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PM discusses new development proposals with ADB

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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ADB Board Members paid a courtesy visit to the PM today to discuss ongoing and proposed opportunities with the Prime Minister
ADB Board Members paid a courtesy visit to the PM today to discuss ongoing and proposed opportunities with the Prime Minister

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has met with the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Board of Directors at the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet yesterday.

The Prime Minister took the opportunity to thank the ADB Board for their continuous support to Solomon Islands over the years.

“ADB has been with us for more than 40 years and has continued to support Solomon Islands in its development aspirations,” he said.

Prime Minister Hou also acknowledged ADB for its contributions in the transport, infrastructure and energy sector.

He said ADB’s support to the Tina Hydro Project is expected to reduce electricity costs in the country and also improve sustainable energy in the country.

“I also welcome ADB’s interest to advance projects in the energy sector to other provinces,” he said.

Mr Hou has also shared the Government’s vision for the next five years as the Government embarks on huge infrastructure projects ahead of the 2023 Pacific Games.

The Prime Minister said the road transportation project under ADB will be one of those important development infrastructures.

“Apart from that, I am also pleased to note that ADB has also embarked on wharf projects around the country. This is one of the most important infrastructure in Solomon Islands especially for our people in the rural areas,” he said.

ADB’s Board of Director’s Team Leader In-Chang Song on behalf of the ADB Board thank the Prime Minister for availing his time to meet with them.

Mr Song said ADB is always pleased to be supporting the advancement and the development aspirations of the Solomon Islands.

Song also informed the Prime Minister of ADB’s emerging Strategy 2030 and discuss how ADB is looking towards improving their modalities of knowledge sharing and the delivery of financial products.

He said they also had site visits to ADB supported energy, urban and infrastructure projects.

“We also had interactions with project beneficiaries, met with civil society groups and private sector representatives,” he said.

Prime Minister Hou and the ADB Board of Directors also discussed new and important development opportunities that ADB and Solomon Islands will explore.

After the meeting, the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers and the ADB Board also witnessed the signing of a grant agreement between the Asian Development Bank and the Solomon Islands Government.

The visiting ADB Executive Directors are Mr In-chang Song, Mr Tony McDonald, Mr Syurkani Ishak Kasim, Mr Shahid Mahmood, Mr Philip Rose, Mr Kris Panday, Mr Mahbub Ahmed, and Mr Enrique Galan.

–OPMC PRESS

Diet contributes to high rate of breast cancer

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Dr Li introduces KMUH's Breast Center.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

Dr Li introduces KMUH’s Breast Center.

WITH an increase in breast cancer cases in the country, especially in young women, being able to carry out self-breast examination and identifying signs is very important, says Surgeon Dr Chung-Liang Li from Taiwan’s Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital’s (KMUH) Division of Breast Surgery.

Speaking to the media in an interview at the Taiwan Health Centre (THC) yesterday, he said that it is vital that women are educated about the process.

Henceforth, Dr Li said if they carry out the process and find any abnormalities of the breast whether in mass or how painful it is or nipple discharge, they should go to a clinic for examination.

“I think educating women about these things is very important,” he said

Li went on to emphasise that the kind of diet women follow is also crucial and can lead to a high breast cancer rate.

He stated that a diet of full of red meat like pork or beef, too much rice, oily foods and too much sugar can lead to high risks of breast cancer.

SIEC denies arrest claims on former official

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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A newly eligible voter being registered under the biometric voter registration system which involved an electronic kit (machines), during the registration period that was conducted last month.

By Gary Hatigeva

THE Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC) has denied claims that one of their officials was arrested in relation to manipulative activities within its operation to recruit field officers.

Island Sun was told that an official of the commission was arrested last week following issues raised over claims of fishy recruitments of people that have not met requirements to be engaged in the voter registration process, which had drawn worries among voters.

This paper was also informed that a good number of those recruited for the registration programme were computer or technology illiterate, as data collection are electronically compiled and stored, using mostly electronic machines.

Many including former registration officers in the recent programme, claimed that there were others who have poor grammar and writing skills, let alone spelling, which also raised a lot of concerns that the data collected might not be as accurate or could be filled with errors and missing details.

This was something, many have allegedly linked to the arrest, as many of those highlighted, were said to have been used an official, to raise extra bucks from them.

