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Renbel looks good to host games: Maitaki

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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NOCSI Events Commission Chairman Mr Morris Maitaki says Renbel looks good to host the Solomon Games as work is progressing well according to reports received.

BY TAROMANE MARTIN

NOCSI Events Commission Chairman Mr Morris Maitaki says Renbel looks good to host the Solomon Games as work is progressing well according to reports received.

CHAIRMAN for Events Commission Mr Morris Maitaki says all the necessary facilities to host the 2018 Solomon Games in Rennell and Bellona Province looks good.

Mr Maitaki told SunSPORTS yesterday that NOCSI is planning to visit the province again end of September for their second round assessment on the provinces’ preparations.

Maitaki said the recent announcement that the Solomon Games has been postponed and moved to Honiara for 2019, comes as a surprise because they have not received feedback from caucus or the government after delivering their first assessment early this year.

He said NOCSI has been planning to visit the province for their final assessment on their preparation end of September and believes the province has everything it needs to host the games.

“It was a surprise to us because we did not had or hear any feed back after handing our first report from caucus,” Mr Maitaki said.

“It was shocking decision. There should have been a joint collaboration between the government, Ministry of Home Affairs, NOCSI and the local organizing committee for the games.

“Our first visit was good. The swimming pool, touch rugby, rugby beach volleyball and football venues are almost finished, only about 20 percent to be completed

“NOCSI has an arranged visit to the province end of September. Already about 70 percent of the ground work has been completed.

“But we want to visit them end of September to see the progress, come back and then finalize the report for the games. That was always been the plan

“After our visit end of September then we will continue to advise authorities on what should be done.

“But the LOC still have six weeks to finalize the preparation for the games after our proposed visit next month.

“Otherwise seeing and currently hearing what is currently going on the ground from the LOC there we assured Renbel can host the games,” Maitaki said.

Meanwhile NOCSI President Mr Martin Rara is expected to arrive in the country today after attending the Asian Games held in India.

Scoping awareness workshop on Reparation Bill at Buma

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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US Admin for MNURP, Mr Gregory Rofeta making his remark during official opening of the scoping awareness for Reparation Bill yesterdat at Buma village, Malaita province

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

US Admin for MNURP, Mr Gregory Rofeta making his remark during official opening of the scoping awareness for Reparation Bill yesterdat at Buma village, Malaita province

A two-day scoping awareness workshop towards the preparation of the Reparation Bill officially started on Tuesday at Buma village in West Kware’ae, Malaita province.

Malaita province is the third province to conduct with the awareness after Guadalcanal and Choiseul provinces.

Under Secretary Administration of the Ministry of National Unity, Peace and Reconciliation, Mr Gregory Rofeta said yesterday the awareness is to enlighten stakeholders on the reparation policy framework and get feedback from them.

“As you may aware the exercise was important to collect information and data that will form the basis of a Reparation Policy which is an important component of the TRC recommendation,” he said.

Adding that views and opinions discussed during the programme will be helpful for documenting the reparation policy into bill.

Rofeta said for Solomon Islands the need for this dialogue is not only to deal with issues relating to the tension, but also any injustice that may have taken place prior to the ethnic tension.

He assured that the process will not only stop at the policy level, but will continue until the country has developed a legal framework for all reparation claims.

“Thus, I call on all stakeholders in Malaita province to support the government in the process in preparing the bill to the end.

“We need to be at the forefront of the discussion to find the policy very helpful for the stability and peaceful existence of our nation,” Rofeta said.

He reiterated his call to the participants that their contribution is very important as it will help address the targeted goals of the bill.

The programme is funded through the United Nations Peace Building project and implemented by UNDP and UNWomen with the supported of the Solomon Island government.

‘Old laws must be reviewed’

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Participants attending the Reparation Bill Scoping Awareness Workshop at Buma village in Malaita province.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Participants attending the Reparation Bill Scoping Awareness Workshop at Buma village in Malaita province.

FORMER Member of Parliament for East Are Are, Mr Dickson Warakohia has expressed the need to review old laws of the country.

Warakohia made the appeal when contributing during the scoping awareness workshop in preparation towards the Reparation Bill underway in Malaita province.

Warakohia said many laws are outdated and need to be updated.

He said application of old laws tend to conflict with how people live, do things and think today.

“Those old laws showed the hard-work of our old men, and they made them suitable for the situation of the country during those times.

“Now it’s another generation and law must be designed according to the currently standard of living.

