1), the officer may apply to the Commissioner to review or vary the deduction on the basis of financial hardship or special circumstances.
If the disciplinary or criminal proceedings against a police officer do not result in dismissal, demotion or criminal conviction, the police officer is entitled to be reimbursed for any pay or other entitlement withheld during the suspension period.
If a police officer is demoted, reimbursement of pay and entitlements shall be made at the demoted level.
Reimbursement of pay and entitlements should be withheld until any appeal has been determined or any appeal period has expired.

However, the Office of the Commissioner has not received and administered any letter as claimed by the officer.

“Any letter or document delivered to the commissioner’s office by any suspended police officer regarding payments will be recorded for the Commissioner to have a review or vary the deduction on the basis of financial hardship or special circumstances,” Office of the Commissioner said.

“This is just a simple internal administrative matter that could be dealt with.

“The Police Commissioner’s office therefore urges the Police Officer(s) to come forward and deliver his/her letter to the Commissioner’s Office,” Office of Commissioner said.

He/she can call Telephone 22217 so we could administer his/her complaint rather than exposing himself in external media platforms which is again a breach of our RSIPF media policy.

The Office of Commissioner said pursuant to Section 123 of the Police Act 2013, the Commissioner will determine the amount of pay and entitlements that the suspended officer receives during the suspension period.

“On the other hand, the suspended officer may apply to the Commissioner to review or vary the deduction on the basis of financial hardship or special circumstances,” Office of Commissioner said.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is committed of being a disciplined, respected and professional organization . The trust and confidence of the community is gained through demonstrating ethical behavior by officers both on and off duty.

RSIPF is operated in an open, fair and trustworthy manner that ensures our officers are held accountable if they breach discipline or commit criminal offences.

The discipline system within the RSIPF is an internal administrative process and as such administrative law is that branch of the law that deals with how administrators make decisions, providing a fair process for dealing with matters such as discipline charges that do not come under the provision of the criminal law.

Therefore, any suspended officer shall be subject to all the provisions of the Police Act 2013 and Police Regulations 2013 with regards to responsibilities, discipline and penalties.

Telecommunications bill in parliament this week

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September 28, 2021