However, a senior official spoken to (name withheld) denied the claims, but confirm that there was an SIEC officer who was terminated by the Public Service but nothing in relation to the recruitment of Registration officers as was rumoured “and was not arrested either”.

A newly eligible voter being registered under the biometric voter registration system which involved an electronic kit (machines), during the registration period that was conducted last month.

The official clarified that the termination was based on the 2016 and 17 Public Service disciplinary charges for misbehaviour at the office which included harassment, drunk and disorderly and disturbances at the office premises.

The official however admitted that it could be true a few of the recruited registrations officers might have under-performed at start however, working in a team of three has helped them pick up on their performances, a point many thought was still questionable as they should have never been recruited in the first instance.

“This is not a village programme or a school assignment we are talking about here, it is a national program that deals with matters of this country, such as an important event like the National General Election,” a disappointed voter expressed following the arrest claims.

Meanwhile, the official reiterated that the registration process is still ongoing and in the coming weeks the list will be put up for public’s viewing and inspection, “and therefore, would like to ask the public to look out and make sure check that all their details are correct”.

“The provisional list will be on display starting on October 29 and will remain until November 20, and if they have any complaints or identify spelling error that needs correction, do submit their complaint/correction by filing an objection to omission or objection to inclusion claim to make that correction.

“The omission and objection period will start on November 7 to November 20, and the public is asked to check the list and submit any final correction for consideration before it is finalised,” the SIEC official reiterated.

Plans for next UN deployment underway

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE Commissioner Matthew Varley revealed yesterday that they are working on plans for future RSIPF deployment to the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

Mr Varley said they have strong support and commitment from the Solomon Islands Government that UN deployment mission is a worthwhile contribution by RSIPF to the world stage.

He said the second deployment group came back on Tuesday this week while the third group is still in Dafur.

He said yesterday they had the privilege to welcome back the four officers, this was the second RSIPF to UN mission since they started sending officers to the UN mission back in 2017.

The officers returned back on Tuesday after spending 12 months in Dafur with the UN Mission, Varley said.

A parade was hosted to welcome back the officers at the Rove Police Headquarters and the four returning officers were presented with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force international Law Enforcement Cooperation medal.

“This is a commissioner’s medal that recognises the service of our officers in designated overseas mission including the UN.

“It is a very proud moment for us to welcome home these officers and presented them with that award.” Varley said

He said the important thing is the organization recognised their service on behalf of the people of the people of Solomon islands they have been flying the Solomon Islands flag in the UN.

He also said that there are three officers currently in the UN mission in Dafur and those three left in May this year and their 12 month term will lap in May 2019.

“We have come a long way since the end of RAMSI and it’s an opportunity for Solomon Islands and RSIPF to give back to the world stage and our service has been recognised and it is our contribution to National Security,” Varley said.

NRH in need of more surgeons

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Dr Li performing an operation for breast cancer with Dr. Scott

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

Dr Li performing an operation for breast cancer with Dr. Scott

WHILE there are very good surgeons at the National Referral Hospital (NRH), we need more surgeons as this is one of the challenges experienced at the hospital.

The above was expressed by resident doctor from Taiwan, Dr Chung-Liang Li from Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital’s (KMUH) Division of Breast Surgery who came to provide his services at NRH for the month of October.

He said while working at the hospital he has observed some obstacles which are the lack of space, equipment and not enough number of surgeons.

Dr Li stresses that the first challenge is that the operation room is not big enough and when combined with at times, the shortage of equipment and surgeons, operations can be delayed.

He mentioned that while the surgeons are very good the hospital is still in need of more of them.

Li who will conclude his journey on Oct 31 also left a word of advice for local surgeons at the National Referral Hospital.

Initially, he says the work of a surgeon is very tiring, a task where one has to take care of a person and perform surgery.

Nevertheless, Li said after surgery, a surgeon must understand the case and data of his or her patient so that it can be of help when treating the next patient whose case may be relatable to the first.

He adds that the surgeons should also take the time to collect data from their patients, read and make comparisons with data from other countries to know about other methods that are applied to deal with a case similar to theirs.

Continuous drink driving cases frustrate police

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

POLICE Commissioner Matthew Varley has again reminded drivers to be responsible.

He said last week 232 cars were checked and 17 drivers were found to be over the legal limit of alcohol in their blood.

