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Katoro community lauds Ghiro’s leadership

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Unloading of rolls of polythane pipes for East Makira Constituency water supply projects.
Unloading of rolls of polythane pipes for East Makira Constituency water supply projects.

A new water supply from their constituency office ends Katoro village’s four decades of collecting water from nearby streams and dirty water during rainy seasons.

Since the resettlement of Katoro village on Wainoni in 1978 this community had bathed and collected water for drinking and cooking from a nearby stream that borders their village and the renowned Wainoni Roman Catholic Mission Station.

And the frequent long rainy periods that runs almost all year round on Makira each year meant that most of the communities that are dependent on streams and rivers for their basic water needs would always endure thick muddy water conditions and Katoro village is no exception.

Speaking to the Government Communications Unit officer during the handing over of their new water supply, funded and built by the East Makira Constituency, Chief Pastor Philip Marupa explained that he had almost given up hope of ever finding any assistance to build a water supply system for his people.

“I am a very determined person so I have approached every possible organisations and government authorities in KiraKira and Honiara but on each occasion my hopes kept diminishing,” Marupa explained.

He claimed that for those few bodies who did respond positively to his request about five groups came to his village and inspected their water source, however, these groups’ foreign engineers flatly failed the water source as being technically inadequate to provide a viable and sustainable water supply system.

“I am someone who does not take no for an answer and so I kept on fighting to find any other good Samaritan out there who would help my community overcome its water predicament,” Marupa added.

Thus, it was in one of his visits to a government department in Honiara that Marupa was told to approach his Member of Parliament on his community’s quest for a water supply.

“It was on this occasion that I approached Hon. Alfred Ghiro my Member of Parliament for East Makira Constituency and amazingly as if my meeting was a preordained divine intervention, Ghiro assured me of his assistance straight away because he had already in place plans to focus more on water supply throughout the constituency,” Marupa claimed.

The turn of events was a sigh of great relief for Katoro community because a couple of months after Marupa voiced his people’s dilemma, tonnes of materials funded by the Constituency for the water supply arrived and the East Makira Constituency’s (EMC) RWASH team were promptly on the ground as well to build a water dam and construct the whole water supply system which took only two weeks to complete in June.

Marupa could not hide his profound satisfaction and accomplishment of his efforts which were wholly accommodated by Hon Alfred Ghiro and the EMC RWASH team.

He however lamented that many of the old people who started resettlement of Katoro village and had longed for a proper water supply system have passed on over the years but it was a fortunate moment for one old woman, the only remaining person of the first re-settlers in 1978, who had lived to see the water supply system build from start to finish and has briefly used it before she passed away just two days before the official handing over ceremony on August 29, 2018.

Meanwhile as a result of Ghiro’s deep concern for his people’s plight, seldom does one receive all the praises, compliments and assurances of strong unwavering support from entire communities at one particular occasion, however distant that may be, it actually was an exceptional phenomena for the Member of Parliament for East Makira Constituency, Alfred Ghiro who has deservedly earned all the plaudits from his people of Katoro and the communities of Ward 12 on Wainoni.

As explicitly expressed by chiefs of Taretarena, Aparoro, Naripo (NATS Communities) and Katoro community respectively they have all the confidence, trust and believe in their current leader Ghiro that he is astutely capable of looking after them and he has already led by example many times over with the water supply, solar lighting of their villages, church buildings, literacy centre and many other assistances that have brought meaningful changes to their lives.

George Mackenzie Siapu

GCU

Youths called to be part of the 17 SDGs

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

MINISTRY of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) is calling for young people’s engagement in the Sustainable Development Goals.

MWYCFA’s Permanent Secretary Dr Cedric Alipendava voiced this during the opening ceremony of the opening of the 4th National Youth Parliament yesterday.

He said Solomon Islands have been embarking on new sets of SDGs officially known as Transforming Our World: the 2030 agenda for sustainable development and 2016—2035 National Development Strategy.

Alipendava said young people also play a significant role in the process of implementing the SDGs and NDS because they are the ones who will benefit.

“It is important to recognise the role of young people as key stakeholders in achieving these development goals—SDGs and NDS.

“Today’s generation of young Solomon Islanders will inherit and must drive the future development.

