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Window of hope

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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AMA Medical students urged to seek help from their MPs

 

By EDDIE OSIFELO

GOVERNMENT-sponsored students of AMA University who had been barred from returning to continue studies are being urged to seek help from their members of Parliament (MPs).

Government Caucus earlier this year decided to stop sending students to the Philippine institute, opting instead for ongoing students to enrol in regional universities.

But, a government political appointee says there is hope for the students, and that is through pressure from their MPs for Caucus to reverse its decision.

The government official says if the students want to return to the Philippines, Caucus will have to ‘unlock their decision’. As such, only politicians have the power to unlock their decision because they are in the Caucus.

“I ask the students to see their members of parliament who are in Caucus to unlock the decision.

“This is because even the Prime Minister or the Education Minister cannot unlock the caucus decision,” the political appointee said.

The students were sent to the Philippines under government scholarship as result from a Cabinet paper and conclusion which accommodated the years 2016, 2017, 2018 covering Medical studies.

It was general and not specific to any institution in the Philippines, based on the admission provided by students.

However, in 2017 and 2018, public began questioning the credibility of AMA University in providing standard Medical training.

As a result, Government sent a team made up of the current CEO of the National Referral Hospital (NRH), the current National Training Committee (NTC) Chairman and the former National Training Unit (NTU) Director.

The team visited AMA Makati, Manila Central University (MCU) and Perpetual University.

The team, which was led by the NRH CEO, recommended for all medical students to transfer from AMA to MCU or other World Health Organisation (WHO) recognised universities.

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) acted upon the recommendation and advised all medical students attending AMA Makati University to apply for admission and transfer to MCU or other WHO-recognised institutions.

The students complied and applied and have all been given admission either to MCU, De La Salle University or the Adventist University of Philippines (AUP).

The students were asked by Philippines Immigrations to downgrade their visa as part of the process for a new one, to transfer to another University. It is a process to meet requirements of Immigration and CHED.

But, when the students came back before June this year, they were advised by MEHRD that they were being recalled from their studies and the decision to send them back to the Philippines depended on further assessment.

This did not go down well with the students and parents.

One of their worries was that regional institutions may not have the capacity to accommodate such a huge switch of students.

Parents explained via media that the students have completed one-and-half years Pre-Medical training clinical Psychology, passed their entry exam for transfer and have received admission letters from either MCU or De La Salle universities respectively. Both these universities are recognised by WHO.

Another point for the students is the SIG Scholarship policy, which stipulates that a student can only be recalled if he/she has failed academically or has committed a crime in the host country.

And, according to AMA University academic results, all the Solomon Islands students have performed exceptionally well.

With the above, the parents of the students do not see any logical reason why the students should not be allowed to return to the Philippines to continue their medical studies.

Regional universities include University of Papua New Guinea, Fiji National University, and Solomon Islands National University.

Students starve overseas

Written by
Mavis Podokolo
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Gov’t scholars in Philippines facing hell, education ministry ‘not aware’

 

 

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

 

SOLOMON Islands students in the Philippines are in danger of living there illegally if the Government does not do anything soon.

And, permanent secretary of the education ministry (MEHRD) Dr Franco Rodie, says the government is not aware of the students’ situation.

Government is reportedly delaying their allowances. The last was paid in July.

The students are facing a plethora of troubles; many of them are with expired visas, most have outstanding rents and bills to pay, plus school matters are yet to be settled.

Speaking to Island Sun, a student, who requests anonymity since our education ministry does not take lightly with students talking out in the media, says the anxiety levels of students is at an all-time high.

The student says starvation is now even a possibility for some of the students. Being kicked out of their rented homes is a likelihood which could happen any day soon. And, with visas being expired, it is only a matter of time before the Philippines immigration catches up with the students.

This is not the first time for government to delay allowances for students in the Philippines, but this time round the situation is dire for them.

“Currently students live with expired visa for almost a month now and because of that students will be paying the fine for illegals stay,” the student says.

“Since the delay of allowances, every student has been experiencing accumulation of basic needs such as rental, water, food and power bills.

“At the moment student are suffered academically and socially which contribute to the negative impact of our studies.

