Home Blog Page 872

Gov’t says it’s on track with relocation efforts

Written by
Press Release
-
0
One of the artificial Islands in the Lau lagoon facing impacts of sea level rise.

TECHNICAL studies and community consultation for the development of relocation guidelines for low-lying atolls and artificial islands vulnerable to climate change will commence soon as preparation and logistic work is finalised.

The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has contracted an international group in partnership with the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey (MLHS) to develop the relocation guidelines for Solomon Islands in the context of climate change and other slow and sudden onset disasters.

This work is undertaken under the guidance of a multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee with representation from both Government and Non-Government stakeholders co-chaired by the Permanent Secretaries of MLHS and the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology.

The study will involve consultations and interviews with stakeholders throughout the country including in-depth field studies in four communities that have been relocated to their present locations.

The key output of this study is to develop relocation guidelines for Solomon Islands. The project has been designed to ensure these guidelines will:

  • Respond to the priorities identified by the Advisory Committee and stakeholders,
  • Be informed by experiences with planned relocations in Solomon Islands, elsewhere in the Pacific, and globally,
  • Shaped by the widest possible consultations that available resources will allow, including with communities, and provincial and national-level stakeholders. As such, the results of the work will be widely communicated and consulted on throughout the project
  • In addition, the Solomon Islands Government for the benefit of all Solomon Islanders, especially those who may need to be relocated now and, in the future, will own the final product – the relocation guidelines –.

The Development of Relocation Guidelines is a Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) policy priority to guide the process to find amicable solutions for communities that are facing on-going challenges because of climate change and other disasters in their original islands.

The Advisory Committee will ensure that the national consultations are conducted in a transparent manner, and the rights and dignity of relocated persons are respected, and all due processes are fair, and sensitive to our cultures and the needs of our people and the Government.

—GCU

EDITORIAL- Why not reduce or abolish the CDF?

Written by
Admin
-
0

PRIME Manasseh Sogavare has promised to increase government funding for the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF).

He made the assurance in Tulagi, Central Province, Tuesday at the province’s Second Appointed Day.

Initiated in 2008 with donor support and an annual funding of $10.8 million, PCDF has since funded thousands of solid infrastructure projects across the country’s rural areas.

These include schools, clinics, market houses, community meeting space and others.

Sogavare told those who attended the Tulagi celebrations that his Government is going back to the drawing board to ensure the PCDF is more effective in-service delivery to address developmental issues faced by provincial governments.

He explained the PCDF funding will be increased in two stages – details of which will come out later.

This is welcome news and one the people of this country will look forward to seeing materialized.

Compared to the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), which is managed by MPs, the results PCDF had achieved was telling.

It is only logical that the Government increases funds for PCDF.

While it was encouraging to hear Sogavare talking about the PCDF, it was disappointing he made no mention of CDF.

It was not a surprise though!

The prime minister chose not to talk about CDF because it was a political slush fund that has been misused by most politicians, bringing very little or nothing in terms of rural development.

Solomon Islanders would have expected Sogavare announcing during such occasions that his Government would be diverting CDF funds to PCDF.

That would be the greatest news for the country.

As it is now, CDF will remain a curse to this nation and an absolute waste of public funds.

The nation looks forward to the day a prime minister will announce the abolition of the controversial CDF!

More than 70 public servants upskilled

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
-
0

BY MAVIS N PODOKOLO

MORE than 70 public servants graduated with certificates after completing a training delivered by the Institute of Public Administration and Management, (IPAM) a division in the Ministry of Public Service (MPS).

IPAM is a mandated body involved in building capacity of Solomon Islands Public Service work force.

Guest speaker at the occasion, John Kouni, Director General of the Solomon Islands Independent Commission Against Corruption, said the occasion marks the successful completion of the various short courses that the participants have undertaken.

“Your participation have been based on various reasons,” Kouni told participants.

“For some of you may be an opportunity to learn new things, re-enforced what you have already learnt earlier, as a refresher, or just an opportunity to be excused from offices. Whatever the reasons may be, two things are clear.

Guests and upskilled public servants

“From your part-you have successfully completed those short courses. It is another achievement.

“From your employer’s perspective –there is an expectation.

“That you will return to your respective offices with an added flair that will collectively make our public service a better, stronger and more efficient one.

“This is a fundamental expectation and the onus is on you to deliver the expectation to standard. I am sure you will do,” Kouni said.

Lina Suiomea from MHMS receives her certificate

Solomon Manea, director of IPAM, congratulated participants for completing their training.

He said the skills, knowledge and reflections they had in the training room was to sharpen their competency and practise.

