SOLOMON Islands Public Employees Union (SIPEU), congratulate Gilbert John Osmond Muria (Jr) as the Attorney General of Solomon Islands.
In a Statement issued by SIPEU, General Secretary (GS) of SIPEU, Mr Robert Aunama says Muria has assisted and worked well with them in addressing a number of union issues. In Muria’s term as Special Secretary to Prime Minister, Aunama says he always welcomed SIPEU to discuss issues and gave legal advises on union issues and matters that requires legal view.
“During his term as SSPM, SIPEU has taken many issues and matters to discuss with him and to name a few only, Salary Increase for Public Servants 2019, Retirement and Long Services Benefit non – taxable to public servants, SIPEU health Scheme, SIPEU Housing Proposal and Capacity Building for Union Management,” Aunama says.
Aunama say other issues raised and discussed were the Ethnic Tension and Border Claims made by Public Servants through SIPEU. He said as SSPM then, Muria had helped SIPEU secure funding from Ministry of Infrastructure Development and the Ministry of Public Service to renovate the current office SIPEU is located at the moment.
Aunama said some of the issues will take time before results can be seen, while some will need cabinet approval and consideration. He said some of SIPEU’s issues will require further consultation and dialogue with the government thus the monthly meeting that they have with the SSPM will be greatly missed.
Aunama then urged Government to find a replacement who will be able to work well with SIPEU especially for the public servants welfare.
“Persons like this in these position is quite important and open its doors and always have time for SIPEU to make its submissions and discuss important issues that have great impact on the working performance of individuals public servants,” Aunama said. He said SIPEU will also need to start all over again in building a new relationship with the new SSPM.
Mr Aunama, on behalf of Solomon Islands Public Employees Union (SIPEU) and its members thanked John Muria Jnr for the progress he had made on some issues and wish him well in his new career. Aunama says SIPEU will still consult his office when legal matters arises.
THE issue of foreshore is not lost on government. The reassurance was made by Attorney General (AG) John Muria Jnr.
In response to queries by Island Sun on the issue of high and low watermark for the Coral Sea Cable project, Muria says the government is aware that the Honiara seafront is registered and the Trustees of the Low and High Water Mark are currently being consulted on the way forward for the cable project.
Earlier complaints had reached Island Sun by certain Guadalcanal people saying they weren’t consulted properly in the Cable project.
However the country’s newest AG says several meetings had been held between the “Trustees” and officials at the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on the Honiara seafront. This consultation includes discussions with the Tandai House of Chiefs. Muria says this is to ensure an inclusive approach is taken with all stakeholders of the foreshore.
“Generally the trustees have indicated their support to the project,” Muria says. He said however, there are a few issues that are currently under discussions.
At the same time, the Attorney General says parties have agreed to negotiate a legally binding document that would pave the way for settling of issues surrounding the Honiara foreshore.
He said the document is currently being prepared and will be circulated to the “Trustees” and Tandai House of Chiefs for further discussion when complete.
The issue of foreshore had been an ongoing one for customary land owners. The Guadalcanal people concerned say they do not want to stop development, but are merely enquiring so that things are done the proper way.
Currently the Solomon Cable Company (SCC) is engaging Fletcher Kwaimani to lay land duct at the SMI site. Work is progressing for the Coral Sea Cable project with CEO, Keir Preedy saying the work is on track for the cable system installation.
Russell Islands Investment Forum participants and facilitators in Honiara last week. Photo from GCU
Russell Islands Investment Forum participants and facilitators in Honiara last week. Photo from GCU
THE Solomon Islands Government and Lavukal Leaders of Russell Islands have formalised an “Engagement Framework” during a two-day Russell Islands Investment Forum (RIIF) in Honiara last week.
The Forum has drawn together leaders from various groups in the Russell Islands and Officials from the Cabinet Sub-Committee on RIPEL over a period of two days to discuss and chart a way forward for investment opportunities in the Russell Islands.
The consultation process has significantly set out the core roles, functions and responsibilities of the Russell Islands Investment Forum and its secretariat and advisory board and further sets out its engagement with the Central Islands Province and the National Government.
This process will be formalised by way of an ‘agency agreement’ to be finalised by the Attorney Generals Chambers, Central Islands Province and the Office of Prime Minister and Cabinet.
Besides the “Engagement Framework”, the Forum which was concluded last Friday also looks at the 99 Rocks Strategy 1 and 2 and confirms to endorse its guiding principles.
Parties to the consultation meeting have agreed on a number of significant steps including the establishment of the Russell Islands Investment Forum (RIIF), with a Chairperson to be nominated by the Forum, a Co-Chairperson to be the Provincial Secretary for the Central Islands Province and a Secretary who is also the CEO of the RIIF Secretariat to be appointed by the Forum.