“Some of us come from poor families. We depend only on the allowances which we see as individual means that will support us in our schooling.

“As a collective voice from students, we’re strongly urging the Solomon Islands Government through National Training Unit to consider our request by paying our allowance as soon as possible.”

Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) Franco Rodie told Island Sun on Monday that the ministry is not aware of these matters but will work to sort out these concerns.

Men facing robbery charges finally get lawyers

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

CASE of four men charged with robbery charges will finally be progressing after the Public Solicitor’s Office and one private lawyer have indicated their services for the accused men.

The accused are Eddie Funubana, Willie Gua, Stanley Ramo and Jimmy Diodio and were charged of robbery in relation to an incident which occurred in Honiara last year.

Bobby Harunari told the court yesterday that they have received request and are ready for allocation of lawyers to take carriage of the matters.

PSO lawyer Rodney Manebosa already represents the accused Funubana and disclosures were already served to the defence lawyer while two other accused Stanley Ramo and Jimmy Diodio are still waiting for allocation of lawyers from the PSO.

Meanwhile a private lawyer Lappy Hite is representing the accused Willie Gua and requesting disclosures from the prosecution.

Principal Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi then adjourned the case to August 29 and disclosures must be served to Mr Hite so that on the next appearance all accused should enter pleas.

She also made orders for the PSO to allocate lawyer for other two accused and obtain instruction from them.

The Office of the Director Public Prosecution appeared for the crown on the case.

Govt to review marriage at 15 years old

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By EDDIE OSIFELO

MINISTRY of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs through National Action Committee for Children (NACC) is pushing to review the marriage age from 15 to 18 years old in the country.

This came about because the Sustainable Development Goal on gender equality (SDG 5) target 5.3 aims to eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) by 2030.

Solomon Islands had acceded to the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) in 1995 and Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 2002.

The CRC sets a minimum age of marriage of 18, and CEDAW obligates states to ensure free and full consent to marriage.

However, the Islanders Marriage Act states that the legal age of marriage is 15 years of age, with parental consent required up until the age of 18 (or judicial consent where parental consent is not possible).

According to UNICEF, in the Solomon Islands, child marriage is also driven by:

  1. Poverty: The Solomon Islands is one of the poorest countries in the Pacific region. Economic challenges, especially in rural areas, force some families to marry young girls off to a groom’s family in exchange for payment – known as a bride-price. This contributes to a perception that husbands “own” young girl brides, making them more vulnerable to violence. In a World Vision study conducted in the capital city of Honiara, 90 [percent] of respondents reported that their community practise bride price.
  2. Gender norms: Traditional beliefs that men are superior often justify oppressive behaviour towards women and girls. Scholars note that the recent civil war and the “undermining” of male roles in modern Melanesian culture has led to aggressive forms of masculinity which further harm women and girls.
  3. Traditional customs: These vary across Melanesian, Polynesian and Micronesian communities, but often encourage child marriage as a means of ensuring that land inheritance and ownership remains in the family.
  4. Migration: An increase in foreign men working as labourers in the logging industry to the Solomon Islands has reportedly led to young girls being sold into marriages with them.

MWYCFA permanent secretary, Dr Cedrick Alependava said already NACC had submitted its request for review through the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs.

He said should this review has come about, the minimum prevention programme help build this knowledge and attitude.

Further to that, Dr Alependava said Faith Based Organisations should be involved in combating violence against children through their programmes in the churches.

Aust announces $11m funding for marine pollution

Written by
Charles Kadamana
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Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison during the Pacific Islands Forum retreat.

BY CHARLES KADAMANA

In Funafuti, Tuvalu

Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison during the Pacific Islands Forum retreat.

THE Australian government has announced SBD$11m for the Pacific Regional Environment programme to support regional efforts to respond to oil spill and marine pollution.

This was announced by Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison during the 50th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders retreat at Kainai II in Funafuti, Tuvalu on Thursday.

The funding will be made available through the Pacific Islands Marine Spill Contingency Plan (PACPLAN).

PACPLAN provides the framework for cooperative regional responses to major marine spill in the Pacific islands regions and set out how Pacific islands countries can request assistance from Australia, New Zealand, France or the United States.

Countries expected to benefit from the assistance include Tuvalu, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Kiribati.