“I hope those are still sharp. I would like to encourage you to continue to become good public officers to serve with an attitude of serving. Your office needs it, your ministry needs it, the government needs it and the nation needs it,” Manea said.

The theme of the occasion reads “Upskilling public officers for quality service delivery.”

Celebrating women’s leadership here

Written by
Press Release
-
0
[from left to right] Mr James T Bradford, SolRice General Manager, Ms Jane Waetara, Chief Electoral Officer, H.E. Dr Lachlan Strahan, High Commissioner of Australia, Mr Berdi Berdiyev, UNDP Country Manager and Ms Ellen Paieke, elected as one of the 2 Outstanding Women in Honiara; (Photo: UNDP/Anastasiia Tiurmenko)

The UN Development Programme, SolRice, and the Government of Australia have joined forces to acknowledge women’s leadership and their role in achieving social change through the dissemination of 85 000 copies of the Outstanding Women (OW) of Solomon Islands booklet.

SolRice is one of the country’s largest rice distributors.

The “Outstanding Women” initiative was launched in 2019 as part of UNDP’s Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in the Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP) to advance women’s leadership and promote gender equality in Solomon Islands.

 Communities throughout Solomon Islands were invited to nominate and conduct elections to choose women valued for their contributions and achievements.

The names of 120 women nominated may be found in this booklet which features the stories of 11 women who received the highest number of votes in nine provinces, including the capital Honiara.

Group picture; (Photo: UNDP/Anastasiia Tiurmenko)

During a press briefing on the launch of the Outstanding Women booklet and the SolRice distribution partnership, the Australian High Commissioner, Dr Lachlan Strahan, highlighted the significance of working together with the private sector in promoting women’s roles as leaders in Solomon Islands.

“Gender equality and women’s empowerment is not an option,” said Dr Strahan. “All the data from across the globe indicates that any society that does not empower women, economically, socially and politically, struggles.”

Dr Strahan said, “Empowering women is the right thing to do because it’s about fundamental human rights, it’s also the smart thing to do.”

“The Outstanding Women recognized in this booklet act as role models and play a catalyzing role driving social change,” said Dr Strahan. “Australia is very proud to be part of this big team effort for social change.”

Echoing the same sentiments, Mr James Bradford, the SolRice General Manager said, “Gender equality is a core principle of SolRice.

 We are committed to supporting and promoting women’s role in Solomon Island communities. We are happy to partner with UNDP to distribute the “Outstanding Women” booklets because when business and international organizations work together, the outcome is much faster.

Emphasizing the importance of teamwork, Mr Berdi Berdiyev, UNDP Country Manager said, “This is the third time SolRice works with UNDP on a pro-bono basis to implement civic engagement initiatives. It is an example of what can be achieved when national authorities, civil society, development partners and socially committed companies, such as SolRice, work together.”

Representatives from SOLRIGHT Women Football Cup (WFC) who assisted with the OW booklets’ packing; (Photo: UNDP/Anastasiia Tiurmenko)

“I would also like to thank the SOLRIGHT Women Football team who has assisted in the packing and adhering of the booklets to the bags of rice. This team effort will help not only spread the word on the “Outstanding Women” initiative but also advance gender equality in Solomon Islands,” Mr Berdi Berdiyev concluded.

With the 2030 Agenda as a guiding thread, UNDP works to advance women’s participation in civic and political life, their economic empowerment and their role as builders of peace and resilience.

The ongoing dissemination of the “Outstanding Women” booklet and the accompanying press briefing were organized by the Strengthening the Electoral Cycle in Solomon Islands Project (SECSIP). SECSIP is implemented by UNDP Solomon Islands and has received financial assistance from the Australian Government, the European Union and UNDP.

PM leads corporate flag raising

Written by
Press Release
-
0
The flag raising ceremony yesterday at the Prime Minister's Office.

THE Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, Ministry of Finance and Treasury and the Ministry of Commerce, Labour and Immigration welcomed the month of July with a corporate flag- hoisting ceremony yesterday.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare led the brief monthly ceremony, a statement from his office said.

The ceremony involved singing of the National Anthem and hoisting of the national flag at the OPMC compound. 

In his Independence Day Message soon after his election as Prime Minister in 2019, PM Sogavare emphasised on ‘National Unity’.

He underpinned that the National Constitution, National Flag and National Anthem are embodiment of our national unity.

“From this moment forward, my office will commence the practice to raise our National Flag and sing our National Anthem on the first working day of every month.

“I hope every ministry, schools and provincial government follow suit.” 

The Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister Sogavare have been observing the monthly flag-hoisting ceremony since mid-2019.

