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Furthering the idea of a Solomon Islands National Youth Orchestra

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, I raised the idea of creating a Solomon Islands National Youth Orchestra in letters to the local media last week and I have been greatly encouraged to pursue the ‘dream’ by mail I have received from several members of the public who believe such an orchestra formed by youths, already with the inherent musical talents, interests and enthusiasm would be beneficial.

I have written to the British Council with offices in New Zealand to enquire whether the British Council, with an interest in furthering art in the wider Pacific region, would be interested in aiding the project aim I have outlined.   I wait to get a response.

As the Ministry of Women, Youth and Children Affairs is the local Ministry responsible for the National Youth Policy, which includes musical activities, with support from the Culture Division of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, I very much look forward to being able to develop my ideas with the two Ministries to see how we might combine to get the idea of a home grown National Youth Orchestra off the ground in further music development and promotion.

I cannot preempt anything that I might receive by way of help from either the British Council or the two Ministries I have mentioned, but I do believe it would be essential to have a dedicated, qualified and motivated local person to coordinate things from the onset and to be able to oversee the selection and supervision of the youths that would make up the youth orchestra.

Alternatively, a volunteer professional from overseas could be encouraged to come to the Solomon Islands to undertake what I believe would be an exciting, interesting and uplifting opportunity to work with the young musicians selected to form the orchestra.

Perhaps, the Solomon Islands Music Federation could advise whether the possibility of getting a local person to do the necessary work, or say how a suitable VSO might be approached and recruited.

I know that VSO personnel have come to the Solomon Islands for a number of years from Australia, the UK , the USA, Taiwan, Japan and New Zealand and all have contributed in their own way to making life better for individuals, communities and the country as a whole.

As I wrote previously, the group of talented musicians in the UK stand ready to help in whatever way possible with the creation of a Solomon Islands National Youth Orchestra, especially with music training and education, but await news that local efforts to see to the implementation of my ‘dream’ have developed sufficiently to consider holding fund raising concerts in the UK.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Evidence of oral cancer and other dangers linked to chewing betel nut

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, the chewing of betel nut is a popular habit of many people in the Solomon Islands but there is increasing medical evidence of the habit’s dangerous use in terms of health risks.

Many overseas studies, including those conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) have shown a convincing link between betel nut use and cancer of the mouth and esophagus

Betel nut users are also at higher risk of developing incurable oral submucous fibrosis.

This disease causes stiffness to occur in the mouth and eventually the complete loss of jaw movement.

The regular chewing of betel nut can also cause gum irritation and tooth decay.

Most recent studies conducted in the US by the American Society for Clinical Nutrition found a strong connection between betel nut and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (heart disease) and obesity.

Health organizations and governments around the globe are taking increasing steps to increase awareness of betel nut risks.

Taiwan, for example, fines people there who are found spitting betel nut juice and require them to attend withdrawal classes.

Habits are often difficult to curtail but given the real evidence available of the serious health risks associated with chewing betel nut it is perhaps time for Solomon Islanders to think very carefully of their fondness of regularly chewing betel and think of the implications to their health and well being.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Catholic Church consecrates first ever local bishop

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Bishop Peter Houhou poses for a photo with the archbishops.
Bishop Peter Houhou poses for a photo with the archbishops.

SOLOMON Islands Catholic Church yesterday celebrated the Episcopal Consecration and installation of its first-ever native priest as Bishop at the St Augustine Cathedral at Faasitoro in the Auki Diocese, Malaita province.

The consecration was officiated by the Pope’s representative the Apostolic Nuncio of Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea (PNG), His Excellency Archbishop Mathew Kurian Vayalunkal, assisted by Archbishop Christopher Cardone OP, Archbishop Douglas Young of the Archdiocese of Mount Hagen -PNG, and Archbishop Emeritus Adrian Thomas Smith SM, and diocesan and religious priests from the Archdiocese of Honiara, Diocese of Gizo and Auki Diocese.

In Vayalunkal’s homily, he welcomed the newly consecrated Bishop and assured him of the many challenges, joy and blessings ahead and encouraged his Lordship to trust totally in God.

“This is the day that the Lord has made let us rejoice and be glad in it. It is the day of great joy for the Diocese of Auki and the Catholic Church of Solomon Islands. It is a great blessing to have a new native Bishop for our Diocese and I assure you that the Holy Father is spiritually joining us today in this special occasion.