Parties also agreed to establish an Advisory body which will consist of Technical Experts and Consultants and further agreed that the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and the Central Islands Provincial Government provide technical support with assistance from other members of the Lavukal Community as nominated by parties.
The framework also outlined the RIIF Secretariat’s immediate task which has mandated the Secretariat to prepare the institution including its investment platform, objectives and terms of reference to cover broad areas relating to Agriculture or Fisheries and other Multi Sectoral Investment areas such as the Coconut and Cattle sectors.
In terms of Programme Support, the Parties have envisaged that any financial support to be rendered by the Solomon Islands Government or any other entity for administrative purposes, is to be deposited into a trust account to be held by the Central Islands province and any other nominated entities
Overall, the RIIF is a platform for dialogue and representation on investment plans for the Russell Islands which aims to prepare stakeholders for future investment dialogues.
Officials from the Cabinet Sub-Committee on RIPEL from the Prime Minister’s Office successfully facilitated the consultation meeting which concluded Friday last week.
Solomon Islands 17 year old sprinter Paul Ma’unikeni, left, is one of the athletes drafted into the national athletics training squad for next year’s Pacific Games.
BY ROMULUS HUTA
Solomon Islands 17 year old sprinter Paul Ma’unikeni, left, is one of the athletes drafted into the national athletics training squad for next year’s Pacific Games.
ATHLETIC Solomons (AS) has named its training squad for next year’s Pacific Games in Samoa.
More than 70 track and field athletes were named in a list given to SunSPORTS yesterday by Athletics President James Iroga.
Iroga said the squad was named after key events organised by the federation this year.
The events include the national championship and the national secondary schools carnival held in June.
Iroga expressed that they plan to send a medal winning team to Samoa next year.
On this note, the athletics federation had recently agreed on imposing strict qualifying standard for on athlete selection.
The strict qualifying standard is a new strategy to ensure Solomon Islands is represented competitively at the regional level and other international events.
Iroga said gone are the days where the national athletics federation is always lenient in its athlete selections for representation in international events.
The new selection standard is based on the timing of bronze medal winners at last year’s Pacific Mini Games in Vanuatu.
Looking at the training squad list given yesterday, high school students make up majority of the names along with few experienced ones such as Rosefelo Siosi, Sharon Firisua, Diana Matekali, Gregory Foasilau, Paul Maunikeni, Claytus Taqimana and Kevin Pio to name a few.
Iroga added, “This is the training squad for the Pacific Games in Samoa 2019.
“Hence, even if your name was not included in this training squad, you still have a chance to be included in the final squad for 2019 Pacific games.
“Our national Championship will be held on the last week of March 2019.
“Series of trials will be held on the beginning of February 2019.
“Our Final squad will be selected after the national championship which will be held during the last week of March. Dates are yet to be confirmed.”
See Athletics Training Squad below.
Men’s Squad:
Sprinting and Middle Distance
Claytus Taqimana (Honiara) – 1ooM and 200m; Paul Maunikeni (Makira-Waimapuru) 100m and 200M; Kevin Pio (Honiara) – 100m and 200m; Reginald Vato (Isabel/Guguha) – 100m and 200m; Ronward Hinarua (Makira/Waimapuru) 100m and 200m; Junior Efi (Isabel) – 100m and 200m; Prince Toku (Guadalcanal/Tenaru) – 100m and 200m; George Trevor (Guadalcanal/Tenaru) – 100m and 200m); James Brock (Honiara/King George) – 100m and 200m; David Kabitana (Isabel) – 100m and 200m); Alwin Muha (Makira) 400m; Moses Ohaihi (Honiara) – 400m; Willie Horeto (Makira/Waimapuru) – 400m; Emmanuel Waiwes (Malaita/Rokera) – 400m; Gregory Foasilau (Honiara) – 800m; Albert Huraharia (Malaita/Tenaru) – 800m; Ben Sale (Makira/Waimapuru) – 800m; Alfred Tuasulia (Guale /Tenaru) – 800m; Patrick Kam (Honiara) – 1500m; Max Feda (Honiara)- 1500m; John Selwyn (Makira/Waimapuru) – 1500m; Joshua (Malaita/Tenaru)- 1500m
Long Distance
Rosefelo Siosi (Makira/Waimapuru) – 3000m,5000m and 10000m; John Tiva (Honiara) – 3000m,5000m and 10000m; Leon Kusu (Honiara/KGVI)- 3000m,50000m and 10,000m; Japhet Saeni (Isabel) – 3000m, 5000m, and 10,000m;
Field Events
Chrisley Arukeni (Malaita/Rokera) – Shot Put, Javlin and Shot Put; Jimmy Tetonga (Makira/Waimapuru) – Shot Put, Javlin and Shot Put; Chris Natei (Isabel) – Shot Put, Javlin and Shot Put; Jedrick Legu (Isabel) – Shot Put, Javlin and Shot Put; Mostyn (Makira/Waimapuru)- Shot Put, Javlin and Shot Put; Brendon Sosimo (Makira/Tenaru) – High Jump; Jeffery Lehemane (Isabel) – High Jump and Leon Kaura (Honiara/KGVI)- High Jump.
