Home Blog Page 956

Police pay review resumes

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Service Karen Galokale has revealed that work on re-levelling of remuneration of officers under the ministry has recommenced for the first quarter of this year.

She made this statement before the Public Accounts Committee last week.

She said they have started the review and are planning to implement it last year, but due to COVID and the Ministry being involved in the operation supporting the Ministry of Health, the review did not eventuate.

“But we’ve recommencing again in this first quarter, in terms of funding it will be a challenge but we want to at least have a complete submission on the new levels for police officers”, Ms Galokale said.

PS Galokale said the review will improve the current levels of police officers, meaning the package for renumeration will be improved.

Galokale also acknowledged the Health workers for raising their issue last year and thus her Ministry has taken on board in their review on the renumeration of the Police officers and the CSSI officers.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Aoke Langalanga also said during the PAC that is important for the government to pay officers well.

“We have come through terrible experiences when we are not paying the two agencies well”, Wale added.

New initiative for inmates

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Commissioner Gabriel Manelusi and Dr. Paul Orotaloa smiling with the signing document

A Mental Health Service Agreement was signed between the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands and the National Mental Division (NMD) of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

According to Dr Paul Orotaloa the CSSI medical clinic and the Ministry of Health and Medical Services has agreed to broaden the MOU beyond the inmates with mental illness or mental disorder.

He said the MOU now includes a section on mental patients in the Rove Central Correctional Centre (RCCC) who are brought to a health facility and a section on the management of public safety issues in health facilities.

“The MOU sets out the principles to guide how staff from RCCC Health clinic and Ministry of Health and Medical Services will work together when responding to and delivering care and treatment to inmates accessing these services”. Dr. Orotaloa said.

He said it provides a framework that focusses on interagency and collaboration cooperation to deliver care to inmate’s with mental illness in a safe environment.

The MOU promotes a flexible, solution focused approach to decision-making to provide for the wellbeing and safety of the inmates and the safety of staff involved in their care.​

Meanwhile Commissioner Manelusi acknowledge the ministry of Health and Medical Services for supporting and building relationship with CSSI and also thank the CSSI Clinic in charge Mr. Hansford Afia for coordinating and facilitated this ceremony successfully.

—CSSI Press

Youth pay tribute to dead infant

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Holy Cross Cathedral Parish Youth Paid tribute to the Infant found infront of the Holy Cross cathedral Lawn

YOUTHS from the Holy Cross Cathedral Parish have paid tribute to an infant found in front of the Cathedral on Monday.

According to Police report, the infant is estimated to be about six to eight months old.

Child Protection Officer for Catholic Archdiocese Leotina said, “The church teaches the Sanctity of Life, ALL LIFE MATTERS from the womb to the tomb”.

“Therefore this action is unacceptable but the reason behind it is unknown and we send sympathy and prayers”, Ms Leotina said.

She said the past years, children have been the victim of either, rape, abuse and worse, abortion.

“Let us build a safer environment for all children and let us protect the unborn”, she said.

The site where the dead infant was found

“As Christians we should help and support each other and start looking at solving the problem rather than gossiping or assuming the causes” she said.

“Parents, Teachers, Priests, Pastors and Leaders should teach their children and youths about the importance of life because All Life Matters”. She said.

His Grace Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP also told Catholic Communication on Tuesday 6th April said,

“When I got the news I thought this involved one of our youths but thankfully not”,

However “Any youth or young woman who has pregnancy but is not willing to care or is not able to look after the baby they can come to Holy Cross and share their situation with our DMI Sisters or any of the priests here, Holy Cross is Open 24 hours a day 7 days a week”, He said.

“The Catholic is willing to look after or look for any willing family who would adopt the unwanted child”. He ended.

For some of the youths, this event is meaningful and touching that even the rain does not stop them from showing up.

A youth rep Ms Margreth Nerry who led the prayer, also shared her thoughts on this.

“A child have been neglected and was tossed like it’s nothing”

“A God given Life”,

“This is a lesson for all youths and young women to be careful and respect ourselves when it comes to relationship”. She said.