He said the report makes him angry and sad that those drivers are still not getting the message seriously.

Mr Varley said innocent lives have taken due to drink and drive offences and he said it seems that drivers do not care about the loss of lives caused by careless drink-drivers.

He said police alone cannot deal with the issue but families and friends must be responsible, “if you see your friend or your family going into a car drunk and wanted to drive step in and take off the keys”.

“Remind and educate all drivers to avoid accidents, 17 drivers last week with presence of alcohol in their blood is high and people must start to realise that if you are and driving a vehicle will cost some innocent lives.

“Therefore be responsible don’t drink and drive,” Mr Varley said.

PM Hou acknowledges signing of ADB’s transport projects

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM Hou and ADB Board Members witnessing the signing of the grant agreement today at the OPMC..

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela yesterday witnessed the signing of a grant agreement between the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Solomon Islands Government.

The agreement establishing the Transport Sector Project Development Facility was signed by the Finance & Treasury Permanent Secretary Harry Kuma and ADBs Pacific Liaison and Coordination Office Regional Director Ms Emma Fan.

The signing was witnessed by the Prime Minister, Cabinet ministers and the high-level ADB Board of Directors that are currently visiting the country.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Prime Minister Hou said the signing ceremony is yet another positive demonstration of the strong working relationship between the Solomon Islands Government and the ADB.

He said in September 2018, the ADB Board of Directors have approved US$6Million grant to finance detailed design for priority transport sector projects in Solomon Islands.

PS Finance Kuma and Regional Director Ms Fan at the signing ceremony today at the OPMC.

The Prime Minister said the PDF is a response to project delays and problems.

“It is expected to significantly improve project quality and reduce implementation delays. The facility will fund the designs and preparations of multiple priority projects in the road, maritime and aviation sectors within the government’s transport action plan,” he said.

Mr Hou said it will also support capacity building to implementing agencies.

“On behalf of the Government, I sincerely thank the ADB Board for approving this facility,” he said.

Permanent Secretary to Finance Mr Kuma said the Ministry of Infrastructure & Development, Solomon Islands Ports Authority and the Ministry of Communication & Aviation will all benefit from the facility.

PM Hou and ADB Board Members witnessing the signing of the grant agreement today at the OPMC..

“This will help deliver projects faster and improve connectivity in the country,” Mr Kuma said.

Regional Director Ms Fan said ADB’s activities in the transport sector in Solomon Islands are delivering safe, efficient and reliable intermodal links to connect people with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

“The new facility will help us better support the long-term sustainability of our investment in transport in Solomon Islands,” Fan said.

–OPMC PRESS

Voters urged to take part in Radio Talkback Show on Election

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

ELIGIBLE Voters throughout the country are being urged to take part in the Solomon Islands Electoral Commission (SIEC’s) radio talkback show this weekend.

This comes as part of the Commission’s intentions to give the opportunity to voters to raise concerns, ask questions and seek clarification on the electoral process.

Speaking to Island Sun, SIEC’s Head of Media and Publication Awareness Unit, Philothea Paul explained that the talkback show will focus generally on the voter registration process and election proper.

“It is really giving the avenue to interact with elections stakeholders and seek understanding on what SIEC does and listening to what electorate think and what the law says about the conduct of election,” Ms. Paul explained.

She further explained that the program will be a 2 hour talk show with Senior Staff of the Electoral Commission, including the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) himself who will be there to answer questions from the public.

According to the program, Media representatives will also be there and will be given opportunity to ask questions as well.

“Therefore, SIEC would like to encourage voters and public to be part of the show by tuning in their radio to SIBC from 10am -12pm on Saturday, 27th Oct,” the SIEC Official urged.

As a matter of recap, the Registration Process, an applicant registers to vote at a Voter Registration Centre by completing the voter registration form (Form B), where the applicant’s thumb-prints and photograph will also be captured, and all this information will be entered into the laptop computers provided as part of the Biometric Registration Kit.

A voter ID card containing the credentials and photograph of the applicant will be printed and issued immediately after this process is complete.

At the end of each week of the Registration Period, all completed Form Bs, plus the backup data are accounted for by the Registration Teams at each of the registration centres and sent to the Registration Officer (RO) for that constituency where the calculation is reconciled.