Women’s Squad:
Sprinting and Middle Distance
Esther Haga (Makira/Waimapuru) 100m and 200m; Barbra Auwesi (Malaita/Rokera) – 100m and 200m; Jovinta Ambrose (Honiara/Epalle) – 100m and 200m; Joana Anate (Guale/Tenaru) 100,200m; Gloria Pane (Makira/Waimapuru) – 400m; Catherine Kera (Isabel) – 400m; Everlyn Lira (Isabel) – 400m; Christina Waeta (Honiara) 400m; Regina Loli (Honiara) 400m; Linta (Isabel) – 800m and 1500m; Stephany (Central) – 800m and 1500m; Sauna (Honiara) 800m and 1500m; Rufina Ofoia (Malaita/Rokera) 800m and 1500m
Long Distance
Sharon Firisua (Honiara) – 3000m,5000m and 10,000m; Diana Matekali (Honiara) – 3000m,5000m and 10,000m; Glenster Laura (Makira/Waimapuru) – 3000m,5000m and 10,000m; Doris Kejoa (Honiara) – 3000m,5000m and 10,000m
Field Events
Joana Anate (Guale/Tenaru) High Jump; Sonia Inifiri (Guale/Tenaru) – High Jump; Katina M (Guale/Tenaru) – High Jump; Martina D (Guale/Tenaru) – High Jump; Martina D (Guale/Tenaru) – Long Jump; Alpha (Guale or Tenaru) – Long Jump; Samantha (Makira / Waimapuru) – Long Jump; Rowena (guale or Tenaru) – Long Jump; Linah Imaafu (Makira/ Waimapuru) – Shot Put, Javelin and Discuss; Jessica Kinika (Makira/Waimapuru) – Shot Put, Javelin and Discuss; Emily Maefiti (Makira/Waimapuru) – Shot Put, Javelin and Discuss; Emy Agu (Makira/Waimapuru) – Shot Put, Javelin and Discuss; Ellen Stephany (Central/McMahon)- Shot Put, Javelin and Discus; Catherine Damiaro (Malaita/Rokera) – Shot Put, Javelin and Discuss; Naomi Toopuri (Malaita/Rokera)- Shot Put, Javelin and Discuss.
THE Public Accounts Committee will commence hearing into the Supplementary Appropriation Bill (SAB) today. This SAB is to approve money for government to spend until December 31, 2018.
The Ministry of Finance and Treasury through the 2018 SAB 2018 is seeking approval for a total of $119.4million. This is for 11 Government ministries.
Of the total, $21.7million is appropriated with an advance warrant of 9.9million. This is to cater for the ROC Funding towards the Constituency Development.
$11million for medical bill, rentals, utilities, outstanding GP labour mobility within the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet.
A total of $21million was also appropriated by the Ministry of Education with $20million in support toward the completion of the infrastructures of SINU and $1million in donor support.
A total of $20million was also requested to cater for parliamentarian’s terminal grants.
Meanwhile eight line Ministries, will receive the remaining $57million. This is to be distributed between the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, the National Judiciary, the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, Ministry Lands, Housing and Survey, the Ministry of Rural Development, the Ministry of Communication and Aviation and Ministry of Finance and Treasury.
In August this year, parliament also passed the 2018 Supplementary Appropriation (No. 2) Bill 2018. The total expenditure then was $119,416,051.
Ministry of Finance and Treasury is scheduled to appear first before the PAC today. The Hearing is expected to take place the whole of today.
Young Entrepreneurs from Kolombangara listening attentively during the
training. Photos from YOSI.
YOUTH@WORK programme in Gizo, Western province has continued with its internship activities by placing young people into various work places after completing a series of pre-employment trainings.
The internship training started after the youths completed their community service work, volunteering in the communities they represent.
Upon completing the pre-employment trainings which include cover letter and curriculum vitae (CV) writing, goal setting, work ethics etc, the youths were then eligible to move into 15 weeks of internship.