The youths put a cross, flowers and said prayers for the soul of infant and all unwanted infants in the country.

By: Tina Akwai, Catholic Communication Solomon

Police still search for mother of dead infant

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says that police have not yet identified the mother of the infant found at the Holy cross area on April 5 2021.

Responding to a question asked during the recent press conference on whether or not police have arrested the mother of the deceased infant, Mangau said police are yet to locate and arrest the mother, but investigations are still ongoing.

Police this week attended to an incident relating to the body of the female infant found in the Holy Cross Cathedral area.

The matter was reported to police and officers at the Central Police Station and a team from Police Forensics attended the scene and took photographs and conducted an inquiry.

“The body of the infant was later transported to the National Referral Hospital morgue for medical examination, “Police said

Police said the infant was estimated to be about six to eight months old.

Police continue to call on people living in and around the Holy Cross Cathedral area who may have any information about the matter to come forward and assist police with the investigation.

Case of former officer set for pre-trial in court

Written by
Jennifer Kusapa
-
0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE case of a retired female police inspector charged for one count of indecent act and one count of consumption of liquor will appear in court on Monday for a pre-trial conference.

This is the case that occurred at Temotu in 2018.

The Prosecution alleged that the incident occurred on October 12 2018 at the Luesalemba School during its Graduation ceremony.

The accused was drinking alcohol with the complainant and others on that said date, later that day between 7pm – 8pm, the victim was too drunk and was lying on his back facing up at one of his wantok.

The accused upon seeing the complainant falling asleep, got up moved to where the complainant was lying lifted her skirt and sat down ontop of the complainant’s private part and moved her buttock. While doing the act, she was then approached by someone and they pulled her out from the complainant.

Paul Fanasia of the Office of the Public Prosecution’s office appeared for the crown yesterday. 

Gov’t drilling program resumes

Written by
Press Release
-
0
A drilling machine and inflatable rubber water tank for fluid circulation process. The newly purchased machines were trialled by drilling 4 bore holes which were successful. Since beginning of this year, about 10 holes were completed

THE Government through the Water Resources Division at the Ministry of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification (MMERE) has resumed the vital Drilling Services Programme.

 The previous Programme was closed during the height of the ethnic tension when all drilling machineries and accessories were stolen or destroyed.

A statement from MMERE said that since 2017 through its Water Sector Development Programme under a Development Budget Support made preparatory work such as procurement of machineries, training of staff drillers, ground water assessment trainings through carrying resistivity surveys to determine ground water existence, etc.

“This is a very important programme because it deals with a very basic necessity. Water is plentiful in our country; however, it is not readily made available. Women and children especially have to walk some distances to fetch water for household uses in the rural areas. This is not very good” the statement said.

“Water Resources Division therefore is making the efforts to contribute to try and address the issue through its drilling programme.”

The statement briefly highlighted that water is available through various sources.

 Fresh Water can be sourced from open sources such as rivers, streams and lakes. Rain is also another common source. Ground water is another important source. Whilst the Rural Water Supply (or R-Wash) Program under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services primarily deals with accessing water from open sources, the Water Resources Division focuses on the ground water source which is an important source to tap into since not all our townships, villages and communities have rivers and streams.

The actual drilling of bore holes started in August 2020. The newly purchased were trialled by drilling 4 bore holes. Since beginning of this year, about 10 holes were completed. The depth of the boreholes ranges from 15 to 80 meters. 

The statement further explains that drilling exercise comes at a cost. Therefore, the Government is charging certain fees for providing the services.

“MMERE felt that despite the charges, the high quality of drilling services provided justifies the fees for the service. Spending money on such a commodity such as water is well worth it.”

MMERE also cautioned that resident or business houses who intend to engage drilling services must seek advice from responsible authorities first to ensure drilling services provided is worth the money spent.

“There are some private drilling service providers available in the country and as the Ministry responsible for water resources management as well as having expertise in groundwater development we wish to suggest to the general public to seek appropriate advice on groundwater development and drilling services prior to engaging drilling services.”

