Australian High Commissioner, Dr Lachlan Strahan delivers his speech.
BY JENNIFER KUSAPA
THE Australian government through the Strongim Bisnis program has established a partnership with the Solomon Islands Women in Business Association to support women create better economic opportunities.
Speaking at a breakfast on Friday, Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Dr Lachlan Strahan said Australian Government is proud to support SIWIBA in achieving its goal to help women in business.
He said the Australian High Commission remains committed to women’s economic empowerment.
“We have a Gender Team specifically focused on this task, our team along with Strongim Bisnis, continue to champion inclusive workplaces, we know that improved economic opportunities for Solomon Islands women help support a strong Solomon Islands economy”, High Commissioner Strahan said.
Meanwhile SIWIBA President Pamela Zoleveke said SIWIBA exist to serve the interests of business women throughout the Solomon Islands and currently they have a total of 900 registered members.
Mrs Zoleveke also encourage women informal or formal to always contact them for training and other business activities to help them in growing their business forward.
The businesswomen’s networking breakfast celebrated the Australian Government’s partnership with SIWIBA, via its initiative, Strongim Bisnis. This Australian-funded partnership aims to improve SIWIBA’s capacity to deliver business development services for women and increase SIWIBA’s membership of women entrepreneurs.
YOUTHS residing in Honiara this week gathered to celebrate the International Youth Day with the theme “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health.”
Speaking at the occasion Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Women Youth Children and Family Affairs Dr Cendrick Alependava said this year’s them is relevant to all global communities and citizens.
New Zealand High Commission youth Ambassador chatting with PS Dr Alependava
“Healthy Youth, Health Population needs a good food system –with availability healthy food.
Because processed food, sugary food, tin foods are full of additives colouring, flavours, and preservatives and as such second hand and not good for our body.
What our Youths need are fresh fruits, nuts vegetables from our own garden to make them healthier,” Alependava said.
He said the above mentioned statements are in line with the Solomon Islands Youth Policy on six priority areas education empowerment, Economic empowerment, health and well-being Sustainable Development , Leadership, Governance, peace building , Social inclusion and Citizen, Evidence base approaches, access to information and Provincial implementations strategies.
On the same note City Mayor Eddie Siapu said “Young people have always been a group that have the energy, creativity and talent to be more proactive citizens of Honiara and our country when it comes to development.
City Mayor Eddie Siapu
The celebration of the International Youth Day 2021 is to acknowledge the contributions of young people to our families, communities and our city’s economy as a whole.”
Siapu said the International Youth day 2021 is time for all stakeholders in the Youth space to reflect on our respective approaches towards involving our said populations the youths in our work.
Lio Creek youths with NZ High commissioner
Harry James on behalf of the Youths said the theme of the occasion “Transforming Food Systems: Youth Innovation for Human and Planetary Health” with the aim of highlighting that the success of such a global effort not be achieved without the meaningful participation g young people.”
An overwhelmng turn-out for the vaccination launch in Auki.
Deputy premier urges Malaitans to get their jabs
BY SAMIE WAIKORI
Auki
SUPERVISING Premier of Malaita Province Randol Sifoni has appealed to Malaitans both in the province and outside to get their jabs.
Sifoni made the call yesterday during the launche of covid-19 vaccination roll-out program for Malaita.
He acknowledged the support and commitment of national government for recognizing Malaita as one of the priority provinces to run the vaccination roll-out program.
Deputy Premier of Malaita province, Hon Randol Sifoni thumps up as he took his first covid-19 jab on Friday during the vaccination roll-out in Malaita.
Sifoni said Malaita has a maritime border with PNG that indicate the importance of the vaccination program to the province. Also the province is one of the largest and highly populated.
“That means the entry of corona virus through ports of entries could mean a very high risk to the people of Malaita,” Sifoni said.
“We all know that health system in our country and in this province is very weak and the only possible way to prevent you and your family from being killed by the virus is through vaccination,” he added.
“My good people of Malaita province, I would like to inform you that there is no cure for covid-19. However, getting a vaccine will protect us and our families.
NDMO provincial branch officer, Mr Pearson Simi is going through some checks before taking his jab.
“The impact of covid-19 in our neighboring countries like Fiji and PNG is overwhelming. It is beyond the capacity of their health system even though they have a lot stronger health system than ours.
“Therefore, we must get our jabs,” he said.
Sifoni said the delta variant is more severe and can be easily transferrable that capable of infecting mass population in a very small time.
“Because of the extreme danger of this virus to our people, the government in its wisdom had seen the significance of bringing the vaccination program to the province.
“You will not be travelling across the ocean to get your jab in Honiara. You’ll have it right here.
The Dominican order of the Catholic Church, with church communities from three different parishes have celebrated Saint Dominic’s Day at the Mass center Henderson East Honiara.