“I would like to welcome you this morning as a new native church leader to lead your Christian people and work in collaboration in the development of the Catholic Church in Solomon Islands. As a Bishop you are called to lead the flock and put your entire live in the hands of God.

“A Bishop must be someone who must bring people back to the hope of finding the truth.

“This is the challenge of the Bishop in the Catholic Church and that is the mandate of every man who are called to be a successor of the apostles.

“The mother church entrusts you with three important responsibilities which are to teach, sanctify and to love the people of God. Let me invite you to try to be the apostle, and always be someone who live with his sheep in the good times and bad times.”

Reverend Peter Houhou is part Ulawa of Makira Province, Marau on Guadalcanal and Are’are in Malaita province. He was born on October 10, 1966 at Porokokore village in Marau sound, Makina parish. His father is late Luke Iawai and his mother is late Salome Sautarei’a of West Are’are, Malaita province.

He attended primary school in 1974 to 1979 and commenced his formation at Nazareth apostolic centre in 1985 to 1990 before prolonging his vocation to the Holy Spirit seminary Bomana in Papua New Guinea   (PNG) from 1991 to 1998.

He was ordained as priest at Makina parish on July 3, 1999 and was first assigned as a parish priest at Ruavatu Parish from 1999 to 2000.

He extended his priesthood role to Makina Parish for almost six years from 2000 to 2006 and later was appointed to become the Parish Priest of Visale Parish from 2006 to 2015.

He was appointed as a Vicar General and Administrator of the Archdiocese of Honiara from 2015 to 2018.

Attending the event were the Prime minister of Solomon Islands Rick Houenipwela and Lady Hou with his government delegation, Premier of Malaita Province Peter Ramohia and his wife, the Minister of Fisheries, John Meneniaru and his wife, and many other distinguished guests.

BY CAMILLUS KOLE

CATHOLIC MEDIA

Cuban scholarship no longer for medicine

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY GEORGINA KEKEA

THE Ministry of Education, Human Resources and Development (MEHRD) has decided NOT to send any more students under Cuba Scholarship scheme in medicine.

MEHRD Permanent Secretary (PS) Dr Franco Rodie says the scholarship was concentrated in training doctors but the Medical Board of the Ministry of Health (MHMS) decided not to focus the training in medicine anymore.

“It is anticipated that this bilateral cooperation would expand to other training needs of the country such as sports, engineering, tourism, agriculture and disaster management,” Rodie told Island Sun.

He said given the huge number of returning Cuban medical graduates, the National Referral Hospital has highlighted the need to better manage the training of doctors and the support required to ensure quality supervision and monitoring of the doctors’ internship programme.

Since the Medical Board of MHMS has decided not to focus the training in medicine, MEHRD is now providing support to students pursuing studies in biomedical engineering.

Biomedical engineering, or bioengineering, is the application of engineering principles to the fields of biology and health care.

Bioengineers work with doctors, therapists and researchers to develop systems, equipment and devices in order to solve clinical problems.

So far, two students had been sent to Cuba to pursue the biomedical engineering programme.

Solomon Islanders had been studying in Cuba for free since 2007, as it is a beneficiary of Cuban medical aid.

SI could have done more for West Papua: Academic

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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West Papuan Flag

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

THE incoming director of the Centre for Pacific Islands Studies at the University of Hawaii told ABC that declining support for West Papuan independence in Melanesia is a clear sign of Indonesia’s growing influence.

Dr Tarcisius Tara Kabutaulaka told Evan Wasuka of ABC that it is a sign of Indonesia’s growing political influence in the region.

“I think it’s a reflection of the influence of Indonesia particularly in the Melanesian Spearhead Group and I have always had the opinion that the inclusion of Indonesia in the MSG was a mistake. It was spearheaded by Fiji and Fiji has a very close relationship with Indonesia,” Tara said.

In 2017 Solomon Islands stood up front among Pacific Island countries at the United Nations General Assembly in supporting West Papua’s bid for self-determination.

Former Prime Minister, Manasseh Sogavare told the 72nd United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that Solomon Islands position on the plight of West Papuan people, are premised on principles that Solomon Islands continues to uphold.

“Solomon Islands condemns the human rights violations in West Papua. Our Sustainable Development Goals that promote the notion of no-one left behind is synonymous to empty promises unless we, in the United Nations, take active steps to address the plight of the peoples of West Papua,” Sogavare said.

He also reiterated Solomon Islands vital support for West Papua’s fundamental right to self-determination and called upon all countries and international organisations to support West Papuan self-determination.

