Home Blog Page 815

BRED announces growth in its Solomon operations

Written by
Press Release
-
0

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

Written by
Ben Bilua
-
0
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

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0

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

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
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,

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. If a police officer is demoted, reimbursement of pay and entitlements shall be made at the demoted level.
  5. 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

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Solomon Islands National Parliament

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Telecommunications (Amendment) Bill 2021 is set down for debate in Parliament this week.

This after Minister of Communication and Aviation, Peter Shanel Agovaka presented the second reading of the Bill in Parliament yesterday.

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.

The objectives of the Bill are:

  1. To register prepaid SIM cards sold in Solomon Islands by service providers;
  2. To list identification cards that can be used to buy SIM card;
  3. To set the age categories for person who can buy SIM card;
  4. To set the procedure for organisations and company to buy SIM card;
  5. To establish offences relating to this amendment; and
  6. To establish an electronic registry to record information of each SIM card user.

Minister Agovaka said in the case of Solomon Islands, the need for SIM card registration cannot be further emphasized.

He said financial inclusion services such as mobile banking, mobile payment, electronic wallet and other electronic services cannot be fully operational without SIM card registration.

Furthermore, Minister Agovaka said national security is another reason for SIM card registration.

“Lack of registering prepaid SIM card has created an avenue for potential organized crime which may become a major challenge in the process of criminal investigation.

“Solomon Islands realized the importance of SIM card registration, therefore, the method we deploy in the Solomon Islands must be practical to protect the citizens of Solomon Islands from abuse,” he said.

Minister Agovaka said after considering various SIM card registration methods available, the method preferred in their case is the capture and store method.

He said the capture and store method requires mobile network operators to capture and keep personal information about SIM card users.

“This method has been adopted by 126 countries around the globe and is preferable because of the controls associated with accessing the data.

“Moreover, information regarding the SIM users can only be assessed upon demand from authorities such as the courts,” he said.

Environmental Health Day marked

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0
George Titiulu, Esther and Dr Kako looking at photos displayed yesterday

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

ENVIRONMENTAL Health Day celebration observed yesterday has successfully raised awareness and brings into the limelight the important work of environmental health in the country.

The theme of the event reads; “Prioritising Environmental Health for Healthier Communities in the Global Recovery”.

Speaking to the official commemoration of the occasion Deputy Secretary of Public Health Dr Nemia Bainivalu said world Environmental Health Day is celebrated to spread awareness about environmental Health that should be strictly given importance especially in the time of the pandemic.

“The day is observed to bring into the limelight the important works of environmental health. This day aims at the possible rebirth in the health field. To face the problems related to world health, especially in the time of the pandemic.

“The world environmental health has proved its power to help the people across the world to demonstrate the strength and inner power to fight back the diseases. For humanity, the world environmental health day celebration is a necessity,” Bainivalu said.

He said the environmental health should be considered as the essential thing necessary to maintain health.

Environmental Health Director Leonard Olivera said this a first time Solomon Islands celebrating this day and with the theme “Prioritising Environmental Health for Healthier Communities in the Global Recovery” for this event it is really fitting.

Gov’t infrastructure projects in Malaita progressing well

Written by
Press Release
-
0
current development happening on Suava area

THERE is positive and encouraging progresses in some of the infrastructure projects in Malaita.

A trip to the northern part of the province by officials from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the Office of the Prime Minister has revealed this.

Under the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) initiatives’ infrastructure component, the Oversight Committee confirmed that the bridge at Taba’a in North East Malaita was successfully completed and has already been utilised.


Some of the workers of Lion Heart Company Limited taking a break from their work for a photo shoot.

Also, the wharf at Malu’u in North Malaita is already in progress with the casting and curing of concrete works already completed in Honiara and was transported for assembling in Malu’u station.

The contractor, Lion Heart Company Limited has already being mobilize to the site and had started work.

Further, the Development of an Economic Growth Centre located in Kwatanaere along the Suava Bay is also progressing well.