This assists the youths gain experience on what it is like in the work place. At that, monitoring and awareness on cross-cutting issues will be carried out for them.
Youths who took part in the YEC training in Gizo.
“Currently the youth have been doing their internships, and from the feedbacks we get they are enjoying their learning from the work they are doing,” Team Leader for Western, Ms Hinima Charles confirmed.
Meanwhile, a total of 32 young people who participated in the Young Entrepreneurship component have undergone basic business training after completing community service work.
The focus of the business training is to look at what will be a viable business to run in their communities and to develop a business plan, Y@W will continue to support them with a start-up capital, material worth.
Y@W Deputy Coordinator- Provincial, Mr Hika Joseph Gone expressed his appreciation towards the stakeholders that continue to provide avenue to support the young people and also to the commitments shown by the youths as well.
“We are thankful for the support rendered by the employers in providing the avenue for this young generation to have taste of their dream career.
“We are also happy to see young people become economically empowered. For young people economic empowerment is the key to peace in our society.
Young Entrepreneurs from Kolombangara listening attentively during the training. Photos from YOSI.
“There are challenges that needs to be addressed in terms of support and sustainability for these young aspiring entrepreneurs.
“We are assisting the young people on addressing these challenges in collaboration with relevant stakeholders, government mechanism and resourceful individuals,” Mr Gone said.
“We have a positive outlook for next year that we will be doing great things together as young people.”
The Y@W programme was extended and began in the Western Solomon Islands in 2016.
Y@W is implemented by the Pacific Community (SPC), in partnership with four government ministries, and is funded by the Australian government and Queen Young Leaders-Jubilee Fund.
Y@W is an initiative formed to tackle youth unemployment in Solomon Islands and help youth of the Solomons find pathways to their economic prospects through internships and entrepreneurships.
Participants develop business plans during the training in Auki on November 9, 2018. Photos by Merinda Valley/
UNDP
YOUNG social entrepreneurs from Malaita province advanced their ventures to address community challenges through a business training in Auki last week.
The three-day training for winning teams of the Malaita Youth Peacebuilding Innovation Forum held in September was geared towards informing the young entrepreneurs about business principles and helping them develop their social innovations into sustainable enterprises.
Training sessions covered estimating start-up costs, developing a business plan, pricing and marketing, among other concepts.
“The training is a starting point for us to make an active business,” said 22-year-old Julie Boinnia, a member of the Malamanila Juice team.
“Our hope is to quickly produce our product so that we can start making a difference in our town of Auki and involve other young people.”
Participants develop business plans during the training in Auki on November 9, 2018. Photos by Merinda Valley/ UNDP
The 13 training participants, who make up three teams of social entrepreneurs, started selling their products on a small scale after the provincial innovation forum. Approaches they learnt from the training will help them grow and manage their operations.
The United Nations Peacebuilding Fund (UNPBF) project, jointly implemented by UNDP and UN Women, organised the training through the Solomon Islands Small Business Enterprise Centre in partnership with Youth@Work and the Youth Division of the Malaita provincial government.
In addition to the training, the UNPBF project will support the forum winners by linking them with mentors and seed funding to develop their businesses.
In her closing remarks on Friday last week, the UNPBF project’s Deputy Project Manager, Gaylyn Puairana, said the training is an investment in the youth of Malaita province.
“By connecting these entrepreneurs with information and resources, they will have a better chance of operating successful enterprises that have real impacts at the community level,” Ms Puairana said.
“This support enables youth to play their role as peace advocates and drivers of development.”
Stone Raisers team leader George Faubata presents an analysis of his enterprise at the business training in Auki on November 7, 2018.Hudson Oeta and Joycelyn Leaga of Malcassava discuss startup costs at the business training in Auki on November 8, 2018.
INTERNATIONAL arrivals into Solomon Islands has scored an earnest surge of 1.1 percent during the September quarter.
This was after a total of 14,812 tourist visited the country in the third quarter of 2018.
Compared to the same quarter a year ago, an increase of 8.6 percent was recorded, the Solomon Islands National Statistics Office (SINSO) revealed.
Releasing the statistical report for the quarter recently, Government Statistician, Douglas Kimi said 53 percent of the arrivals were from visitors followed by returning residents by 47 percent and the remaining less than 1 percent were from intending residents.
“Visitor arrivals for the third quarter improved by 11.6 per cent to 7,838 visitors, compared to the 7,021 visitors noted in the second quarter of 2018.
“Also, there was a 7.7 percent increase in visitors’ arrivals from third quarter 2017 to third quarter 2018,” Kimi stated.