“Some of our old laws had been adopted from the British colonial laws during the independence, and definitely they need overhauling,” Warakohia said.

He said if the old laws still exist, they will continue to pull back the newly drafted laws because of the fact that every law relates to each other.

“So no greater change will expect from the laws of the country if old laws not overhaul or updated,” Warakohia said.

He also pointed out that another important area law makers and government should consider is to make laws in advance for the future.

Meanwhile, Warakohia applauded the MNURP for the great initiative to carry-on this bill as it look at healing long standing issues people faced with injustice in the country.

Malaita supports reparation policy

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Participants attending the Reparation Bill scoping awareness workshop that will ends today.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Participants attending the Reparation Bill scoping awareness workshop that will ends today.

THE first day of the scoping awareness workshop towards the Reparation Bill has seen great support from the participants.

The two-day workshop is being held at Buma village in West Kwara’ae, Malaita province.

The participants shared sentiments on experiences during the past ethnic crisis and the need to address issues associating it.

As a province directly involved in the disagreement, participants shared views and opinions that truly come from their heart for the implementation of the reparation bill.

One participant said pursuing this Bill is no mistake, as it’s time to heal every outstanding injustice issue in the country.

The person said despite how old some issues may be, wounds have not yet healed, and this mechanism is the only way that healing can be achieved.

Yesterday a brief introduction was made on the execution of the bill and explanation of the legal policy framework set for the bill.

Today, they expect an in-depth explanation of the policy framework, as participants expect to go deep into the comprehensive policy.

Almost 100 participants attended the workshop represented various organisations or groups within the regions of Malaita province.

Lucrative money in agriculture, only needs willpower

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Patrick Nati from Savo island usually stays in town for a month to sell his melons.

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

Slippery cabbage selling at $5 with fewer stalks.

AGRICULTURE is said to be the backbone of the country. The same sentiment was raised by a local farmer from Savo Island, Patrick Nati.

Patrick comes from Pokilo village. He was selling watermelons at the Honiara’s central market and his watermelons ranges from the price of$30 to $130.

Speaking to Island Sun, Nati says money earned from this produce is far more than the expenses he had incurred.

Though it caused him $800 to get his melons to the market, at the end of his sell, he still have a lot of money left to sustain him and his family.

All his life he had been a farmer. A job he is passionate about and continues to share with people in his community.

He said farming and agriculture is good money and people only need to have the will power to labor in the gardens.

He said his farming techniques are organic in nature and he uses chicken manure as fertiliser.

“Once upon a time, Taiwan organised a competition and I won first, second and third prize and so they gave me a certificate,” he said.

He said he was happy to receive that certificate from Taiwan and looks forward for more competitions of this sort for farmers.

Patrick Nati from Savo island usually stays in town for a month to sell his melons.

Being a farmer most his life, Nati had been helping the people around his community on how to make fertilizers and how to look after their gardens. The melons that he sells are evidence of how he had looked after his gardens.

“I wrap them in a bag before placing them in a box so as not to spoil them so that when we come in the boat, it is intact and will not roll around.”

Nati said he is happy to assist and share his knowledge with his people because only through farming and agriculture will one in the rural area will be able to earn money.

Perseverance and dedication are values that needs to be practised if one wants to survive.

“Big money here. I spent $150 for melon seeds. $800 for transportation, $60 storage fee and a little more money on market fee but the returns are huge. I usually get around $10,000 after I sell my water melons. I do the labor as well so there is no labor cost involved.”

Nati says for a packet of seed, he can get around 150 seeds.

He said as a farmer, he is happy and content and there is nothing much he would like to ask for. Except to work hard and be willing in order to earn a living.

Law of demand and supply currently affects market venders

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Goreti Vathagi originally from Monga village in East Central Guadalcanal, now resides in Honiara.

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

Goreti Vathagi originally from Monga village in East Central Guadalcanal, now resides in Honiara.

THE price of produce at the Honiara’s Central Market is said to slightly drop.

Speaking to vendors on Tuesday it was found that currently there is a low demand of market produce and that the supply of produce are also high.

The slippery cabbages that usually costs $10 are now selling for $5 per parcel.

The same goes for a parcel of shallot that usually costs $10 to $15 are now selling at $5 per parcel.

Pumpkins go as low as $2 for the smallest ones and $15 for a big pumpkin.

All the way from Malaita, a ball cabbage ranges from $15 to $30 while a $10 heap potato has a fair amount of potatoes in it.