Following successive steps to conduct subdivision of the selected land for the project, site back-filing for market, copra and commodity storage warehouse has been progressing on well with 95% completion. 


The completed bridge at Taba’a, North East Malaita, funded under the ESP infrastructure initiative

Implemented under the flagship of DCGA’s productive sector priority policy through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, The Suava Bay Economic Growth Centre Project is very vital to decentralize economic infrastructure that stimulates micro-economic investment opportunities to create employment and generate incomes for better rural livelihoods.

 A local team of consultants identified by the government for environmental impacts assessment went ahead in site preparation for building constructions next year 2022.


Entrance to the road leading towards the Suava Bay Economic Growth Center site.

The government through the Ministry of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration is working closely with the Commissioner of Lands in order to acquire certain sections of the allocated land that still needs to be acquired.

Furthermore, resources owners, tribal chiefs, community leaders and community citizens had recognized the future economic prospective of this Suava Bay Economic Growth Centre Project and this is manifested through their continued support and cooperation to date.

Such economic infrastructure is recognized as the literal backbone of an economy with positive impacts to facilitate trade, industrial growth, commercial marketing value chain, decline unemployed workforce, catalyses rural economic opportunities to decrease influx urban drift, recovery and sustainable long term economic growth through private sector investments for mutual benefits.

The DCGA government acknowledge contractor Exodus Trade Development for the earth works in backfilling of construction site.

The DCGA is fully committed to the successful implementation and delivery of its policy priorities through this economic infrastructure project for economic empowerment and national stability.

–OPMC PRESS

Selwyn College: overcoming 50 years of challenges

Written by
Charles Kadamana
-
0

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

Selwyn College has survived the ravages of time to remain one of the important education institutions in the country for the past 50 years.

This was highlighted by Governor General Sir David Vunagi when he officially opened the weeklong 50th Anniversary Jubilee of the school at Lawson Tama yesterday.

He recalls that in 1986 Selwyn College at Najilagu, northeast Guadalcanal, was destroyed by Cyclone Namu, which was a big disaster for the students and teachers.

He said because of that the school have to transfer to Maravovo in 1990.

From left, Archbishop Leonard Dawea, Governor General Sir David Vunagi and lady Vunagi, Minister of Education Lanele Tanangada and PS Dr Franco Rodie salute for the national Anthem

But again, just after eight years the school was once again challenged by the ethnic tension.

He said the situation has confronted the students with questions whether or not they will complete their education.

MASI division members celebrating 50th Aniversary celebration of Selwyn College

He said despite of the challenges there a lot of things has been done and for that he commends the leadership of the past and present teachers and students for the good work,

He said Selwyn College has developed into a premier institution offering form six since 1991 and form 7 since 2005.

Naobu division members celebrating

“As we look back, I would like to acknowledge the good foundation work done by succeeding generation of teachers and students that make the school where it is today.

“They have played a leading role to build the school and we thankful for their example and work,” he said.

SOSA members and students parade from Honiara City Council to Lawson Tama

Sir Vunagi emphasize that the church schools including other sisters church schools are established not only to pass on intellectual knowledge to students but shaping them to become better person.

He said the church schools existed for thorough and dynamic purposes to promote holistic approach for three aspects of person which are spiritual, intellectual and physical.

Tahula division members celebrating

“These are the principals of true religion as we heard for the founder of the school Selwyn who advocated it for many years ago.”

He said former and current students celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the school it is also a time to look forward for the next 50 years.

He also thanked the premier of Guadalcanal and landowners for allowing their land to establish the school.

Noabu division during a march past

“I must pay tribute to the landowners and surrounding communities for being true partnership in providing education,” he said.

He also acknowledges the national government for its ongoing support to the school as well the Selwyn Old Scholars Association (SOSA) for providing support when things are tough for the school.