–Prime Minister’s Office

PM: gov’t commits to ‘One China Policy’

Written by
Press Release
-
0
PM Sogavare and Ambassador Li Ming cut the ribbon to open the exhibition at the PRC Embassy

PRIME Minister Manasseh Sogavare on Wednesday reiterated the Government’s respect and commitment to the “One China Policy” when he attended the opening of a Photo Exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) at the Chinese Embassy in Honiara.

Sogavare assured Chinese Ambassador Li Ming and staff of the Embassy that the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA) remains committed to “uphold the One China Policy and no amount of influence would sway the Government from this noble Principle”.

“Let me assure you all that Solomon Islands, DCGA Government and Our Party, upholds the One China Policy and Principle, and Taiwan is an alienable party of the Peoples Republic of China,” Sogavare stated.

PM Sogavare speaking at the ceremony to open the Photo Exhibition to celebrate the 100 Anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China

“On that note, let me assure you all that Solomon Islands will adhere to the One China Principle and no amount of pressure or influence, whether locally or foreign, will deter or sway us away from this noble principle and bold stand,” he added.

Sogavare conveyed his appreciation to the Communist Party of China (CPC) for the opportunity to attend and witness the opening Ceremony of the Photo Exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Founding of CPC.

“Congratulation for hosting the 100th Anniversary of CPC in Solomon Islands.

PM Sogavare and his Ministers at the ceremony

“On behalf of the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA), Our Party and the people of Solomon Islands, our warm congratulations on the 100 years’ anniversary of the CPC,” he said.

The Prime Minister said the DCGA and Our Party notes that 100 years Anniversary is a key milestone and an achievement in itself.

It is a reflection of the work that the CPC has done for the Chinese people and society, he added.

“Our Party and its coalition partner, Solomon Islands People First Party, therefore, recognize the successful and towering achievements by CPC over the 100 years.

“This is truly a testament of CPC able leadership and visionary governance over the past years.

“As such, we are very eager to work with the CPC to deepen our party-to-party relationship,” Sogavare said.

Ministers and Government MPs at the opening ceremony

He commended the Peoples Republic of China for its assistance on infrastructure and the fight against COVID-19 in the Solomon Islands.

“Within the short time of our bilateral relationship, you have delivered, and your assistance and support has touched the lives of ordinary Solomon Islanders,” he added.

Sogavare said Solomon Islands is keen to cooperate with the Peoples Republic of China to build a world that is fair and just, a world that is based on multilateralism as opposed to unilateralism, a world that promotes free trade, and a community with shared future for humankind.

Furthermore, Sogavare said Solomon Islands’ acknowledges the Peoples Republic of China’s international standing and leadership role globally, contributing to global peace and security, working with the United Nations, and other International Multilateral Agencies, in tackling poverty alleviation.

THIS I PROMISE YOU

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare.

I will increase PCDF: Sogavare

Prime minister Manasseh Sogavare has promised that he will increase the development fund (PCDF) for all provinces.

He announced on Tuesday this week that under his leadership, the provincial capacity development fund (PCDF) will be increased as part of his government’s redirection policy.

Mr Sogavare made the assurance in Tulagi in the presence of provincial premiers attending the Central Islands Second Appointed Day.

He adds that his government is going back to the drawing board to ensure the PCDF is more effective in service delivery to address developmental issues faced by provincial governments.

Sogavare said the PCDF funding will be increased in two stages – details of which will come out later.

The Prime Minister acknowledged that the many issues raised by provincial premiers are true but these issues have not come about due to lack of resources and funding.

Sogavare admitted that as a country we have lost our way since establishing the provincial government system – it was a right thing to actively devolve powers down to the provincial governments.

He, however, pointed out that the devolution of powers – supposed to mean power to go down and it must go with resources, funding, labour and infrastructure development.

“That was how it was organised right from the beginning,” Sogavare highlighted.

“Throughout the journey as a country, we have re-centralised power back to the central government to the detriment of the provincial governments who are in charge of the needs of the 85 percent of the people of Solomon Islands.”

Sogavare maintained that the real issue is not the restructuring of government system to address these many issues but a system that can deliver services, which can subsequently address all the issues raised by the premiers.

He added that it is about a system that does not centralise power and not one that continues to entertain power.

–GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION UNIT

‘Central province needs another constituency’

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0
Premier Manetiva presenting the desire of Central province for another constituency during the province’s anniversary celebrations early this week. Photo by Jennifer Kusapa

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CENTRAL Islands premier Stanley Manetiva has voiced the need of an additional constituency for the province.

This call has been one ruminating under successive provincial governments of Central Islands, and Mr Manetiva is putting this desire at the foot of prime minister Manasseh Sogavare.

Manetiva said Central province’s population has grown and the challenge current MPs are facing cannot be undermined.