The feast day which falls on Sunday 8th of August was held on Saturday 7th with the attendance of over 300 people from local churches under the Holy Cross, Kukum and Good Shepherd Parish, including guests from various religious orders.
Dominican Father, Peter Lalaiagalo who led the feast day’s service was assisted by Vicar General Fr John Galvin representing the Archbishop Chris Cardone and 10 other priests from the Diocesan and Marist religious order.
The Dominican Sisters, Brothers, Mass center’s youth ministry and the Rurete Gilbertese community brought life into the service with their beautiful lively singing.
Young girl dancing to a Tuvaluan song during the Dominican Feast Day [photo by Indy]
During the sermon Fr Carter Tanaboe reminded the congregation that despite their different walks of life, all are called to preach the Gospel just like Saint Dominic who founded the order 800 years ago.
He also encouraged everyone that though “we live in a world where the Gospel values are continuously challenged, we should not be afraid to preach the Gospel.
Representing the Dominicans Fr Superior, Stephen Kamoa acknowledged the presence of other orders and communities and those who were part of the feast’s preparation
Fr Superior Stephen Kamoa delivering his speech. [photo by Indy Maelasia]
“Congratulations to those who worked so hard for many weeks to prepare the liturgy. My dear People without you, we are nothing the feast will have no meaning so I would like to say thank you very much everyone who come from different places and different communities to come and join us in this day of Joy”
Chairman of the Mass Center Community, Stanley Maealasia also shared his appreciation for the efforts the Mass Center community has put in prior to the feast day.
Fr Lalaiagalo during the Mass
“I also would like to thank the mass center community, it has been a difficult year this year but nevertheless we have tried our very best to work along with the Dominicans and we are very pleased indeed to have this society with us to help us in our journey as laities” he said
Mass Center women swaying to the beat
Mr Maealasia also thanked the different orders and the communities to come as a universal family to mark this special day.
The celebration continued with a feast and entertainments from the order, various youth groups, Sunday school groups, men and women groups.
The Dominican Order is made up of priests, brothers and nuns and is one of the many religious order within the Roman Catholic Church.
COVID-19 does not care about our individual beliefs, our freedoms nor our individual rights.
Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare stated during his nationwide address last week.
The Prime Minister said in many countries it is the individual rights and freedoms that has allowed COVID-19 to spread and has killed many people.
“COVID-19 does not discriminate – it affects all and if you are not vaccinated, you will become the weak link that can provide an entry point for the virus to enter and infect those close to you,” the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister Sogavare said unrelenting resistance to common sense public health measures such as vaccination has been the major cause of spread in many countries.
He said the sad thing is the selfish attitude of a few that results in the spread of illness causing death to others.
The Prime Minister says liberty does not mean you have the freedom to do whatever you want wherever you want.
“It means whatever you do to please yourself must not put others in harm’s way so you must respect their liberties as well. That is our moral, ethical, spiritual, and civic responsibility,” he said.
Prime Minister Sogavare said the Government respects individuals’ rights and religious beliefs.
However, he said these beliefs must not jeopardize the rights of others, nor put them at risk.
“In this regard, the Government policy starts with those that it employs through its two tiers of government – the central and provincial governments and those employed in government institutions and State-owner enterprises,” he said.
Prime Minister Sogavare strongly emphasized that it is the Government’s policy that every government employee and members of their families, must be protected from COVID-19.
He said the best way to achieve this is to get fully vaccinated.
“It is therefore a requirement that every employee of the government at the central and provincial levels and employees of government institutions and SOEs must get their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine either by end of this month, or within two months of the vaccination rollout in the provinces where they work, and they must receive their 2nd dose of the vaccine by 30th November 2021,” he said.
The Prime Minister said whilst these dates will be reviewed depending on what is realistically achievable, any person that is employed by the Government who chooses not to get vaccinated will not be allowed to enter their work premises by the due date of the first dose.
Prime Minister Sogavare adds that if they still choose not to be vaccinated by the due date of the second dose, they will have self-terminated their employment.
He said the choice by public servants to get vaccinated or not belongs to individual public servants.
The Prime Minister said the choice on who the Government continues to employ under its mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy rests with the government.
Prime Minister Sogavare said the Government also requires all private sector companies whose workers undertake frontline work to ensure their frontline workers are vaccinated.
The dues dates for the 1st dose and 2nd dose for Honiara, Western province, Choiseul province, Guadalcanal province and Malaita outer Islands is 31 August for the 1st dose and 30th November 2021 for the 2nd dose.
“As a responsible Government, our focus is to achieve at least an 80% coverage of our total eligible population fully vaccinated to ensure we can provide some level of protection to all those below 18 years of age who cannot be vaccinated. This is about 331,462 people,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that is the objective of the Government.