This year however groups in support of West Papua say Solomon Islands’ tone towards West Papua ‘was more subdued’.

At the 73rd UNGA, Prime Minister Rick Hou instead speaks of Taiwan being left behind.

“Madame President, while we speak of leaving no one behind, we still close our doors to Taiwan and continue to contradict our principles by leaving Taiwan’s 23 million people behind,” Hou said and continued to make a lengthy talk on Taiwan’s eligibility to be recognised by the UN.

For the West Papua issue, Hou said Solomon Islands recognised Indonesia as a sovereign country and respects Indonesia. However he vaguely mentioned the human rights issues in West Papua. To this, Tara says Solomon Islands could have done more for West Papua at the UNGA when it reaffirms its support for Indonesia’s sovereignty.

“At the same time ask the United Nations to look into the West Papua issue both the human right issue as well as the demand for self-determination for West Papua,” Tara said.

The recent statement by the country’s Prime Minister at the 73rd UNGA has met some backslash from the public at large. Some say Solomon Islands government had been inconsistent in its position on issues and is easily swayed.

A report on the West Papua issue, carried out by the current government is yet to be released.

BSP banks to roll out domestic violence policy after shock survey results in SI

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PAPUA New Guinea’s Bank of the South Pacific is looking to introduce a domestic violence policy covering PNG and all regional branches after a company survey at BSP Solomon Islands showed 92 percent of all 260 staff believe their colleagues are affected by violence at home.

The policy will cover thousands of employees in Papua New Guinea branches and Pacific banks in the Cook Islands, Samoa, Vanuatu and Tonga.

Given the prevalence of gender based violence in the Solomons, “It was no surprise to us that some thought it was (affecting colleagues and their work) but the 92 [percent] result was practically everyone, and that’s a serious impact for the livelihood of all staff and the business as a whole,” says BSP Solomons CEO David Anderson.

He was amongst presenters at the launch of a Women at Work (Waka Mere) progress report in Honiara this week as Pacific delegates attending annual regional Labour Mobility meeting in the Solomons for 2018 have also raised the need to address gender dimensions around sending seasonal workers to Australia and New Zealand. The Waka Mere initiative aims to help businesses tackle gender inequality and domestic violence impacts in the workplace.

The Waka Mere project takes it cue from World Bank partnerships aimed at mainstreaming gender into businesses, with reports from HR managers and employee surveys across 15 companies employing more than 6,000 workers in the Solomons.

While the overall results of all employees surveyed showed 75% agreed domestic violence was affecting the ability of some colleagues to come to work or perform at their best, the BSP Solomon’s 92 percent finding was “a huge surprise” for Anderson and his HR team.

The BSP Solomons CEO says the other surprise came when the team looked to BSP head office in PNG to adapt a policy for the Solomon Islands context, and found the organisation didn’t have one – hence the move to roll out a comprehensive policy for all BSP countries.

While the bank is the only one of the large companies surveyed so far to have equality in terms of numbers of women at work- almost 50-50, the Waka Mere initiative has sparked a ‘game-changing’ wave of awareness amongst all staff on the less visible nature of abuse at home, says Anderson.

“Go back 12 months, and if you asked our staff about domestic violence they would say it’s just physical and hitting, and that’s what they thought. Then, to talk to them about domestic violence also being verbal, and about intimidation– that if you don’t do this, this is the conserquence….staff were very surprised to learn these were also considered domestic violence– it’s been very helpful.”

After sharing to the launch how the bank has assisted in a few cases, Anderson says providing staff with awareness on recognising, reporting and accessing help is part of helping out.

“We can only do so much. We are not trained to be experts or advisors in domestic violence, and all we are trained to do and can do, is support staff, tell them what they can do and point them to a number of organisations in the Solomon Islands who can assist,” says Anderson.

In his presentation at the launch he pointed out several cases where the bank had supported staff through their choices to ensure their safety,

The cost of going that extra mile is not the issue, he says.

“It’s not a matter of what it will cost. It’s a matter of getting it right for the staff. If I go back to the 92 percent who said they believe staff were impacted by Domestic violence, that’s a cost to the bank because they are not working to their maximum capacity so assisting the staff to resolve this issue will resolve their private life and hopefully the staff will be a more productive member and of more use to the organisation.”

Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce executives Dennis Meone and incoming CEO Atenasi Ata have welcomed the progress report and are keen to expand it beyond the 15 pioneers featured to the full membership of more than 220 chamber members.