He urges SOSA members to remain active and establish a functional network to accommodate students coming out of the school does not go astray and established a scholarship funds to support struggling students.

St Luke Parishioners welcomes Bishop Quity and delegates to Gizo.

Written by
Ben Bilua
-
0
Bishop Quity delivers his short remarks during the welcome ceremony

BY BEN BILUA
Gizo

SAINT Luke Anglican Church welcomed the visiting Isabel Diocesan Bishop Reverend Elision Quity and his delegate upon arrival at Gizo over the weekend.

Parishioners from Satellite Churches from Fishing Village, Rarumana, Ringi, Poitete and Kolokolo also travelled to Gizo to be part of the program.

Bishop Quity and his delegate are on a mission to visit Anglican Communities in Western province.

In his speech during the welcome ceremony, he acknowledged St Luke Parishioners and also Christian people at Gizo for the warm welcome.

Bishop Quity said the mission to Gizo is a blessing for the church and also parishioners to share the moment available preaching and sharing the word of Christ.

He told those present that the church is an institution that brings people together to learn and live with Christian values.

“Church is not a museum or a market where people visit or buy things that is of personal interest

“Church is like a hospital where people seek assistance for health issues. Church is a place we as Christian can seek God’s healing through repentance,” Bishop Quity said.

He said the existence of Churches encourages people to live a good life sharing and spreading love and kindness within the society.

GG leads hundreds of SOSA members in historic Walk Back to SELCO.

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Governor General Sir David Vunagi and Archbishop Leonard Dawea leading the walk back to Selwyn College

Hundreds of Selwyn College Old Scholars Association (SOSA) members walked nearly two kilometers to their old school on west Guadalcanal to witness the unveiling of the college’s Golden Jubilee Monument by the Governor-General, Sir David Vunagi on Saturday.

Dotted along the road in their traditional school colours of their popular divisions Kirio, Masi, Noabu and Tahula, former students along with the current ones walked down memory lane as a mark of respect and to witness the unveiling and blessing of the Monument by Sir David and Archbishop Leonard Dawea respectively.

The march which started after 9am begun at the Vaturanga bridge to Selwyn College and was led by Sir David, a former school teacher and principal and the head of the Anglican Church in Melanesia, Dawea is also the chairman of the college.

Kirio division members took part in the walk back event

The unveiling of the monument was the beginning of a one-week celebration.

At Selwyn College, both the young and old generation came together to mark the landmark point in the history of one of the country’s leading national secondary schools.

Noabu division members excited to be part of the walk back to Selwyn College.

School Principal Fr. Davidson Nwaeramo said the event was significant as the college now marks its 50 years as one of the leading schools in the country.

Chairman of the Selwyn College Golden Jubilee Committee, Robert Iroga said the events brought so much joy to SOSA members.

From left, SOSA Chairman Robert Iroga, Governor General Sir David Vunagi, School Principal Davidson Nwaeramo and Archbishop Dawea infront of the Golden Jubilee monument

He said it was satisfying to see all professionals from all sectors in the country joining the march.

“This shows the contribution that the school has made to the country,” he said.

He said the celebrations are a reminder that “we must not forget our past which helped to shape our presence.”

Iroga said SOSA members are basically celebrating an institution that has contributed significantly to their lives and in helping to shape what they are today.

Tahula division members chanting their division as they walk back to Selwyn College from Vaturanga.

Selwyn College pride its uniqueness in its four divisions. The four divisions Kirio, Masi, Tahula and Noabu have come to the fore again this golden jubilee celebrations.

SOSA members have been divided into the four divisions since the beginning of the year and have been raising funds to the rehabilitation of the school’s classrooms.

Over the next week, SOSA members hold celebrations and climaxing in the handover of the   money they raised to the school on October 1 at the St Barnabas Cathedral.

Meanwhile the Saturday event will now be an annual event with the introduction of SOSA day on September 25th.

SOSA MEDIA

1...814815816...1,665Page 815 of 1,665