In Solomon Islands the funding will assist in response to the Hong Kong based vessel MV Solomon Trader grounding in Rennell islands on February 5 this year.

An estimated eight metric tonnes of heavy fuel was reported to have spread, posing threat to the natural world Heritage site in the Pacific, but the government maintains that full environment impact of the spill remains to be determined.

The oil spill remains a concern for possible impact on the World Heritage site and livelihoods of the local communities.

The plan provides a framework for cooperative regional response to major oil spills in the waters of 21 Pacific Islands countries and territories

The South Pacific Regional Environment is the leading regional organisation on addressing oil spills and other marine pollution events.

Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare briefing meets Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison during the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders retreat at Kainai II in Funafuti, Tuvalu on Thursday

Birthday promise

Written by
Samie Waikori
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Minister for Public Service who is the supervising minister for provincial government and institutional strengthen, Hon Frederick Kologeto delivering the keynote address during the celebration on Thursday.

National government assures Malaita province of continued support

 

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Minister for Public Service who is the supervising minister for provincial government and institutional strengthen, Hon Frederick Kologeto delivering the keynote address during the celebration on Thursday.

THE national government has assured Malaita province of continued support in her development ambitions.

Minister for Public Service, who is the supervising minister for Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Frederick Kologeto made the assurance in his keynote address during Malaita province’s 36th birthday celebration in Auki yesterday.

Commenting on the theme of the Second Appointed Day celebration, “Malaita returns to self-reliance and community resilience”, Kologeto said the theme calls for greater work in the province.

“I fully concurred with the sentiment raised in addressing the challenges facing this province, particularly in areas of governance, accountability, community development, economic growth and poverty alleviation.

“Malaita as a province requires growth and sustainable development. It requires support from all sectors in order to be economically vibrant.

“Malaita is endowed with an abundance of natural and human resources. Once such resource are mobilised and utilised to its full potential, the province will be less dependent on others for service delivery,” the minister said.

He said this is what self-reliance is all about. Self-reliance speaks well of our ability to provide good education for our children.

Kologeto said it speaks well of better provision of health services, better transport and communication and better socio-economic development for the welfare of our communities.

“It also can highlight our ability to have self-confidence and willingness to address the needs of our people.

“Again the support and understanding from all sectors is vital in terms of reliance and resilience,” he said.

Kologeto said the national government will continue to work with Malaita province on the direction they wish to take to bring the province in achieving greater reliance and resilience in its development.

“In terms of formulation and implementation of Malaita provincial policy statement and reforms programme, the government will provide support where necessary.

“And ensure we’ll work collaboratively with Malaita provincial government in driving our national policy agendas and those of the provincial government,” he said.

On that note, he reminds Malaita provincial government of the great natural and human resources they have.

Kologeto said having these, Malaita holds a unique position that carries greater potential for economic development and prosperity.

“I therefore urge your government and people to utilise what it has in terms of resource for the common good of the province and Solomon Islands as whole.

“Greater investments in your resources and the willingness to drive forward will help your people attain their economic goals and prosperity.

“I therefore ask all stakeholders who are part of the development of this province to work closely together and support each other for the betterment of this province,” the minister said.

Stop violence against children

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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VIOLENCE against children comes in various forms. We welcomes discussions in Honiara this week on addressing this issue.

Violent discipline against children is a common one. It is everyone’s business and not that of only the parents.

There are laws that protects children, so in exerting discipline on children, parents, guardians and teachers must be cautious not to be violent against children.

Recommendations to changing the marriage age from 15 to 18 years is good legally but won’t stop our children from engaging in illegal activities.

The onus is on parents, guardians and relatives to ensure children are disciplined properly at home.

Today we see teenagers being abducted, children witnessing their mothers being murdered, their fathers in prison and being homeless.

These are form of violence being exerted upon our children. It is not just smacking our children alone that is a serious form of violence.

Our poor economic status may have some direct effects on how parents are treating their children.

For instance, giving their daughters hand in marriage at a very early age or selling their daughters to foreigners in a logging camp or fishing boat.

These are gross violations of the rights of children, committed by non-other than the very people children trusts.