“It is our ethical and moral duty to ensure we can protect the people of this country,” Prime Minister Sogavare said.
New Culvert installed with Gabion Protection works at the Kwarea bridge
The Oversight committee responsible for the implementation of the Economic Stimulus Package (ESP) Initiative has announced some of the major and positive milestones reached with projects under the infrastructure sector.
This includes, the Malu’u wharf, the Makira ramp, Taba’a, Fiu and Kwarea bridges and Seghe Airport.
The Oversight Committee says it is pleased to announce that the ramp in Makira and the bridge at Taba’a in North East Malaita have successfully completed.
Casted and cured deck slabs for the Malu’u wharf.
According to the ESP Oversight Committee, the wharf at Malu’u in North Malaita is already in progress with the casting and curing of concrete works underway in Honiara and will be transported for assembling in Malu’u.
“The contractor is expected to mobilize to the site later this month,” the contractor said in a statement.
“Further, works on bridge protection and culvert has been installed for the Kwarea Bridge,” it added.
Fenders installed, Concrete armour blocks installed at the ramp in Kira Kira, Makira Province.
“This is a jointly funded project by the ESP and the Ministry of Infrastructure Development.”
The Committee also announces that contract negotiation is currently ongoing with a prospective contractor towards the work on the Seghe Airport.
“The contract is expected to sign later this year.”
It is also revealed that World Bank will proceed with the tender process to design the Fiu bridge.
“The Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) through the ESP Oversight Committee is fully committed to the successful and accountable implementation of its policy priorities in the interest of economic empowerment, national stability and the wellbeing of its citizens.” —GCU
YOUTHS in Gizo, Western Province gathered at Assemblies of God (AOG) church on Friday evening to mark the International Youth Day.
The celebration kicked off with a combined prayer followed by a short sermon and presentation from Solomon Islands Planned Parenthood Association.
In his sermon Pastor John Tuafai reminds youths about the important of God’s principles and values in life.
Jehovah Witness Youths
He urge youths to build their life on the truth and not false pretenses with worldly beliefs.
“Use God’s commandments as your guide as you journey through life.
“You need the word of God more than anything in the world to become success in life.
“Decision making can be make right when you know God’s commandments.
“Knowledge alone can lead youths to foolishness but with God’s commandments knowledge can be used in the right way.
“Our knowledge and skill we get from Universities or higher education can lead us astray at times. But if we multiply our knowhow with God’s word, we will become good citizen of this country and also a perfect member of our family,” Tuafai said.
He said youths are in a critical time facing issues that easy carry youth away from being a good citizen and stewardship of God.
Tuafai stressed that it is time for youths to transform their lives through God divine principles and values written down on the Holy Bible.
SUPERVISING director of Malaita provincial health, Dr David Danitofea has revealed that more than 70 percent of health system in the province has run-down, and only waits to be shutdown.
Danitofea made the statement during the launch of covid-19 vaccination program Friday in Auki saying it’s a blow for the province as it faces the threat from the pandemic.
He said early this year a study was carried out by UNICEF and provincial health on health facilities, staffing, drugs and other related health resources in the province.
Danitofea said the report produced after the survey was interesting as it found that more than 70 percent of health facilities in the province had run down and some need to close-down.
“Our health facilities are not up to standard. Adding to that, more than half of rural clinics in the province are run by nurse-aides instead of registered nurses,” Danitofea said.
“Even Kilu’ufi hospital also faces similar situation. Sometimes during a shift, only a nurse will look after the whole ward whilst this is the main hospital in province,” he added.
Members of provincial health staffs inside the vaccination centre at Auki Market.
Danitofea stressed that health system in the province was not up to standard and does not match what the ministry of health wants for the country.
“Our health system is down and we are struggling with it. Exposing this is for us to see the reality of our health system… it’s not a good news,” he said.
Danitofea said being with that run-down health status, think about if the corona virus enters Malaita.
“It will be a blow and disaster for Malaita.”
He said while the national government is doing all it could to stop the virus, people must be responsible and get vaccinated to prevent a disaster in the event the virus enters the community.
“The best thing to do to prevent corona virus is get vaccinated, so that we are ready to face the virus. And only through that we can deal with it.
“We must try all our best to avoid the virus and not just to sit down and do nothing,” Danitofea said.
SHE withstands the heat, the dust and with her body stretched to the limit, she keeps going to provide for her family.
This is the story of 36-year-old, Rose Oli who fought against the odds in trying to earn money to help her family.
Oli is from Ranongga Island. She had to travel 30km by boat to reach Gizo to sell her fruit and root crops.
