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Agriculture a defence against impacts of climate change

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

A strengthened and diversified agriculture sector is the best defence against impacts of climate change.

Minister for Agriculture and Livestock, Augustine Maue Auga made the statement during the recent launch of Adaliua Integrated Pig and Agriculture Training Centre in Malaita.

He said the resilience of rural people to mitigate occurrences of external shocks such as climate chance extremes need to be supported.

“Our people have been growing crops and raised livestock for ages, based on traditional knowledge and the will to help each other are still alive in our communities and village.”

However, he said with changes in population demand and other issues such as need for access to arable land, transport difficulties, difficulties in access to both domestic and export markets, rural farmers are face with a more difficult situation than before.

Auga said with that a renew interest macros all sectors to re-invigorate agriculture for all the right reasons.

Importantly for its critical role in achieving sustained growth, trade development and poverty alleviation, he said.

The minister said in that it will continue to meet national food security needs and to help contribute to boosting the country’s GDP.

Western province mourns passing of former provincial speaker

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Late Richard Morgan Tekifono, former speaker and MPA for Ward 10 Irigila, Vella la Vella Island.

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

TRIBUTES are being paid to the Late Richard Morgan Tekifono who served as Speaker from 2014 to 2018 and elected as MPA for Ward 10 Irigila since 1998 to 2009 in Western province.

His funeral service was held at the Anglican Church of Melanesia (Saint Luke Church) in Gizo on Friday last week.

Members of the Provincial Assembly, relatives and friends, families from Gizo, Vella la Vella and Tikopia and surrounding islands attended the funeral service led by Rev Cn Eric Kolae.

Late Tekifono died on Thursday September 13, 2018 after a short illness at the Gizo Hospital.

Late Tekifono had served three terms for ward 10 and was the former Assembly Speaker.

MPA for Ward 18 South Rendova George Solingi Lilo speaking during the funeral said: “He passed away peacefully with his family. We would be grateful for our privacy to be respected at this difficult time.

“Late Tekifono was dedicated, public-spirited man who had a real care and concern for the Province, staffs, MPAs and the Western Provincial government. He was a good campaigner and both passionate about and proud of his people living in the province.

“He also had a great sense of humour. On a personal level, he was always very kind to everyone. I still remember in May of 2016, after the last Assembly, and just before I left for my campaign trail, being a very close friend, he read me a poem, to express his desire for the beauty of statehood once achieved. My deepest sympathies go out to his children and grandchildren.

He said Late Tekifono would be sorely missed.

“I knew him as a true friend, a dedicated MPA and a conscientious Speaker of the House of the province way back in 19’s until today.”

Many have taken to social media to offer their condolences.

Lilo said, “late Tekifono has equally left some significant landmarks with us, but I will only make mention of a few. The development of the new Anglican Church in Gizo was a collective effort by all under the leadership of the late Richard. In terms of politics, he more outspoken on Western Province’s agenda for statehood than any other MPA’s that I have known. He is very concerned with the Province’s Assembly Chamber, and I believe the good lord have decided to relive him from all these development issues as a token of challenge for the current and future leaders of this province.”

Richard Morgan Tekifono was born in Roafe, Tikopia, on April 18, 1957; he was the fourth child of six siblings.

Richard grew up a very traditional young and energetic person in his island home, Tikopia, and attended grade 1- grade 4 (1967-1970) at Tikopia Primary School, grade 5 to grade 6 (1971-1972) at Luasalemba Primary School, Santa Cruz and grade 7 (1973) at Marovovo Anglican Mission School on Guadalcanal.

Climate change affects croc reproduction

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

SALTWATER crocodile across the Pacific region is facing challenges with reproduction due hotter temperatures as a result of climate change.

IUCN Crocodile specialist from Australia Dr Matthew Brien, who was here for a workshop on crocodile management project last week, said climate change can have a huge impact on a lot of animals, species or ecological system.

He said risk is very sensitive with the temperature changes, and when it comes to crocodiles, it can have an effect on its nesting.

Brien said in Australia as a result of climate change now saltwater crocodiles can only be found in southern parts where it is cooler.

He said they may start to move down into further southern Australia if the temperature is high to several degrees Celsius; the nest temperature determines the sex babies—32 degree Celsius we get male.

He adds, in hotter temperatures two things will happen in determining the sex of the offspring ‘but there will be higher mortality of crocs because it’s too hot’.

“So effective climate change would affect the range of temperature and in the hotter areas it may cause more mortality on nests,” he said.

According to Solomon Islands’ Government priority, Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology is working on a corporate plan 2018—2020.

The plan has setup priority areas that focus on biodiversity research and non-detrimental findings for species conservation and management including crocodiles.