The Registration Managers at the provincial centre will collect this data from ROs and forward them to the SIEC Headquarter Data centre where they will be loaded into the BVR database system, which continues until end of the registration period.

At the close of the registration period, the database will be checked for duplicates, and in cases of duplicates, Data processing officers will crosscheck using Form B to verify, and the provisional List of electors (Form C) is settled after verifications.

As for the Election’s in a nut shell, it has a Cycle, which involves the registration phase, as explained above, the Exhibition Phase, which comes after the registration process closes, where all the data collected in the field will be put together to compile a Provisional Voters List (Form C).

This Provisional List will be exhibited for public scrutiny for 7 days in each of the Voter Registration Centres (VRC) across the Solomon Islands.

This will allow the public to examine the Provisional List for possible errors and omissions. This period is NOT a second time for people who did not apply to register or transfer to apply.

There is also the Omission & Objection Phase, where after the public inspection of the Provisional List, any person identifying any omission, or who wishes to object to another person’s name on the list, will have, 14 days to do so.

Depending on the nature of the challenge, a person can lodge claim by completing Form D, which gives an advice of omission of his/her name and details, or Form E, which serves a notice of objection to another applicant on the Provisional list.

Finally, there is the Public Inquiry Phase, Public Inquiry Phase, whereby based on information gathered during the claims and objection period, public hearings will be held by Revising Officers who will decide whether or not to uphold each claim and objection.

The decision made at these hearings will be final and they will then be forwarded, through the Registration Manager of each Province to the SIEC Data centre in Honiara, which will then see the compilation of the Final Voters List.

Based on official decisions made, the Exhibition and Inquiry phase, amendments will be made to the Provisional List and a final Voters List will be completed for use on Election Day.

Rape alarm

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PC Mathew Varley

11 in four months, Police raises concern over huge number of reported cases across country

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

ELEVEN cases of rape have been reported within the span of just four months, and police are raising the alarm over this serious trend.

Police Commissioner Matthew Varley condemns these continuous reports of rape cases occurring across the Solomon Islands.

Mr Varley said in just the space of four months, from July to October, police have had a total of 11 rape cases reported.

“Out of the 11 cases we have recorded right across the provinces, five cases were recorded in Choiseul province and one each in Malaita, Temotu, Central province, Western province, Guadalcanal and Honiara City.

“I think we really need to be serious on our conversation about the culture and the mindset of the men in this country – 11 rapes in 4 months is unacceptable,” Varley said yesterday.

He said the recent case occurred in Choiseul, in which the alleged suspect is the victim’s grandfather; it is alleged that the offences occurred in a family home and is alleged to have occurred several times from June through to September, and it took place in a house where the young girl lived.

“We have seen this happening in other cases before and really my strong statement is that what should be the safe home for a young child has turned into a crime scene and the suspect should have been the most trusted person.

“I really don’t know what else to say to the men of this country,” Mr Varley said.

He said that men, leaders and chiefs in the community should educate and remind people to stop the sexual assault and violence against women, girls and children as the scar of being abused will remain on the victim for the rest of their lives.

Therefore he challenged everybody in this country to speak out against this so-called crime because the scars of these crimes will live in the victims for the rest of their life.

Transfer deadline

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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A match between Henderson Eels and FC Guadalcanal in the first round of the current TSL season.

TSL mid-season transfer window closes

BY ROMULUS HUTA

THE Telekom S-League (TSL) mid-season transfer window closes today.

Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF) Competition Manager Gabriel Riotarau confirms on Thursday.

Riotarau reminds TSL clubs that they must submit their lists for the competition’s round two by this afternoon.

The mid-season window is for internal transfers only.

“No international transfer will be permitted, according to SIFF and FIFA regulations. International transfer windows only open on January and June, annually.

“For international transfer queries, please contact SIFF competition department and Technical department,” Riotarau said.

The second round of the TSL will begin this weekend.

Solomon Warriors is currently leading the table after round one with 16 points and followed by Henderson Eels with 14 points.

Four matches are set for this weekend. Set for 2pm this Saturday is defending champion Solomon Warriors taking on Western United at Lawson Tama and followed by Marist and Malaita Kingz at 4pm.

Scheduled for Sunday 2pm is Henderson Eels and Real Kakamora while at 4pm is FC Guadalcanal and KOSSA

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