“They have a vested interest in creating a future Solomon Islands that is to be prosperous and peaceful,” Alipendava said.

UNDP Solomon Islands Country Manager Ms Azusa Kobata said creation of the National Youth Strategy aligns with the National Development Strategy and also resonates well with the SDGs which young people are a part of.

She said with the 17 SDGs, about 193 countries including Solomon Islands have signed up for these goals.

“It shows we all want to address challenges of today’s world in respective where you are and who you are.

“We want to tackle poverty, inequality, climate change, and we all want to have a world that is defined by prosperity, peace and justice,” Kubota said.

Kubota said UNDP is working very closely with the government of Solomon Islands and other partners in the country to make concrete progress of the SDGs.

HCC launches International Rural Women’s Day

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

TODAY is a great day for all women in this city. You are an important part of all our lives. You are our mothers, wives, daughters, sisters and friends.

Honiara City Council’s (HCC) Deputy City Mayor, Eddie Ngava said these words before launching “International Rural Women’s Day” three-day programme at the national museum’s auditorium yesterday.

Speaking on the day’s theme “Transforming rural and urban women’s life for better future”, he said women are central to the development of rural areas and national economies.

Ngava said women make up a significant proportion of labour in agriculture, play a key role in food production, especially in subsistence farming and perform most of the unpaid care work in rural areas.

He also stressed on the challenges women and girls in rural areas face.

Ngava said that they often face restricted access to productive resources such as land, agriculture inputs, finance and credit, extension services and technology.

He added that traditional and cultural norms have also made it more challenging for women and girls in rural areas to gain access to public services, markets and institutions, social protection and decent employment opportunities.

However, Ngava encouraged women to unite and work together to help overcome this challenge.

“I encourage you all to participate, celebrate, share, bond, network and strengthen in unity as we all work together, both parents and government to listen to our women’s cry. This is our challenge. Let us unify and overcome this challenge,” he said.

In further remarks, the Deputy City Mayor acknowledged the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs, (MWYCFA) Honiara City Council and DFAT for funding the project.

He also thanked other supporters, representatives of the Honiara Women’s Network and all Women Service providers for supporting the project.

Ngava noted that he is pleased to see partnership unfold and looks forward to producing more projects with them in the future.

Gender inequality, the root cause of violence against women

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

GENDER inequality is the root cause of violence against women.

This statement was made by the Coordinator of Vanuatu’s Women’s Centre (VWC), Merilyn Tahi whose three member team travelled to Solomon Islands to conduct a two-week training session on eliminating violence against women with Family Support Centre (FSC) that ended last week.

She said the second training, “Male Advocacy Training” a first of its kind to take place in the country involved finding out what participants thought about men and women, stressing that this is the root cause of gender inequality.

Tahi added that after gender inequality there is discriminatory attitude and behaviour in men because they have been taught and provided the thinking that they are supreme beings over women.

She said wherever you go in the Pacific you will hear that the main area governments are working on to end violence against women is gender inequality.

Henceforth, Tahi emphasised that gender inequality must be addressed and be ridden of in order to end violence against women and children.

She referred to the participants as male advocates who will be advocating for women’s human rights, ending violence against women and promoting gender equality.

Tahi was accompanied by fellow VWC colleagues, Lyn Rose Tule who is the Centre’s Counselor/Supervisor and Kristine Keasi, the Centre’s Mobile Counselor.

She was speaking at a function on Oct 12 attended by participants from the two trainings, FSC, SAFE NET and the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs (MWYCFA) representatives.

In her closing remarks, Tahi thanked the Family Support Centre’s (FSC) Manager, Lynffer Wini Maltungtung for having them come over to do the trainings and the Solomon Islands government for funding the training.

Police investigate fatal traffic accident in Tangarare

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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POLICE at the Henderson police station in Guadalcanal province are investigating a fatal traffic accident which resulted in the death of a three-year-old boy in the Charikulu area of Tangarare, in West Guadalcanal on October 11, 2018.

Supervising Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Guadalcanal province, Superintendent Nixon Manetoga says, “The incident occurred between 4 and 5pm on October 11 in the Charikulu area at Tangarare.”