—Government Communication Unit

Training for Weather coast youths

Written by
Press Release
-
0
Group discussion session on differences between Gender and Sex. Photo credit: Angelina Halumae, UNDP Solomon Islands

SINCE March 19, the UN Development Programme in Solomon Islands, in cooperation with the Government of Solomon Islands and the International Labor Organization (ILO), is delivering a one-month training leadership in peacebuilding programme for youths in the Weather Coast within the Empowering Youth as Agents for Peace and Social Cohesion in the Solomon Islands Project’s framework.

More than 100 young community leaders aged 16-24 years from five youth caucuses participated in a complex training programme on leadership, peacebuilding, effective governance and gender equality. Among the main training’s goals are to empower youth to become peacebuilders and leaders in their communities and boost youth participation rate in decision-making to ensure everyone’s voices heard and counted.

Since the Solomon Islands Government committed to prioritize youth rights and address youth aspirations and well-being, UNDP Solomon Islands, through the Youth Empowerment Project, aims to engage young people across the country in peacebuilding efforts and increase their inclusion in the social and economic life of their communities.

The Youth Caucus from Purepure (East Weather Coast of Guadalcanal Province) listening the facilitator’s presentation on gender stereotypes and peacebuilding

UNDP Solomon Islands Project Manager Vardon Hoca noted the importance of youth empowerment through such leadership programmes: “Education, cultural diversity, gender equality and youth empowerment have a central role in building a resilient, competitive and sustainable Solomon Islands’ future. Following this training programme, we tried to swiftly present the first set of initiatives addressing key competencies for lifelong learning, peaceful co-existence, and fostering common values and inclusive education.”

The programme goal is to empower its participants to assume a leading role in improving peaceful communication between the different groups and open a window for dialogue in society. It is expected that the participants lead this initiative and disseminate their experiences in their communities by sharing them with the other youth networks and active youth organizations.

Participants are presenting their ideas on how to empower youth and engage them in peacebuilding decision-making processes

“Young people can be important drivers and agents of change in the development of their community, province, and most importantly, our country as a whole. In order to bridge the communication gap between generations, people must start listening to each other. Hence, programmes like this must involve youth to make the decision-making process more inclusive,” said one of the participants from Nagho caucus.

With the 2030 Agenda as a guiding thread, UNDP works to advance young people’s civic and political life, economic empowerment, and role as peace- and resilience-builders.

The training programme which will last till the end of April, 2021 is being conducted by the Empowering Youth as Agents for Peace and Social Cohesion in the Solomon Islands Project and implemented by UNDP Solomon Islands with the financial support of the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund.

  • UNDP

Public servants end IPAM training

Written by
Admin
-
0
Continue- Public Servants IPAM participants achieving their IPAM course certificates. Below- National Statistics Officers who participate in the IPAM Training achieving their certificate.

 The Institute of Public Administration and Management (IPAM) congratulates Public servants in various ministries including staff of the National Statistics Office (NSO) for participating in the IPAM workshops held earlier this year on February and March 2021.

IPAM on Wednesday 7th April held a graduation ceremony for the public servants.

 A total of 130 Public servants participated in IPAM workshops this year with four of them from the National Statistics Office who took part in the customer service and knowing about the public service trainings.

IPAM through the Ministry of the public Service has facilitated these workshops as a center for National productivity for the Public servants from various ministries in the country.

 The Training workshops offered are, Knowing your Public service, Customer Services, Microsoft power Point and PMP. These accredited trainings target the training needs of the public service and they are offered to enhance the skills and the competence of public officers in delivering public services and to encourage public officers build their career pathways.

Chairman of the Public Service Mr Milner Tozaka, in his speech to the participants, emphasised the importance of the training and the need for training.

 “Training is an important aspect of human resources development, an avenue as well as a tool that one can develop a particular skill or acquire a particular information to help oneself to do a particular thing”, he said.

 “And the need for such training in an IPAM workshop is for everyone irrespective of skills and qualification.