Earlier this week, she left behind her 3-year-old child, her husband and came to Gizo to sell bananas, cassava and potatoes at the Gizo Market.
However, luck has not been forthcoming as COVID-19 strained the economy leaving this struggling mother of four to earn only a few dollars per day.
“Life is really hard at the moment, not many customers showed up to buy my products.
“Last time, I earned around SBD$500 to SBD$600 dollars a day and now it took me almost a week to earn these amounts.
“Most of us come from the other Islands around Gizo and we have to spend weeks here before returning home to our families.
“I believe COVID-19 has taken a toll on us poor mothers,” Oli said.
The past few months has been very challenging with most vendors’ earnings falling dramatically. What keeps the 36-year-old going is her children’s education and other family needs.
Giving up is not an option for her and the struggle is far from over.
Other women who also trying to get money by selling root crops and vegetables at Gizo Market
“My family depends on what I’m doing. Money that I earn help us pay school fees, school uniform, community contributions, church contributions and other household needs.
“This business is really tough but I have no choice, I have to sacrifice my life so that my children could get a better life in the future,” Oli said.
She said living rough while at Gizo is a choice, and that she will surely return in the next few weeks and go through the same trail when her family needs money.
Oli and her friends normally slept at the MSG building.
The building has no walling exposing the women to rain and wind, with decreasing temperature during night time.
Disturbance caused by drunkards has also been an issue for the women when trying to get a good rest after an exhausting day at the market.
“At times the tumbling cold really affected us mentally and physically, we want the night to be over so that we can sell our products at the market.
“My worst experience was when I caught pneumonia and was sick.
“Being sick while away from my family was the worst feeling I ever had,” Oli said.
She said, the restless night, low earning and time spent at the market come down to one thing, and that is the amount of money she will take home at the end.
Oli stressed that there are expenses that market vendors have to pay; such as market fees and boat fare to and from Gizo.
From her experience she said the boat fare from her village at Ranongga to Gizo is SBD$180 and space at the market cost $10 per day – meaning she has to spend $260 for transport and around $50 plus for space at the Gizo Market.
“Sometimes we head home with $50.00 after buying some foods and other important stuff here at Gizo.
“This is real many times as I’ve said earlier, our intake during this time of COVID-19 is very bad and the situation is challenging for us to put food on the table so as helping our children,” she said.
Oli lives with her four children and her husband. Three of her children are in school: one in grade five and the other two in grade six.
Financial pressure is mounting on Oli and her husband as their two children are looking forward to go to secondary school where school fees and uniforms will be much higher.
Distance from Ranongga to Gizo
The dolorous trail of COVID-19 or more so its economic impact has taken its toll on Oli but she puts on a happy face and smiles to relive the pressure.
With her eyelids heavy and red, the super woman made it look easier than it is.
Oli’s story reminds me of my parent. Both my mum and dad are unemployed and over the years they’ve tried their best to give me and my other siblings a better life.
Now, I got a job, provide for myself and my own family. It is my responsible to turn the clock and look after mum and dad.
Life is unfair at times but we must sacrifice ourselves to get out of challenges we face. Our commitments and effort counts.
Beyond these struggles we will soon die and rest forever. This is the beauty of life.
A 36-year-old man is in police custody on allegations he raped his four daughters on separate occasions, the youngest just two months old.
Of the four victims, one is the man’s stepdaughter, while the other three are his biological daughters.
Commissioner of police Mostyn Mangau told reporters at a press conference yesterday the alleged incidents occurred at a village near Munda, Western province.
Mangau said the first incident occurred between January 1 and 31, 2017 in which the man allegedly had sexual intercourse with his stepdaughter while his wife was away at the hospital giving birth to the couple’s first child (a daughter).
The victim was two years old when the incident took place.
The second incident occurred on January 10, 2019 in which the man allegedly had sexual intercourse with his first-born daughter at their home while his wife was away with their second-born daughter.
The victim was two years old at the time of the alleged incident.
The third incident occurred between July 1 and 31, 2021, in which the man allegedly had sexual intercourse with his second born daughter, who was one-year and 11 months old at the time.
The fourth incident also allegedly took place between July 1 and 31, 2021 in which the man had sexual intercourse with his third-born daughter, who was just two months old at that time.
According to police, the wife was in the kitchen preparing food while the third and fourth incidents took place.
Commissioner Mangau said the man had threatened his wife he would kill her if she reported him to the police.
However, it was after the fourth incident that the wife decided to report her husband to the police.
Police arrested the man Monday this week (9 August 2021), placing him in custody awaiting remand at the Gizo Correctional facility.
Mangau said police investigations are underway.
He could not comment when asked whether the accused is mentally ill, saying such information would be made available when investigations are completed.
Mangau said the man is being held at Gizo police station.
