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SICCI seeks to create more job opportunities for locals

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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SICCI CEO, Mr Dennis Meone.

BY PRIESTLEY HABRU

SICCI CEO, Mr Dennis Meone.

CREATING more jobs for Solomon Islanders is an important task for the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) which it will seek to discuss at the 10th Australia-Solomon Islands Business Forum in Brisbane.

The two-day forum hosted by the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council in partnership with the SICCI begins at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre this afternoon.

Chief Executive Officer of SICCI Mr Dennis Meone said his team is looking forward to exploring more opportunities for business investment in the country. He is one of the speakers in the forum.

“There is a sense of desire for the country to realize its full potential across numerous sectors and this forum provides the opportunity for Australian businesses to tap into these sectors,” the SICCI CEO says.

“The private sector drives Solomon Islands’ economy, and as the peak body representing the private sector in our country, SICCI strive to improve the ease of doing business in the Solomon Islands.

“We have publicly stated recently that Solomon Islands is ready for foreign direct investment, and as a chamber we are committed to work with potential and genuine investors,” Meone said.

Meanwhile SICCI Chair, Jay Bartlett and Mr Gary Clifford, President of the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council will welcome delegates today followed by key note addresses from Solomon Islands Prime Minister, Rick Houenipwela and a representative from the Australian Government.

Dr Luke Forau, Advisor to Governor’s Office, Central Bank of Solomon Islands (CBSI) will also give an overview of the economy of Solomon Islands on Wednesday.

SICCI CEO, Dennis Meone will tomorrow present to the Forum a progress report on how business and government are working together to building the pathway to sustainable economic growth in the Solomon Islands.

Meone will be highlighting the significant Public Private Partnership (PPP) MoU signed between SICCI and the Solomon Islands Government.

He said the private sector drives Solomon Islands’ economy, and as the peak body representing the private sector in our country, SICCI strive to improve the ease of doing business in the Solomon Islands.

“We have publicly stated recently that Solomon Islands is ready for foreign direct investment, and as a chamber we are committed to work with potential and genuine investors,” Meone said.

Tomorrow, the Forum will have sessions on Resources for national economic growth; Working for improved business, economic and social outcomes; Developing economic infrastructure (undersea cable); Supporting young entrepreneurs and emerging leaders; Ports, roads, aviation, land utilisation; Opening up tourism opportunities in Western Province; and Solomon Islands’ access to the Australian Labour Market.

SICCI Chair and CEO are joined by other SICCI members and Solomon Islands government representatives at the Forum.

Evidence climate change leads to species extinction

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Ezekiel Talatau

LOCAL environmentalists are raising the alarm on impacts that rising sea levels is having on the species diversity in the islands of Solomons archipelago.

Dr Patrick Pikacha, author of the acclaimed ‘Shore to Shore Wildlife and landscape of Solomon Islands’ book, said that Solomon Islands environment habitats are closing its door to extinction.

Recent studies from the University of Australia on sea level rise and a 13-year documented report by scientists have evidence that link sea level rise and boosted risk to wildlife.

The studies also reveal that five islands in Solomon Islands are recorded sinking below sea surface, predicted to be the first sign of some endangered species to be extinct at this stage.

To date, about 60 species of doves from Santa Cruz have been sent to Singapore; result from poor breeding sites for the doves to breed.

The Dove’s species were collected from Santa Cruz and sent by ship.

Due to this environmental phenomenal, human influence to environment is somehow the secondary cause endangered species to be extinct.

Dr Patrick added that government influence in the industries likes logging and mining in pursuits of countries economic gain have been mismanage, resulting in the widespread, damage to much of the country natural environments.

He added that the government need to think about the future of this country and be manageable to these last natives, untouched areas and hopefully allow logged over forest to regenerate.

There is still hope of saving some of the species if action was taken now.

Marava kicks off IFM activities

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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FAO representatives from Samoa with IFM project team, Ministry of Forest and Research officers with resource owners from Marava Community at the lower footings of Tina River and Mount Popomaneseu on central Guadalcanal. Tina River catchment and Mount Popomanaseu is the general area that the IFM project is focussing on in Guadalcanal.

MARAVA Community at the lower footings of Tina River and Mount Popomaneseu on central Guadalcanal is kicking off activities with the engagement of the Integrated Forest Management (IFM) project, through the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.

This follows on from a recent inception meeting held with the province and the community with support from the government executing agencies, the Ministry of Environment, Conservation, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, Ministry of Forest and Research, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, with further engagements and consultations conducted by the IFM Provincial Field Coordinator.

The first activity that is now kicking off based on community preference is to have a central seedling nursery geared towards reforestation and afforestation which are linked to component four of the project but in close connection with other components as well.

The Ministry of Forest and Research as one of the key stakeholders to IFM project under its Reforestation Department will provide the guidance and technical support towards establishing the central seedling nursery.

Tribal representative, Mr Simri welcomes IFM project’s efforts to collaborate with Marava and the surrounding communities connected with the Tina River catchment and Mount Popomanaseu which is the general area that the IFM project is focussing on in Guadalcanal.