In terms of climate change, SIG in the 49th annual meeting of Pacific Island Forum Leaders hosted by Nauru, SIG signed the Boe Declaration, reaffirming country’s commitment towards climate change.

SIG has reiterate that climate change remains single greatest threat to the livelihood, security and wellbeing of the pacific people which including Solomon Islands.

CAN DO focusses on humanitarian activities

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ELLISON VAHI

THE Church Agencies Network Disaster Operations (CAN DO) is focusing on implementing activities in addressing the humanitarian sector towards any future Natural Disaster occurrences.

This was confirmed during a workshop at the SSEC conference room, when the Natural Disaster management officials made available the workshop for all the church reps last week.

CAN DO is focussing on implementing the activities that fall within the four objectives: to Improved Church coordination in disaster response, Develop a Pacific theology of Disaster Risk Management (DRM) – this will be developed as a regional activity and the resources will be used by Churches throughout the Pacific, Train and mobilise Church volunteers in disaster risk management activities as well Building a Strategic Asset Management system for Church facilities for DRM.

CAN DO consortium was formed in 2016 in the interests of collaboration and coordination in the humanitarian sector and is in a focus to enhance community resilience to disaster and conflict.

The consortium consists of the following members: Act for Peace; The Adventist Development and Relief Agency Australia (ADRA); The Anglican Board of Mission (ABM); Anglican Overseas Aid (AOA); Australian Lutheran World Service (ALWS); Transform Aid International (TAI); Uniting World (UW) and Caritas Australia (CA).

In addition to building emergency response capacity, the consortium also seeks to work with Partners to increase capacity in disaster risk reduction and management with countries in the Pacific such as PNG, Fiji, Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands.

Over the next four and half years CAN DO with churches in the Solomon Islands including the Roman Catholic/CARITAS, Anglican Church of Melanesia ( ACoM ), SDA/ ADRA, United Church of Solomon Islands(USI), South Sea Evangelism Church(SSEC) and Solomon Islands Christian Association(SICA) as the churches governing body in the country.

Support to aid 13-yr-old boy suffering from medical condition

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR EDITOR, it was reported in the local newspapers on Monday that a team of Honiara based photographers spent the weekend taking photos in order to help raise funds needed to send young Andy Tolobau overseas for medical treatment of his reported heart condition.

To all the photographers that took part in the fund raising effort and to all those members of the public who generously contributed to help get Andy away for his urgently needed medical treatment, I offer my grateful thanks for the help given.

I hope 13 year old Andy will soon be able to travel abroad for his treatment and that other generous people will help to make up the shortfall in any funds that might still be needed to facilitate the air journey and the cost of his hospital admission.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

No law in SI to tackle cybercrime

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR EDITOR, cybercrime is a term we don’t hear often, if at all in the Solomon Islands although we see it happening around us.

The reason why we don’t hear about this kind of crime is because there are currently no laws at all in the Solomon Islands to specifically deal with the issue of cybercrime.

I strongly suggest that the legislature make laws to deal with cybercrimes.

But firstly, what is cybercrime?

A cybercrime is a crime committed using the internet, for example, infecting a computer with a virus or stealing somebody’s personal details through the internet.

One of the most common types of cybercrime in the Solomon Islands is online harassment. Examples of online harassment are impersonation or revenge porn.

Impersonation is when somebody, on a social media platform, creates an account and pretends to be another person.

While this may seem harmless, it can cause a lot of conflicts for example, a person using a fake account can use it to spread rumors and lies about the actual person, creating lots of conflict for the real person and can even lead to harm.

The second type of online harassment is revenge porn and to explain it, we shall use a scenario. Imagine a couple who are in a relationship, and at one point, one of the two people, say for example, the girl, sends intimate and nude, semi-nude photos of herself to the boyfriend.

But then it so happens that they break up and out of anger, the boyfriend posts the photos of the girl online.

This type of scenario seems to be a common occurrence in Solomon Islands these days. If you go on the social media platforms, you will most certainly find photos posted by groups and pages made by Solomon Islanders containing such photos.

Although these photos are blurred out most times, we can clearly see what is going on in these photos and the faces of these people are exposed and are not blurred out at all.

Is this not wrong? Shouldn’t there be laws to protect the victims and convict the perpetrators?

I strongly insist that there should be such laws.

The legislature should create laws and protect its citizens against such crimes and actions.

Yours sincerely,

Francis Peter Waleanisia

Domestic violence

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, to be fair, acts of domestic violence can be committed against by both genders.

However, I am only basing this article on violence inflicted against women. In the Solomon Island, it is rare to see on the News headline about domestic violence against Women.

This is Because, women in the Solomon Island who have abusive Partners that assault them never report the matter to the police.