“It was alleged that the fatal accident occurred due to a mechanical problem with the vehicle’s steering.

“The driver of the vehicle tried to control the vehicle but it went out of control, ditched and overturned.

“As a result of the accident a three-year-old boy has been confirmed dead. Also three people are receiving medical treatment for serious injuries with six other people with minor injuries at the National Referral Hospital (NRH). Another two people with minor injuries were treated at the Tangarare Clinic.

“The driver is an employee of a logging company that operates in West Guadalcanal.

“Police are working close with the management of the company to deal with the driver of the vehicle.

“Vehicle owners and drivers please make sure that your vehicles must be road worthy and it is your responsibility as a driver not to over load your vehicle.

“On behalf of the police, I wish to extend our condolences and sympathy to the family and relatives of the deceased for the untimely loss of their young boy,” says PPC Manetoga.

–POLICE MEDIA

CBSI governor pleased with World Bank and IMF board of governors meeting

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Governor of Central Bank of Solomon Islands, Denton Rarawa
Governor of Central Bank of Solomon Islands, Denton Rarawa

SOLOMON Islands head of delegation and Governor for Solomon Islands on the IMF Board of Governors, Denton Rarawa, is pleased with the fruitful outcome of this year’s meetings with the senior management of the World Bank Group and the IMF at this year’s Board of Governors Meetings in Bali, Indonesia.

The Board of Governors of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded their 2018 Annual Meetings on Sunday, October 14, 2018.

A number of important issues were raised and discussed with the management of these two international financial institutions during the meeting which included; the request for budget support for the Government from the World Bank in 2019, the upgrading of the Henderson International Airport, Tina River Hydro Project, and other key thematic issues like connectivity infrastructures, climate change and natural disasters, human capital index and others has all affect growth and development in Solomon Islands.

Moreover, the delegation also discussed with the World Bank Group future investment programmes that will stimulate new sources of growth in the country.

On the engagement with the International Monetary Fund management, Mr Rarawa confirmed that discussions centred on the outcome of the economic and fiscal assessments, from Article IV Consultations that was held in the country in July.

These include; the Solomon Islands Debt Sustainability Report that was also released by the IMF at the annual meeting, with the Article IV Report that will be discussed by the IMF Board in late November, as well as areas for continuous technical assistance for the Central Bank of Solomon Islands and the Ministry of Finance & Treasury.

Rarawa also confirmed that he is fully satisfied with the outcome of meetings with Senior Executives of the Crown Agent Bank of London as well as Senior Officials of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on correspondent banking services.

Rarawa is optimistic that a correspondent banking relationship with the Crown Agent Bank of London should be established by the end of this year, despite efforts to derail the process by certain people.

He also issued a statement at the plenary of this year’s Board of Governors Meetings on behalf of nine Pacific Islands Countries (PICs). It was confirmed that the joint statement captured issues of common interest across the nine PICs.

On the international front, Rarawa also confirmed that high on the main issues discussed at this year’s meetings is the trade war between the United States and China.

Rarawa pointed out that this issue needs to be closely monitored since the outcome of the trade war on the Chinese economy will affect the Solomon Islands economy as China is an important export market for our logs.

A statement released by Rarawa and his delegation confirmed that both his staff as well as officials from the Ministry of Finance and Treasury will work with the World Bank Group and the IMF to progress key decisions agreed at the Meetings in Bali.

Attending this year’s Board of Governors Meetings in Bali on behalf of the Minister of Finance and Treasury, are the Ministry’s Under Secretary Economics, Mr Mckinnie Dentana and Chief Economic Officer, Mr Barnabas Vote.

–GCU

Youths urged to get involved in Solomon Islands

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Acting Governor General Mr Ajilon Nasiu has put all MPs on notice regarding the Prime Minister’s election

By Gary Hatigeva

YOUTH Participants of the 4th Youth Parliament 2018 have been urged to get involved in providing answers to issues Solomon Islands is facing.

This was something that all who spoke at the official opening of the youth parliament programme stressed with certainty that for the country to know what is happening to the young people with unemployment, with the lack of education and with crime, people only need to speak to youths because they have the answers.