Resellers at the market says currently there is minimal profit while a seller from the Guadalcanal plains say for her, it will be good.

“This is because I get to sell the produce myself, instead of having middle market people, buying my produce. I do not earn much profit when I do that. But if I sell the produce myself, I will be able to get good profit.”

Another reseller who reside at Tuvaruhu says for her, this is the only income generating activity for her.

“So whether it is good or bad time, I have to do this. I have no option.”

Asked why she didn’t do what other resellers usually do, that is to go back to their area of residence to sell, she said she doesn’t want to do that because it is better for her to sell at the market where no one knows her then to sell from her place of residence.

Ball cabbages from Malaita province arrives yesterday.

“Because I want to avoid people getting my produce on credit. This is the only income generating activity for me and sometimes people do not repay what they owe,” she said.

For these vendors, this is their livelihood and they often smile when there are events happening in the city.

“Because this is when we have caterers coming to the market and some buy most of our produce. We also have people from the hotels but most times we are shy to approach them with our produce,” the venders say.

For those from Tathiboko in North East Guadalcanal when asked what will happen to them if they have leftover market produce they pointed to the walkway in front of the Bulk shop and say, “that is our bedroom. We sleep there at night”.

They say it is quite safe and they rather stay close to the market so that they can get there early in the morning before someone take up their space.

“They should build a proper dormitory for us here,” they jokingly say.

National Youth Policy launch today sets new beginning

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

NATIONAL leaders and Youth in Honiara will witness the launching of a new National Youth Policy at the Mendana Hotel today.

The National Youth Policy lists three sectors that the country will work upon so that youths will have a better future—Strategic Framework for Youth Development and Empowerment in Solomon Islands and the National Youth Employment and Entrepreneurship strategy.

The document points out that it is essential that every policy that is implemented considers youths’ needs and it also envisages a youth policy for the next 14 years.

In Solomon Islands, Youth are a significant segment of the population with seven out of 10 Solomon Islanders under 30 years old.

However, obstacles prevent this demographic from fully participating in employment, politics and decision-making.

Now, the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs will launch the Solomon Islands National Youth Policy 2017-2030 which will guide the government in efforts to develop and empower the country’s youth.

According to the MWYCFA, the National Youth Policy2017-2030 is the first of the documents from the new 3- tier policy framework for youth development in Solomon Islands.

MWYCFA said such new 3 tier policy framework for youth exemplifies the government’s commitment to transform Solomon Islands youths and adolescents into effective and positive force for nation building.

The document also ensures every young person is given the opportunity to contribute to the social, cultural and economic, political and spiritual development of the country, it said.

The event today will convened PM Rick Houenipwela, Minister for MWYCFA Freda Tuki and his Permanent Secretary Dr Cedrick Alependava and former UNDP Administrator and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark.

UNDP representative, Youth stakeholders, Civil Society Organizations and young people in Honiara will also part of the launching today.

School plant-tree programme to begin soon

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Officer In-charge of the Reforestation Unit of Auki Forestry, Mr Rony Aiwewe helping students of Gwaigeo CHS during one of the School Tree Planting programmes in 2018.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

Officer In-charge of the Reforestation Unit of Auki Forestry, Mr Rony Aiwewe helping students of Gwaigeo CHS during one of the School Tree Planting programmes this year.

THE continuation of the School Plant Tree programme for schools in Malaita Province will begin soon.

Officer In-charge of the Reforestation Unit of Auki Forestry, Mr Rony Aiwewe recently told this paper on the programme.

He said his office currently preparing for the programme as they will go out to secondary schools within it.

Aiwewe said during the first half of the year, schools in Central Kwara’ae and West Kwaio were visited with the programme.

He said for this continuation programme, they looked at going to schools in West Kwara’ae and as far as West Fataleka area.

Aiwewe explained that the aim of the programme was to deliver awareness in schools on the importance of reforestation.

He said the programme was targeted at secondary students with an intention to equip them with the knowledge of tree planting.

Adding not only that as it will also help to do proper decisions and management on their forest as they grow-up in the future.

Aiwewe said the programme also involved tree planting in schools where students and teachers planted trees along their schools.

He said the tree planted was to show the students how to plant the trees and it will also useful for the school uses in future.

FAO set framework to battle social and ecological issues in SI

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

THE Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) in its national and regional priorities are setting benchmark to battle social and ecological issues in Solomon Islands from 2018 to 2022.

Solomon Islands are facing vulnerabilities of social and ecological issues relating to climate change, food security and nutrition and Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) which described as burden to agriculture development.