Two factors that contribute to this firstly, is our cultural perspective that Men are the head of the family and it will be a shame to report your own husband to law enforcement bodies and that doing so will result in a lot of negative comments from your community or society.

The second factor, is that many believe that this issue should not be taken to the law enforcement bodies as it is a family matter and should be dealt with privately through compensation or forgiveness between the two parties. However the question that women who are facing such situation should ask themselves is, how long will such treatment continue?

Therefore I urge women to stand and speak out, let our voice be heard to stop such action. Report your abusive partner to the police and show him that you have the strength to fight back.

You are not inferior to him and he is not your superior. Husbands and wives, partners should stand shoulder to shoulder, eye to eye.

Show your partner that you deserved to be treated with respect and equality and that you are no lesser than him.

Yours sincerely

Karen Tagalagi

A welcome visit to people with special needs in Isabel Province

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR EDITOR, I was very pleased to read in Monday’s copy of the Island Sun newspaper that a group of provincial officers in Isabel Province recently visited and spent time with many persons with special needs in the more remote areas of the Maringe and Hograno highlands, including Tirotonna, Bara, Kolkofa, Koge, Nemei Primary School and Peopeko settlements.

Mr Edward Tadarea, the Provincial Youth Coordinator, said the visit to the remote regions was the first of its kind to raise awareness of special needs and the visit was much appreciated by all those they contacted.

The group expressed the view that communities must do more to respect people with special needs and to see they are integrated into the community and given help in all social activities.

The group also called on all stakeholders to do much more for all people with special needs, especially in terms of mobility and their sanitation requirements.

I heartily congratulate the group of provincial officers from Isabel in undertaking the visit, meeting with and raising the important needs of persons in the province with special needs.

It would my wish that the initiative undertaken in Isabel Province be followed-up in all the provinces in the country to ensure no persons with special needs are left unseen and out of mind any longer.

We have a collective responsibility to care for the needs of others and the example set by the Isabel group should be a reminder of our duty of care, compassion, understanding and responsibilities.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Survey work on undersea cable project soon

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

THE first initial Route Survey for the proposed Coral Sea Cable System in Solomon Islands will be conducted between October 8 and December 4, 2018.

The survey will be carried out within the inshore waters of Honiara, Tulagi, Noro and Taro Township by a contractor, the Earth Sciences and Surveying, EGS, (Asia) Ltd.

The primary objective of the survey is to ascertain a suitable route to determine exact cable length, cable design, deployment and survivability of the cable network.

An offshore survey team comprising experts will conduct the route survey in a survey vessel, RV Northern Endeavour, and operations will be carried on 24-hour basis.

The survey will include offshore geophysical survey, seabed sampling and Mini Cone Penetration Test.

The offshore geophysical survey will be conducted in the waters and core samples and CPT survey would be taken every 10km and 4km respectively throughout.

There are two types of seabed sampling that will be employed in water depths of less than 1,000m, a conventional Shipek type grab sampler and a 3m gravity corer to scoop sediment.

A Mini Cone Penetration Test System (MCPT) will be deployed to acquire in-situ geotechnical data for determining the physical and mechanical properties of the sub-sea strata in water depths less than 1,000m.

However, coral, sea grass and environmentally sensitive areas will not subject to sampling.

Locations are selected in areas where sediment is present with reef habitats and areas of biological significance are avoided.

Daily Report will be distributed to all parties concerned and relevant authorities during the course of the survey.

EGS (Asia) Ltd has been appointed by Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) as the Coral Sea Cable System’s survey contractor, responsible for undertaking the route survey.

Vocus Group and ASN have signed a contract to deploy the Coral Sea Cable System in Solomon Islands.

This new submarine cable will boost international connectivity and provide high speed telecommunications capacity to Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea.

This project is a key element of Australia’s development assistance programme to the Pacific and will connect Honiara and Port Moresby with Sydney via a state-of-the-art fibre optic cable system over 4,000 km in length.

–GCU

LSL’s MV Nuatabu resumes service

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Mike Puia

AFTER months of dry dock for maintenance at Aviavi slipway, in the Central Islands Province, Lauru Shipping Limited’s cargo boat, M.V Nuatabu, is back on service.

The ship was briefly held up for not settling its maintenance bill. The bill was over $300,000. Lauru Shipping Limited was reported to have only paid less than half which resulted in the slipway management halting the ship.

Attempt to get information from LSL office was unsuccessful as its office landline has been disconnected over non-payment of bill.

But, information reaching this paper confirmed the ship has been freed and has already arrived in Honiara.

It is not clear whether the bill has been cleared or a special arrangement has been made.

MV Nuabatu was bought by the Lauru Shipping Limited from a local ship operator. The ship was called M.V Channella but when LSL took over, it renamed her to MV Nuatabu.

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