Speaker of the National Parliament, Ajilon Jasper Nasiu in his speech, highlighted that youths are the experts in their division, and this is an opportunity to be solutions, to be answers and to effect the positive change that this country has come to depend on.

Speaking on the history of the Youth Parliament, Nasiu pointed out that the initiative has only come through a short history, but already created so many success stories, with some former participants now studying politics at the higher levels, while others are contributing to their communities in different ways.

“It provides participants with a practical and educational experience of our parliamentary system in an enjoyable and innovative manner.

“By providing a forum in which youths can express their ideas, concerns and expectations, it develops confidence, encourages team work and promotes a broader awareness among young people of community issues and processes of government of which these issues can be addressed,” Mr Nasiu shared.

He stressed that the 4th national youth parliament will define the future for some of the youth participants and determine their interests to take part in political leadership.

“For others, this will be a learning experience, to be more effective citizens in different field of work and community services,” the Speaker added.

The Speaker was among legislators and heads of international agencies, including the Australian High Commissioner, welcoming Youth Parliament participants to the chambers of the Parliament on yesterday at the 4th Youth Parliament.

The Head of Legislature told young participants that it is important they are exposed to the workings of democracy and the fundamentals of the nation are known.

Other speakers also stressed that the people are now looking to youths to assist the country in bringing it back to the place where it ought to be.

This is a call the UNDP Country Manager, Ms Asuza Kubota had also echoed, when presenting her remarks in the official opening of the 4th Youth Parliament, where she thought people have the potentials to shape the policies and debates on issues affecting young people.

She also agreed with the sentiments on empowerment for young people and further urged for youths not to be spectators, but get engaged and do what they can to make a difference.

“We all want the same thing this is not the time to have divide, talk about our territories and responsibilities, but have to work together irrespective of where you come from or where you work. We all want a dignified prosperous life in a just and peaceful world,” the UNDP Country Manager stressed.

Also speaking in support of the call on youths, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Women, Youths, Children and Family Affairs, Mr Cedrick Alependava expressed that young people are the jewels for this nation.

“We know that you young people hold the key to our future and you are definitely leaders for tomorrow,” Alependava shared.

He said he was happy to see that the country’s future was bright and invited the next generation of leaders to participate and not sit idly by and allow “bad” apples to detract and discourage them from what is best for them and the country.

“You must make your voices be heard, and your voices must come into this house, either through the responsible parliamentarian that you will elect, or one of you must come in, so that your voice is amplified to make it louder,” the PS added.

He then reminded the 50 youth parliamentarians to learn as much as they can, be innovative and think big so to make a difference as potential future leaders of the country.

The purpose of Youth Parliament is to expose Solomon Islands young people to parliamentary procedures and current issues affecting them.

Young people are selected and trained to make presentations in the Chamber of Parliament during a debate session, which is set for Thursday, where they are expected to talk about issues affecting youths of this country, under the guide of this year’s theme, “Youth Empowerment for Sustainable Livelihoods, Leave no one behind”.

The event is organised by the National Parliament of Solomon Islands together with the Ministry of Women, Youths, Children and Family Affairs, through supports of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Australian High Commission and Oxfam in Honiara.

Communication and aviation ministry goes online

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka launches the new MCA website.
Minister Peter Shanel Agovaka launches the new MCA website.

THE Ministry of Communication and Aviation (MCA) has launched its official website yesterday with the aim to engage more with the public online.

Increasing MCA’s visibility and presence online helps to increase the products and services provided by the Ministry to its clients and at the same time increase the popularity of the Ministry.

The Minister for Communication and Aviation, Peter Shanel Agovaka said the website is a great way to provide value added services to customers and clients, and is a great way to keep them interested to engage with the Ministry for the services it provides.

“The website is a magazine and a storefront and at the same time allows MCA visitors to see us in the virtual space so that they can make particular assumptions and create a given perception of the services we provide,” Mr Agovaka said.

The Minister made reference to the Ministry’s attempts to gain the confidence and trust of its clients such as passengers, visitors, business and leisure travellers that can help MCA serve and grow its services through online promotions and publicity.

The website is the first connection the Ministry has with citizens which may be an in-person meeting or a social post, but more importantly the platform serves as the very first point of contact between citizens and the Ministry.