Ata challenged employers to picture the improved productivity when both men and women are valued equally in the workplace– “supported by systems and processes that are more nuanced to the Solomon Islands reality, this is the unrealised potential for human resource and therefore for business that SICCI emphasizes through Waka Mere.”

She says the project is showing how the private sector “is in perfect step with Government” legislation and policy aimed at ending gender violence in the country.

By Lisa Williams

HONIARA

September payments push JQY coffers past $239m-plus mark, documents show

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Minister of Ministry of Infrastructure and Development, Honorable Stanley Sofu

By Alfred Sasako

GOVERNMENT payments to JQY Enterprise Ltd have pushed the company’s seven-year earnings past the $239-million mark, documents obtained by Island Sun show.

These payments were from the tax-payer funded Constituency Fund (CDF) grants. The Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) pays JQY directly on the order of individual MPs.

According to the documents, East Kwaio and Small Malaita were the last two constituencies whose invoices for payments pushed JQY’s takings to $239,145,967.49 as of September 21 this year.

Their combined fundings were for equipment under the broad heading of transport. Small Malaita Constituency was designated the larger amount of SBD5.3million from the Transport Fund, formerly the Shipping Grants, administered by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID).

The payment was approved and went through on September 21, 2018. It was made through EFT (electronic funds transfer) BSP Credit reference number EFT GL082789, the documents show.

East Kwaio Constituency payments totalling $3,675,000 appeared to have been split in two and were made out to JQY Enterprise Ltd on September 10 this year. It carries the Purchase Order Number of 422795, Requisition Number HQR/0296/2018 and Invoice No. 407684.

But they are not the only two constituencies benefitting from JQY’s services – a government preferred supplier. Other constituencies have also paid for materials for their housing scheme as well as solar from JQY over the years, the documents show.

Meanwhile related documents which Island Sun has also obtained show only $8,994,317.24 in funding were paid into the East Kwaio Constituency bank account between 2012 and 2018.

In that period the Constituency received CDF grants totalling $44.3 million, according to published figures on the social media.

Each of the 50 constituencies received a total $44.3 million in the seven years to September this year. It is made up of:

2012 – SBD5.2 million;

2013 – SBD6 million;

2014 – SBD6 million;

2015 – SBD6.6 million;

2016 – SBD7 million;

2017 – SBD6.5 million; and

2018 – SBD7 million (yet to be audited).

Based on these figure, some $29 million is unaccounted for in the case of East Kwaio Constituency funding over the 2012-2018 period, unless there are bank accounts the Ministry of Finance is unaware of.

The documents show the last payment of $42,000 went into the Constituency Bank Account on August 12 this year.

The source of the last payment is the Ministry of Education and Human Resources INV Development, suggesting it could be part payment from the Constituency Scholarship Fund. The payment carries the Purchase Order No. 427319, Requisition No. MEHRD/Acc/152/2018.11, Invoice Number MEHRD/2323/18 with the Voucher No. 403484.

It is not clear whether much of the East Kwaio Constituency funding had gone through JQY Enterprise Ltd. This does not seem to be the case as payment records show only $6,606,121.33 was paid to JQY in the 2012-2018 period on behalf of East Kwaio.

In the same period (2012-2018), payments totalling $5,305,762.66 went into the personal bank account of the MP for East Kwaio and Minister for Infrastructure Development, Stanley Festus Sofu MP, the documents show.

Large payments in the MP’s bank account came from the National Parliament and the Office of the Prime Minister which disburses Taiwan’s secret funds to ministers and government backbench. The last payment of $303,000 was made into the account on September 21 this year.

MEHRD to continue improve monitoring and management of SIG-scholarship

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Permanent Secretary for MEHRD, Dr Franco Rodie.

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

THE Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development (MEHRD) will continue to improve the monitoring and management of SIG-scholarship.

Permanent Secretary (PS) Dr Franco Rodie when responding to Island Sun’s query on scholarship for students in Philippines said MERHD have reduced the number of scholarships for students there already.

He said the outcome of the review conducted in 2017 by MEHRD has resulted in a reduced number of scholarships for students to study in Philippines.

“For 2019, around nine students will have the opportunity to study in Philippines,” Rodie said.

He said however data has shown that the students’ performance have actually improved for the last four years.

“For instance, in 2014, a total of 300 students were terminated or suspended from their programmes,

2015, a total of 200 students, 2016, a total of 150 students, 2017, we only have 70 students either terminated or suspended,” Rodie wrote to Island Sun.