FAO representatives from Samoa with IFM project team, Ministry of Forest and Research officers with resource owners from Marava Community at the lower footings of Tina River and Mount Popomaneseu on central Guadalcanal. Tina River catchment and Mount Popomanaseu is the general area that the IFM project is focussing on in Guadalcanal.

He stresses that the communities themselves saw the need to replant trees both native and exotic through close guidance from the technical ministries.

“The most important thing here is our efforts to collaborate as communities and IFM project together with other key stakeholders.

“This moment as we come together signifies our commitment to meeting some of the international, regional and national obligations, but goals also which are of paramount importance as we strive to conserve and protect our forest resources for our own good and for the benefit of our future generations.”

He said they have come a long way through many challenges and faced with many good and bad things; and they are very keen to see this IFM project go through a good and safe passage with significant amount of achievements.

“We the surrounding communities and the people here stand ready to work hand in hand with the IFM project and its many key stakeholders.”

IFM Project Coordinator, Douglas Yee thanked the communities and their people especially the resource owners and tribal leaders for their understanding and for allowing the project a go ahead on their land.

He said the commitment shown and positive notions displayed indicate your interest to taking this project into the next stage. This is very much welcoming.

“The project team with close collaboration by its Provincial Field Coordinator is looking forward to working together and to establish a committee that should be formally recognised by the project and other institutional setups in delivering the large sets of activities under each of the components of the project.”

–IFM project

Illegal brewing of Kwaso along Ro’apo’u River

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

ILLEGAL brewing of kwaso (alcohol) along Ro’apo’u River in East Are Are has raised alarm for people in the area.

A youth within the area told this paper yesterday that manufacturing of the illegal alcohol in the area has generated an increase to anti-social activities amongst youths.

He said youths are now deaf to appeals by community elders to stop the habit, and their public attitudes are worsening.

The youth said youths and even elderly men in the area as far as certain parts of West Are Are now driven by kwaso into increase of anti-social activities.

He said at the moment a logging operation was in the area and that even add the deeds into worse.

The youth said when it comes to pay-day, employees and men from the area extending to Waisisi in West Are Are where the logging camp stationed, get drunk and pursue nasty activities.

He said chiefs, elders and church leaders in the area continue to work with men especially youths, but it failed to work.

The youth said they have the money and the production of kwaso is just within the area so it’s quite hard to regulate them.

He said the activities give rise as a result of this illegal brewing tend to hurt people in the area especially women and children who prone to those activities.

The youth appealed upon police to intercept and try to do away with those activities for the safety of the people in the area.

Court summons defence lawyer

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

PRINCIPAL Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi has issued a summon against a defence lawyer for failing to turn up and assisting the court in relation to the case against Philip Mango.

The case was listed for sentencing submission but the defence lawyer did not turn up.

He is also yet to submit his mitigation submission on the case and also for the agreed facts.

Police Prosecution told the court that they tried to contact the defence lawyer but were unsuccessful.

Meanwhile the accused also said that his lawyer has not visited hom for quite some time now.

This is the case against Philip Mango, he is faced with one count of assault on a Police Officer.

The court also told the accused options as to whether or not he still wants his current lawyer to represent him, or find another lawyer or for him to represent himself in court.

Ms Taeburi then adjourns the case to September 18 and told the accused to decide on the three option said to him.

She then issued summon on the defence lawyer Samuel Balea to explain in court why he failed to turn up in court on Tuesday.

Man arrested over wounding incident in Honiara

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

POLICE in Honiara have arrested and charged a 56-year-old man for an alleged wounding incident at Koa Hill in Central Honiara after he surrendered himself to police on September 9, 2018.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Honiara City, Chief Superintendent Alfred Uiga says, “It is alleged that in the early hours of September 9, 2018, the two victims were allegedly consuming alcohol at Koa Hill.

“They decided to buy some soft drinks at a nearby shop and were accompanied by another male.

“Along the way they told the male who accompanied them to fetch them some water as they waited under a tree.

“As they were standing under the tree, the suspect came out of a house and began talking to them.

“He went back into the house and came out with a kitchen knife and attacked the two victims causing injuries to both of them.

“Police was contacted and the victims were assisted to the National Referral Hospital for medical treatment.”

The accused surrendered himself to police, and he was charged and expected to appear before the Honiara Central Magistrate Court yesterday afternoon for remand application.

–POLICE MEDIA

PM in Brisbane for Australia-SI business forum

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Hon Rick Houenipwela.

BY PRIESTLEY HABRU

RICK Houenipwela is attending the 10th Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum in Australia for the first time in his capacity as the Prime Minister of Solomon Islands.

Returning from a successful 49th Pacific Islands Forum in Nauru last week, PM Hou is one of the speakers in the two days forum which begins this afternoon in Brisbane.

He is expected to speak on the sustainability of the business partnership between the two countries despite the change of leadership in the Australian Federal Government.

The forum which gets underway at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre marks 40 years of Australia Solomon Islands business partnership.

This partnership has given Australia business opportunities in areas such as infrastructure, services, tourism development, sustainable forestry, agri-industry and fisheries.