According to Agovaka, the amount of time spent on any new website is minimal with an average website visit to 15 seconds or less for any average user and this is why it’s important to make valuable information easier to find, which is being addressed in the website structure and design.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary Moses Virivolomo shared similar sentiments saying the website allows direct civic engagement regarding citizens’ experiences and made it easier to capture feedback to help MCA consider updating strategies from enhancing a user experience to adding relevant topics to meeting agendas.

“The platforms also allow officials to speak directly with their constituents about their most pressing demands. This helps create trust between local government and the citizens they serve, because it shows residents that government leaders are listening closely and can help provide solutions for bolstering services and provisioning across the community,” Virivolomo said.

The Permanent Secretary added that Solomon Islands is prone to natural disasters and the nature of the Aviation sector is always at risk so a government website must be ready with critical information.

“Communication through a government website is the first line of defense in emergency situations, and that it can help promote calm and control for residents. This will help get more people to safety and direct emergency services personnel to the areas that require the most help,” Virivolomo said.

Details of the website can be found on www.mca.gov.sb . The website will be updated regularly so that relevant information can be found easily by viewers on their first visit.

–GCU

Councilor’s case in court today

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE pre-trial conference into the case against John Wale Urifo will be conducted today at the Honiara Magistrate Court.

The accused on this case is a Honiara City Council (HCC) councilor and incidents he is alleged of occurred when he was the chairman for the Lands standing committee of the HCC.

Police said the allegation is related to an offence of false pretence which occurred in 2016 and 2017.

The accused is the Councilor for Ward 4 of HCC.

Police said that the alleged incident occurred at the HCC office where the accused obtained money through false pretence at a sum of $89,000 from the complainant.

Police Prosecution Service prosecutes the case in court.

Gov’t needs to take long-term action on climate change issue: Report

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

THE Office of the Auditor-General has conducted a Performance Audit on Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction Strategies. This was in recognition of the impact that Climate Change has and will have on islands in the Solomon Islands.

This is a national audit mandated under the Solomon Islands Constitution to examine the Management of the Pacific Adaptation on Climate Change project (PACC).

The Performance Audit report was released on August 24 this year and stated that there is a lack of action Plan for the implementation of the National Food Security Policy [NFSP] 2010-2015 to effectively address the strategies detail in the NFSP.

The AG’s report said that there should be a Working Group to establish a specific prioritised action plan to ensure that the policy objectives are met and adequate planning of addressing the impacts of climate change on AFS within the communities and atolls that at risk.

“It is not clear that the Ministry has focused on finalising the draft National Food Security Programme as it is still waiting for review and little consultation. The structure outlined in the component reports to the PACC project Director via the Steering Committee. However there is no reporting mechanism between Lead Farmers and PMU to assess the demonstration activities status update.

“There is lack of linking mechanism developed for Local Communities, PMU and assisting agency to discuss what was happening on the demonstration site. This is required to ensure proper monitoring for planning purposes. Moreover OAG noted that there is no documented long term plan developed to support and budgeted for its roll out activities after PACC programme is complete,” the report stated.

The plan will enable the sustainability of PACC established activities for atolls and those at risk Islands.

“There is no proper awareness and training to introduce PACC and its community-based activities, as a result there is no community support towards the programme, as objectives are not achieved as planned,” the report says.

The report also highlighted that Honiara, where the bulk of the country’s infrastructure is located was once under the sea and, even now, is barely above sea level. The sort of rises in sea level predicted will see our capital under water once more unless the government takes long term action.

The National Climate Change Policy needs to be updated. There needs to be a Food Security Policy developed. There needs to be sufficient budget provision from Parliament to ensure effective policies exist and to ensure that ministries have sufficient resources to implement them effectively and in full.

“Solomon Islands cannot stop the rise in sea level but it can become one of the best prepared countries in the world to deal with its consequences and ensure that its people can not only survive but prosper in the post-climate change world,” stated in the audit report.

This audit has been part of a joint work by the Asian Development Bank (ADB)/INTOSAI Development Initiative (IDI)/Pacific Association of Supreme Audit Institutions (PASAI) co-operative Performance Audit facilitated jointly by the Pacific Islands Auditors.

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