Similarly sexual violence is another serious form, for instance incest and rape of minors or those with disability by caregivers, parents or guardians.

Whilst the onus is on parents, guardians or caregivers, all stakeholders must be responsible to ensure our children are not treated violently.

The law will catch up on us as offenders because it protects children who are vulnerable and victims of violence perpetrated by the very people they trust.

 

Suri names provisional Solympics squad

Written by
Taromane Martin
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The National under 23 head coach Batram Suri

By Taromane Martin

The National under 23 head coach Batram Suri

NATIONAL U-23 Head Coach Batram Suri has released his provisional list of 23 players for the 2019 OFC Olympic qualifiers for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in Fiji this September.

Two overseas based players are named in the squad alongside 21 Honiara based players following months of trials conducted by Coach Suri at the Solomon Islands Football Federation Panatina Academy field.

Coach Suri who qualified for Port Villa Premier League side ABM Galaxy for their first ever OFC Champions League told SunSPORTS the task of being a national coach is different compared to being a club coach and is honoured to be appointed head coach for the U-23s.

“I’m really happy to be given the chance as head coach for the national U-23. To me this is part of honouring our country especially after completing my playing career,” he said.

“When I learned about my appointment I was really happy and honoured to be given such a chance. The calls to be in charge of the national team are two different challenges the way I see it.

“Being in charge of a club is different from being a national head coach because the club deals only with that organization while coach for a national team is sort of dealing with the whole country,” coach Suri said.

Meanwhile OFC confirmed defending champions Fiji will be joined by seven other Member Associations with the winner securing the rights to represent OFC at the Men’s Olympic Tournament at the Tokyo Games in 2020.

In Group A, top seeded New Zealand will face fourth ranked Solomon Islands as well as Pacific cousins American Samoa and Samoa, while second seeded Fiji will need to overcome third ranked Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea and Tonga in Group B,” the statement read.

Coach Batram Suri’s 23 man Solympics provisional squad are as follows:

GOAL KEEPERS: Harold NAOANIA (Marist FC), Desmond TUTU (Henderson Eels), Joel NANAGO (Henderson Eels)

DEFENDERS: George LEGA (KOSSA FC), David JUNIOR (Hekari FC), Graham TANAVOLA (The Saints), Gagame AENGARI JNR (Solomon Warriors), William KOMASI (Malaita Kingz), Richard IROMANA (KOSSA FC), Alick KITALO (CY Strikers), John AETA (Marist FC)

MIDFIELDERS: John OGE (Sunbeam FC), Augustine WAITA (Henderson Eels), Thomas AMASIA (Marist FC), Frank KABUI (Malaita Kingz), Patrick TAROGA (Marist FC), Molis GAGAME (Western United), Rodney SURI (Henderson Eels), Steven MAELASI (Real Kakamora), Tuita MAEOBIA (KOSSA FC)

FORWARDS: Adrian MARA (Real Kakamora), Raynick LAETA (Henderson Eels), Darol KAKATE (Ba FC).

Switch in diplomatic relations looking inevitable

Written by
Alfred Sasako
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Solomon Islands and China's flag. Photo by RNZ

By Alfred Sasako

 

THE switch in diplomatic relations to the People’s Republic of China (PRC) potentially slated to occur next month appears to be on track, putting Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare on a collision course with Taiwan and its anti-Chinese allies such as the United States of America and Australia

The last time the government allowed its senior Minister for Civil Aviation and Communication, Peter Shanel Agovaka, to attend a conference convened by the United Nations drew protest notes from Washington and Taipei.

Hon Agovaka’s attendance was sanctioned by Cabinet, according to officials. Following the protests, Cabinet rescinded its earlier decision to allow him to attend the Conference in Beijing. Then Prime Minister, Rick Houenipwela took the brief paper to Cabinet.

“By then it was too late as Hon Agovaka was already in Beijing. So the Minister was given sightseeing visits the whole time while officials attend the conference,” one official told Island Sun recently.

In the latest move, permission has been granted to seven key Ministers and one senior official to visit Beijing this week, a move which is contrary to official policy in dealing with China.

“I am sure we will be expecting a second diplomatic protest note from the United States and of course Taiwan,” a senior official in the Prime Minister’s Office told Island Sun.