He said the provincial government has passed an Assembly paper to recommend to the boundaries commission for an additional constituency for central province as there is a need for “an additional constituency for Ngella Islands Russell a standalone Constituency Savo and Buen Vista Sandfly and the remaining to be Ngella constituency”.

“The province will be following up its Assembly passed resolution with the appropriate commission but I am raising the flag now,” Manetiva said.

“Leaders and people of Central Islands Province in 2009 already called on responsible national government authorities to create two additional constituencies to help address inadequacies in the distribution of government funded projects in the province.”

The province has two constituencies; Ngella and Savo/Russells, with an estimated population of more than 30,000.

It’s not an Australian naval base, says Veke

Written by
Press Release
-
0
The Lofung Border and Patrol Boat Outpost site plan in the Shortland Islands

THE Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS) Anthony Veke has dismissed rumors that the Australian-funded Border and Patrol Boat Outpost at Lofung in the Shortland islands is an Australian Naval base.

Speaking at last week’s historic groundbreaking ceremony at Lofung, Minister Veke said the border and patrol boat outpost must not be perceived as an Australian Naval Base BUT a renowned Solomon Islands Border Security Outpost, with the aim to enhance security procedure, increasing monitoring and regulate border security management capability.

“It is the sole intent of this border outpost, to ensure that we all enjoy our border relations in a safe, regulated and peaceful manner,” he said. 

Veke added that when the outpost is operational, its functional duties would be to ensure; legal and safe cross border activities, deterrence to illegal activities, monitor transnational crime, and monitor unregulated & unreported fishing in our waters.

The minister conveyed appreciation to the Australian Government for funding this national project.

“This is not an easy undertaking, and to have the support of a development partner is greatly appreciated,” he said.

Minister Veke joined Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare, the Australian High Commissioner, Member of Parliament of Shortlands, Chris Laore, Western Premier David Gina and Chairman of the FAMOA Council of Chiefs and Trust Board Lawrence Hotomo to turn the soil to mark the start of the project Wednesday last week.

Veke also extended his respect and appreciation to the Chiefs, Elders and people of the Shortlands for their vision to provide their land for the project.

“I wish to sincerely pay my deepest respect and thank you to the Chiefs, Leaders, Elders and People of the beautiful Shortland Islands on whose ancestral land we stand on today,” he said.

–GCU

Malaita tribe praise gov’t for acquiring their land

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
-
0
Allan Siau of Fotana Tribe in East Fataleka gives the concept plan to establish a third International Airport on their land to Acting Prime Minister, Manasseh Maelanga in Cabinet.

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE Fotana tribe from Ward 14 on East Fataleka, Malaita province has praised the government for acquiring 600 hectares of their customary land in the past.

The land acquisition was part of the process to acquire 10,250 hectares of customary land on both East Kwara’ae and East Fataleka earmarked for the “failed” Auluta Palm Oil project.

The landowners of both regions have received their Perpetual Estate Titles from Ministry of Lands in 2012 after the completion of land recording, surveying and registration on 6,875 hectares were registered to them.

Co-chair of Fotana voluntarily team, Allan Siau said they are offering their registered land to the government to develop the third International Airport and Agro Tourism Investment.

Siau said despite people viewing the Auluta Palm oil as a “failed” project, he said it is a blessing to them because they will use the registered land for another national development to help their people.

He said despite Malaita Province not willing to work with the National Government due to its stance against Peoples Republic of China (PRC) on religion and ideology grounds, his people are willing to offer their land for development to address pressing economic issues.

His team had already handed their concept plan to Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Maelanga recently.

This is to allow responsible ministries like the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and Ministry of Infrastructure Development and Ministry of Tourism to carry out a feasibility study on the land.

Maelanga was happy to see the initiative offered by the Fotana Tribe.

He assured the team to take up the concept plan in Cabinet for discussions, so that relevant ministries can pursue the feasibility study on the land.

According to Solomon Times, the Auluta Basin concept was first drawn up in 1977 by the local area council and then endorsed by the Malaita Provincial Government in 1989.

Following the ethnic conflict from 1998-2003, the project was endorsed in the Townsville Peace Agreement as vital for rehabilitation and as a means of promoting economic development on Malaita.

The majority of migrant workers in the palm oil plantations on Guadalcanal at the time of the conflict, were from Malaita and had been displaced.

In 2007, the Auluta Basin Oil Palm Project was formally launched and in 2009 a ground breaking ceremony was staged along with the first landowners congress.

However, the project failed to get off the ground due to continuous blame on land disputes and government failure to build needed infrastructures and secure investors.

1...871872873...1,662Page 872 of 1,662