Front row- Center- Right- Chairman of the IPAM- Mr Milner Tozaka and center left- Director of IPAM Mr Solomon Manea, and all the Public servants who participated in the IPAM Training.
Leni Taisia receiving her certificate present by IPAM Director.

Mr Tozaka mentioned that training is essential as the working environment is changing; this helps increase the knowledge on a particular subject and increasing competency of employees in an organisation.

The participants expressed their appreciation.

 Florence Walekwate from NSO said attending the Customer service workshop broadened her knowledge on how to interact with customers when approaching customer or public through face to face or through answering a simple official phone call.

 “Customer service approaches is for all public servants and not only for receptionists.

Left to right- Florence Walekwate and right Esther Paraerae, Receiving their IPAM certificates on knowing your public service.

 It’s a very important character that public servants should know how to apply in daily official work”, she said.

 In addition, Norman Suunorua a participant from the Ministry of Commerce who attended the ‘knowing your Public Service’ training said it was an eye opener gaining knowledge from the course.

“Now I understand that all the line ministries have procedures under the Government law which bind them under the law of the country linked with the parliament.”

– SINSO Press

Suspect held for murder

Written by
Press Release
-
0

POLICE have arrested a man for the alleged murder of a 25-year-old male at Halavo village, Central Islands Province on Monday.

The arrest was made by Officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) stationed at the Tulagi Police Station.

Operation Manager Central Province, Inspector George Mouli said an initial report on the incident states that the deceased and the suspect had an argument.

He said as the argument heated up both suspect and deceased struggled and as a result the suspect grabbed a knife and cut the victim on the left side of his head and stabbed him on the right side of his stomach.

Inspector Mouli says, “The matter was reported at the Tulagi Police Station and officers attended the report and arrested the suspect and placed him in the cell.

He further said the deceased was transported to the Tulagi Mini Hospital and later referred to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) but pronounced dead on the way to Honiara.

 “My condolences to the family of the deceased for the tragic loss of one of their loved one,” Inspector Mouli said.

The suspect has been dealt with and charged with murder contrary to section 200 of the Penal Code. He has been remanded at the Rove Correctional Centre in Honiara to appear in Court at a later date.

Inspector Mouli adds, “I call on relatives of both the suspect and deceased in the incident to refrain from any retaliation and allow police to investigate the matter.

“I appeal to people of Halavo Village who may have any information about the incident to come forward and supply the information to investigators at the Tulagi Police Station.”

—RSIPF

EDITORIAL- A much deeper societal problem

Written by
Admin
-
0

POLICE are still searching for the mother of an infant, whose body was found early this week at the Holy Cross area in Honiara.

Apparently, the woman or girl left the baby at the church compound after her delivery.

Unfortunately, the baby was already dead when she was found.

At this stage, it’s not known whether the mother deliberately killed the infant or gave birth to a dead baby.

That is still subject to police and medical investigation.

This is not the first case of its kind.

In fact, similar cases have been discovered recently at various locations in Honiara.

Cases like this are a reflection of the moral decay of today’s society.

A situation where human lives no longer matter.

As is often the case, the quickest reaction is to turn around and condemn the mother.

Little did we realise that this is just a tip of a much deeper societal issue in our country today.

Issues such as unemployment, family breakdown, high school drop-out, hard economic situation and lack of respect for each other are some of the contributing factors.

But here’s the thing.

Girls, if you ended up pregnant, seek help.

You have aunties, women support groups, priests and pastors and other trusted friends you can share your stories with.

Don’t suffer alone.

There is always help out there.

Killing or neglecting the baby you carry should never be an option.

Even if your world is falling apart, never resort to killing a human soul.

You will live to regret it for the rest of your life if you do that.

The Holy Cross infant case is now a police matter.

The mother of the baby is out there in the community. Police are looking for her.

She should do the right thing.

Come forward, get help and surrender to police.

That’s the right course of action to take at this time.

Doing that will also allow you to seek much needed medical care!

1...955956957...1,663Page 956 of 1,663