The Beijing Ministerial visit this week is reportedly at the invitation of the head of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC), Li Xiaolin.

Minister for Civil Aviation and Communication, Peter Shanel Agovaka, will lead the seven-member delegation which leaves for China today (15 August). All Coalition partners in the DCGA government were represented but the Democratic Alliance Party (DAP).

Other members of the delegation are the Minister for Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma; former deputy Prime Minister and now Infrastructure Minister, Manasseh Maelanga; Minister of Rural Development, Duddley Kopu; the Minister of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening, Anthony Veke; Minister of Commerce, Industries, Labour and Immigration, Clezy Rore; Deputy Chairman of Caucus, Jackson Fiulaua and the Chair of the of Parliamentary Standing Committee. Commins Mewa.

Prime Minister Sogavare’s personal secretary Ronald Fugui is traveling with the delegation.

In Beijing the Ministerial Delegation is expected to meet members of the bipartisan Taskforce, which the Government had earlier set up to investigate switching relations to Mainland China. The Taskforce has spent the last month, visiting Pacific Island Countries which have diplomatic relations with Mainland China.

The five-member Taskforce, led by the Member for Central Honiara, Hon Dr John Moffat Fugui, has visited Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa, Tonga and Papua New Guinea.

The two groups will meet in Beijing later this week, potentially to compare notes on their findings on the question of switching relations with China. Their report will determine the position the government will take on the diplomatic relations.

There are speculations that the inclusion of Finance Minister Kuma on the delegation suggests, discussions on a financial package is on the table. Island Sun is unable to confirm this independently.

Taiwan could be offended if this happens as such a move will be taken as a slap on the face by Taipei which has enjoyed diplomatic relations with Solomon Islands since 1982.

Taiwan has consistently provided generous financial assistance amounting to about $100 million a year for micro economic activities in rural Solomon Islands. The funding is paid through Members of Parliament, an arrangement which has attracted a lot of criticisms by members of the public.

Besides this public funding, Taipei also operates a slush fund to address political instability in government. The funds, often disbursed around Christmas, are only accessible at head of government level.

Only members of the ruling government share the funds, which the Taiwanese Embassy in Honiara has strenuously denied its existence.

Government to make laws to protect children: Alependava

Written by
Eddie Osifelo
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Solomon Islands childrens

By EDDIE OSIFELO

THE outcome of a report showing over 200,000 children in Solomon Islands experiencing violence at home has prompted government to formulate policies and legislations to protect children.

Until now, government’s policies and legislations have been focusing more on violence against women and girls.

Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs permanent secretary, Dr Cedrick Alependava confirmed this during the discussion of the launching of the ‘Unseen, Unsafe report’ at Heritage park Hotel yesterday.

Alependava said they are confronted with double burden problem locally, in the Pacific and internationally and that is increased incidence of violence against women and girls and increased violence against children.

He said much talk has been exemplified and amplified by non-government organisations (NGOs), Development partners and Government on issues of violence against women and girls and ending violence against women and girls in Solomon Islands as well as in the Pacific.

“We have policies, regulations and law governing us to try and reduce violence against girls and women, but sad to say there is less emphasis on violence against child or children, even in our current policy there is less coverage on child security, as such we need to step up and review our children’s policy in collaboration with Child’s Right and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 16.2 and maybe review Family Protection Act 2017 and Child and Family Welfare Act 2010 as well,” he said.

The SDG Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.

Youths make up about 46 percent of the population in Solomon Islands.

Alependava said this composition shows children dominates the bigger portion of our population, and thus given the future they will live and inherit, they ought to invest in them early to enable them to be productive leaders and citizens.

The ‘Unseen and Unsafe: Underinvestment in Ending Violence Against Children in the Pacific and Timor-Leste’ report shows that over 200,000 children (72 percent of the child population) in the Solomon Islands experience violent discipline at home also revealed rising levels of sexual violence in the Solomon Islands, specifically the growing number of family members facilitating sexual acts involving children and arranging the sale of children for sex or marriage to those working in logging and fishing industries.

The research was conducted by Save the Children, World Vision, Plan International and Child Fund across 15 countries in the Pacific, including Timor Leste.

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