However, the time has come with FAO are setting the scene to implement its programme in Solomon Islands which already started this year and runs to 2022.

In the long in terms of agricultural sector, it will benefit the farmers and country to minimize issues relevant to agriculture and health particularly the NCD crisis.

Mrs Rosemary Kafa from the FAO said according to the 2018—2022 PICs’ national and regional priorities one, its focus aimed at linking agriculture and health.

She said these are part of PICs national and regional priorities one to build social and ecological resilience to the impact of climate change, strengthen food security and nutrition and the NCD crisis.

“FAO aims to play a catalyst role in linking agriculture and health, strengthening inter-agency linkage and development partnerships to foster a sustainable increase in production, trade and marketing of domestic agriculture products, and healthy consumption of diverse, safe and nutritious food,” she adds.

Kafa said FAO assistance will be focused on three common areas of intervention which set as bench mark to achieve its overall priority area or outcome across the PICs document.

She said three areas of intervention are;

  1. Evidence-based recommendations developed and promoted to incentivize the production and consumption of safe and healthy food
  2. Sustainable and climate-smart practices promoted to help build resilient agriculture, fisheries and forestry production system
  3. Food control and business practices identified and promoted to facilitate efficient agri-food value chains that provide safe, nutritious and affordable food

Kafa revealed FAO’s framework to the Senior Extension Officer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock yesterday during their five-day conference which currently underway.

She also outlines there are new projects on the pipeline set for 2018—2020.

Meanwhile, the FAO’s assistance to Solomon Islands balances regional-level initiatives with demand-driven country-specific plans for 14 Pacific Island Countries.

Across the region, assistance is focused on: Improved policy plans and legislation; Enhancement of ecologically sustainable agricultural production, including forestry and fisheries.

Also to improved food quality and safety, improved production, processing and marketing of agricultural produce, Protection and sustainable use of biodiversity.

Redirecting MAL is top priority for new PS

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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MAL’s Permanent Secretary Mrs Ethel Francis

NEWLY appointed Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) Ethel Tebengi Frances has called for refocusing and re-strategizing in approaching agriculture development in the Solomon Islands.

Ms Frances made the call in her maiden speech to officially open the 2018 annual agriculture extension senior staff conference now underway in Honiara.

“Agriculture needs to step up, refocus and re-strategize in its approaches going forward.

“The nation’s economy base is still weak and vulnerable after emerging from the ethnic tension and number of natural disasters in the recent past.

“Logging will soon scale down operations in the country and that will further weaken the economy and increase unemployment.”

The agriculture sector however has the potential to fill in the gaps if the Ministry is wholly resourced

The Permanent Secretary told the conference it is therefore timely that we must work together to draw up an Agriculture Sector Growth Road Map to direct and guide our development ambitions going into the future.

“It is good to export and earn revenue but we also need to feed ourselves, create employment opportunities by entering into commercial agriculture thereby reducing our dependency on imported food.”

She challenged the participants not to treat the meeting just like any other sessions where they come to report on activities but urged them to constructively discuss and find ways to chat a new chapter for the agriculture sector.

The conference this week brings together all the agriculture extension heads from the provinces including Honiara city.

It is an opportunity for them to be updated on Ministerial matters and directives.

Effectively the conference is a forum where issues are raised and discussed and possible solutions found in order for the department to effectively deliver agriculture services in the rural areas.

More importantly it is also time where important stakeholders, i.e. donor partners, Private sector and NGO’s have the opportunity in giving awareness of possible partnerships that can be forged and harnessed for the betterment of our farmers in the rural areas.

Director of Agriculture Extension Services Michael Ho’ota highlighted that Agriculture continues to face challenges due to the ever changing global economy, social issues and climate change and that the extensions services requires the resources and manpower to overcome these challenges.

Ho’ota said despite the huge contribution of the agriculture sector towards the national economy the extension services and MAL for that matter continues to lag behind the other Government agencies with regards to its annual budget allocations.

He highlighted insufficient staff numbers, Lack of staff housing and office spaces, staff capacity, resources and logistic support continues to hinder effective delivery of agriculture services to our rural population.

The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Farmers for Better Future’. It is relevant seeing that farmers are the most important stakeholders and would be fitting to see more emphasis given to them, to enable them develop sustainably and profitably to ensure food security and livelihoods are improved in the rural areas.

The Director thanks the Solomon Islands Government for funding the conference. It ends Friday, August 24.

–MAL PRESS

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