According to co-organisers Australia Pacific Islands Business Council, the partnership offers Australia’s mining companies to be positioning themselves for possible growth in the mining sector in gold, nickel and bauxite.

“Construction of a new undersea fibre-optic communications cable will shortly commence between Australia and Solomon Islands and will provide additional business opportunities when it is completed in late-2019.”

Other speakers in the forum includes, Minister of Development Planning and Aid Coordination, Jeremiah Manele, Minister of Mines and Rural Electrification Bradley Tovosia and Advisor to Governor’s Office of the Central Bank of Solomon Islands Dr Luke Forau.

The Australia Solomon Islands Business Forum, hosted by the Australia Pacific Islands Business Council in partnership with the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry, brings together senior Australian and Solomon Islands business and government representatives to hear and discuss information on current issues relating to doing business in the Solomon Islands.

Last year this event was held in Honiara, Solomon Islands, and attracted over 150 participants.

New Caledonia seeks investment presence her

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Mike Puia

NEW Caledonia, another Melanesian island nation in the pacific, has shown interest to expand its investment presence in the country.

This is according to Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela following his meeting with the President of New Caledonia, Mr Gael Yanno.

Mr Houenipwela and President Yanno meet during the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) meeting that recently concluded in Nauru.

He said during their meeting they discussed investment and New Caledonia indicated its eagerness to make cooperation with this country like it did in Papua New Guinea and Vanuatu.

President Yanno conveyed to Prime Minister Hou that their investors are keen to invest in this country.

Prime Minister Hou said the indication from President Yanno is good as another Melanesian country wants to do business here.

PNG is the only Melanesian country that has a strong investment presence here.

New Caledonia is probably new. Its notable investment is the newly setup BRED Bank.

New Caledonia, known for its flourish tourism sector, is interested to invest in the tourism and fisheries sector.

In the area of fisheries, New Caledonia has its own company that do purse seine fishing and it processes its own tuna an area Prime Minister Hou says this country can learn from.

Witnesses must be available for trial: Magistrate

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY JENNIFER KUSAPA

WITNESSES who are summoned by prosecution to witness on cases for trial should always available whenever a trial proceeds.

Principal Magistrate Fatimah Taeburi yesterday told prosecution that the court can only stand down cases to allow a lawyer to be available or for lawyers to sort out issues, but not to wait for a witness.

She made the comment in court when prosecution sought a short adjournment to allow the witness to be available in court before the trial resumes.

The witness is summoned by prosecution to testify in court and the court can order for the witness to be remanded in custody, Ms Taeburi said.

This is in relation to the case against John Ross and others.

The trial began on Friday last week. They started with the charge of intimidation – there are witnesses summoned by the prosecution to give evidence in regards to the charge of intimidation.

The men have other charge of false pretence and will call witnesses in regards to charge after they are finished with the intimidation charge.

Claims that bullying in Central market still rife for Guale women

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Designated-market-area-for-Guadalcanal-women-at-Alligator-opposite-Hell’s-point

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

Designated market area for Guadalcanal women at Alligator opposite Hell’s point.

THE women of North East Guadalcanal are once again calling on Guadalcanal Members of Parliament (MPs) to provide a good market space for them.

A woman from Tathiboko says the women from West to East Central Guadalcanal are the ones that also provide fresh produce for the citizens of Honiara but lacks the proper space to sell their produce.

She said the women from Guadalcanal usually travel long distances in odd hours only to be provided a space that is not conducive for them.

She said the call had been made a long time already, but their MPs have not been able to address their plight.

She said women from Guadalcanal continued to face the same problem over and over again when they come to Honiara to sell their produce.

“We want a space where we can be able to sell our produce free from fear and intimidation.”

She said most times they are being bullied into selling their produce for less than what it is worth by the Honiara market venders.

In response, Member of Parliament for East Guadalcanal, Bradley Tovosia says the women from Guadalcanal must try to be more aggressive.

He says most times the women from Guadalcanal are being bullied because they are too quiet and timid.

“You have to be aggressive like them too. You must stand up for your right. Aggressive in the business sense is what I meant,” he said.

At the same time the Guadalcanal Provincial Secretary revealed that construction work is still ongoing for a market place for the women from Guadalcanal.

He said currently there are two areas allocated for the market place for Guadalcanal women.

One in the Western end of Honiara and the other is at Henderson, just past the Alligator Bridge.

He said Guadalcanal province will be putting out notice for tenders soon so that construction work can start.

He also clarified that money for the market projects are from the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) in the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening and not from Guadalcanal provincial government or the National Members of Parliament.

“Once this is complete, women from both ends of Guadalcanal can be able to sell their produce at the market house. This market house is for Guadalcanal women only and owned by the Guadalcanal people,” he said.

The problems the women from Guadalcanal raised ranges from harassment, accommodation, market space and sanitation.

In the Guadalcanal provincial gender equality and equal participation in development amended policy 2016 – 2019, there is optimism for improved economic status of their women, girls and boys.

This is not only in the informal sector but also in the formal sector.

This policy sets the framework whereby the provincial government and the national government can work in alignment to improve the economic status of the people of Guadalcanal.

The policy contains seven objectives.

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