He said MEHRD-NTU will also continue to manage and facilitate the constituency scholarship allocation through the normal scholarship processes.

“Selection of candidates will adhere to and comply with the scholarship selection criteria and processes.”

Rodie said for 2019, there are 100 scholarship opportunities available for the fifty constituencies in Solomon Islands. A reduction from the 200 scholarships that was usually awarded each year by a constituent’s MP.

Last year (2017), Rodie told the Public Accounts Committee that MPs will not interfere with the selection process, a comment to which the PAC agreed to.

“Scholarships are for high achievers thus it cannot be awarded to just anyone who wants to pursue studies,” Rodie told PAC last year.

Slight rise in Honiara inflation for August

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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ANNAUL headline inflation for Honiara has indicated a slight surge of 0.3 percent in August, 2018.

This means only a 0.1 percent points increase was recorded compared to the previous month (July) inflation of 0.2 percent.

Releasing the Honiara Consumer Price Index (CPI) statistical report for the month (August) last week, Government Statistician, Douglas Kimi said: “Through the year to August 2018, the Honiara CPI increased by 3.2 percent.”

He said food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 0.9 percent with the main contributors to the movement in the group were Vegetables +6.6 percent, Potato and Tuber +17.0 percent, Fresh Fruits +4.9 percent, and Fish and Sea Food +1.7 percent at the Honiara Central Market.

“Other contributors include Oils and Fats +2.7 percent and Non-Alcoholic Beverages +0.8 percent at retail outlets. These outweighed declines in Bread and Cereals -1.1 percent, particularly rice -0.6 percent,” Mr Kimi stated.

Other major changes in other sub-index include:

  • Alcoholic Beverages, Tobacco and Narcotics +3.2 percent

The main contributor to this group was narcotics +50.2 percent, particularly betel nut +64.5 percent. This outweighed falls in tobacco by -7.6 percent.

  • Housing, Water, Electricity, Gas and Other fuels by -1.6 percent

The main contributor to the fall in this group was electricity charges -7.7 percent, kerosene -1.4 percent and diesel by -2.1 percent.

  • Furnishings, Household Equipment and Routine Household Maintenance by -2.1 percent

The main contributor to the decline in this group was Glassware, Tableware and Household utensils -14.8 percent especially plastic utensils -21.0 percent and cooking pots -27.1 percent. These outweighed price rises in household appliances +2.5 percent and tools and equipment by +0.1 percent.

  • Transport -0.3 percent

The main contributor to the fall in transport group was operations of personal transport equipment -0.9 percent, predominantly fuel and lubricants by -0.9 percent.

Kimi added that apart from the above, price movements elsewhere in the consumption basket were insignificant.

“The overall annual headline inflation rate for the month of August 2018 calculated on a 3 months moving average basis was 2.6 percent, up 0.4 percentage points from 2.2 percent the previous month. The corresponding inflation rates for imported and other items were 0.7 percent and 3.5 percent, respectively.”

Kimi added that the main underlying rates of inflation based on a 3 months moving average for the month of August 2018 were observed between -0.2 percent and 1.0 percent while the headline inflation rate was at 2.6 percent.

–SINSO PRESS

Kurukuru maintains watch over Solomon Island waters

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Commissioner of Royal-Solomon Island Police Force Matthew Varley

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

THE Kurukuru joint maritime operation is reportedly successful with Patrol Boat Auki having patrolled the country’s waters for the past 10 days.

Police Commissioner, Matthew Varley is quite pleased with Operation Kurukuru.

In his weekly media conference, Varley says he is quite happy with the police maritime team for a successful operation.

He said the past 10 days, Patrol Boat Auki had been patrolling the waters of Solomon Islands mainly to look for Unreported, Unregulated, illegal (UUI) fishing boats.

Operation Kurukuru is an annual joint exercise of Pacific Forum nations, intended to combat illegal fishing.

“The operation was coordinated by FFA and a police maritime officer was involved in the coordination side as a watch keeper in the coordination centre,” Varley said.

He said officers on Patrol Boat Auki boarded 14 foreign fishing boats in this operation.

“13 vessels and one yacht.”

Varley said the officers mainly boarded the vessels to check for licences and the boats compliance to the country’s laws.

Solomon Islands was reported to lose out on billions of dollars from IUU fishing. The first Kurukuru exercise took place in 2005.

For 2018, Varley said several of this exercise had been done already via operation Kurukuru.

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