Meanwhile, on arrivals by country of residence, Kimi said Australians remain the largest group of visitors to the Solomon Islands notching 36.9 per cent.
“There was a 17.1 percent increase to 2,892 in Australian visitors compared to the second quarter of 2018 figure 2,469.
“The next largest group of visitors were from Other Asia by 12.1 percent, followed by New Zealand with 7.4 percent, Papua New Guinea 6.5 percent, United States of America 6.2 percent, Fiji 5.8 percent, and Other Pacific 5.4 percent.”
On visitor arrivals by month, Mr. Kimi said the month of July recorded the highest number of arrivals with 2,862 visitors followed by September with a total of 2,663 visitors and August the least with 2,313 visitors.
“A total of 2,849 tourists were recorded during the quarter and they spent an average of 12.8 days in the country. Australian residents still made up the highest proportion of tourists with 40.7 percent and stayed in the country for an average of 11.8 days. Residents from the United States of America made up the next largest group of tourists with 10.0 percent, followed by Other Asia with 8.5 percent, New Zealand 6.3 percent, Other Europe 4.7 percent, Japan 4.5 percent, China 4.0 percent, Other Pacific 3.8 percent and Papua New Guinea by 3.3 percent.”
Kimi said the most common reason for visitors visiting the country during the quarter was for holiday and vocation which scored 34.6 percent followed by Business and Conference by 25.2 percent, visiting for other reason 23.7 percent, visiting friends and relatives 14.8 percent and transit & stop over 1.7 percent.
On visitors by age group for the quarter showed that 72.7 per cent of visitors were in the 25 years to 64 years age range.
“The youngest age group, 0 -14 years, represented 4.1 percent of the arrivals while the oldest age group, 65 years and over made up 10.5 percent of total visitor arrivals. The remaining 2.8 percent were visitors who did not state their age. Male visitors represented more than half of the total visitors’ arrivals by 66.6 percent and female visitors made up 33.4 percent of arrivals.
“Visitor by occupation showed that the “Professional and Technical” category made up the largest percentage of occupations by 34.8 percent during the quarter followed by visitors who stated their occupation as Other occupation group with 30.4 percent), Administration and managerial position 12.1 per cent), No work 11.1 percent, and Clerical and related workers 3.6 percent.
“The most popular carriers during the quarter were Solomon Airlines who carried 43.0 percent of total visitors, followed by Fiji Airways by 29.6 percent and Virgin Australia 19.3 percent,” Kimi stated.
THE University of the Solomon Islands (USP) has appointed a new Pro vice-chancellor.
Prem Misir will formally take up the role as of this month (November) as current office holder, Mrs Patricia Roddie’s term comes to an end.
“We are pleased to announce that the University has appointed Professor Prem Misir as Pro-Vice-Chancellor/Professor and Head of School of Public Health Solomon Campus,” an announcement from the Solomon Campus (USP) said.
In addition Professor Misir will help prepare the delivery of a Public Health programme for the SI campus.
Professor Misir has 15 years management, leadership, and higher education experience.
His teaching and administrative experience spans to the USA and the world.
Professor Misir has a PhD in Behavioural and Social Sciences, MPH in Public Health, M.Phil. Sociology, B.S.Sc. (Honors) Economics/Sociology and Postdoctoral in Public Health.
He is also an author. Professor Misir brings with him a wealth of skills and knowledge from his academic achievements and experience. Solomon Campus (USP) welcomes Professor Misir and wish him all the best for the appointment as Pro-Vice-chancellor/Professor and Head of School of Public Health Solomon Campus.
FARMERS in the northern and central regions of Malaita province currently engaged in the Food Security Project will be given farm tools soon.
Kastom Gaden Agriculture Technician, Mr Jack Kalisto said the tools are now in Honiara and will be shipped to Malaita soon to be distributed among the farmers soon.
He said the tools were procured by a group in New Zealand contracted under the project for the supply.
Kalisto said receiving the farm tools would be a boost for the farmers to assist them in implementing the project.
He said the supply consists of simple farming tools like, spade, knife, hoe, watering can, spraying containers, poly-bags, fertilisers and lots more.
He said the project doesn’t look at capacity building alone, but providing them with resources that will allow them to put into practice the things they learnt.
Kalisto added that another area the project will also be responsible for is to provide seedlings for farmers, assisting them from the process of nursery, planting and the whole of farm management.
He said this is the reason the project is two years, so that farmers continue to learn from the project until when they acquire everything required for them under the project.
Kalisto said as the project aimed to target effects of climate change on food security, learning from the project will farmers to prepare and tackle climate change in agriculture sector.
