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9 coastwatchers and scouts receive medals

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Family members of late world war two cariers and scoutsmen receive medals on their behalf

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

NINE coastwatchers and scouts have received medals from the Australian Rep Defence Attaché Jonathan Durden, on Tuesday’s commemoration the 76th anniversary of the World War II by the United States and Solomon Islands.

The awards were in recognition of the men’s services as coastwatchers and scouts during the war in Guadalcanal, and were received by family members on their behalf.

The recipients are;

Nelson Ne’e Riria received medal for his great uncle Jared Riria who first served as a Royal BSIP officer at Tulagi before WWII.

Pati Hite receives medal on behalf of his grandfather, Julius Hipu.

Later Mr Riria recruited as a platoon leader to recruit and trained local Solomon Islanders at Baunani, Malaita. He received few accolades from the US Marines for his brave participation and leadership style.

Elvis Manakako, RSIPF Officer received medal for Macario as Maternal Grandfather, stationed at Tangarare Catholic Church, west Guadalcanal.

He helped the UN Marines as a carrier and porter for ammunition and dead US Marines on various locations on west GP.

Dr Patrick Rex Paia received medal for his father Willie Gillian Paia who served as Chief Scout of Roviana, Kolobangara, and Vonavona during the WWII. His duties lie for dispatching information regarding the position of enemies and other issues.

Pati Hite received medal for Grandfather Julius Hipu as first person to rescue Colonel David C, a Marine Corps pilot after his fighter plane, F4F Wildcat shot down by Japanese soldier in western province.

Mr Hipu provided medical and homecare treatment for David and then paddled him to Munda, and later on Hipu joined the Scouts network.

Family members of late world war two cariers and scoutsmen receive medals on their behalf

Fiona Roddie received medal for Mr Pereti Tovavaki as Grandfather who fought alongside other scouts in various parts of the UN Marine stations in the western province.

Donald Mauisae received medal award for father Uzeal Maunu who joined the first US Marines after their first arrival, an ammunition carrier at Red Beach, Lungga and Matanikau.

Ned Diamon Filia received medal award for Dad Ata who fought alongside several scouts and US Marine Corps in Auki and went across to Guadalcanal and fight until war ended.

Nigel Tutuo as a Grandson for late Simon Panakera received medal award for Panakera’s volunteered as a scout under Kennedy.

Like other scouts, they endured fear, hunger but very brave to do what was asked of by their leader especially to carry out spying, renaissance and carrying heavy loads of goods and ammunitions.

Panakera spoke fondly of friendship made during the war of people of all works of life.

SI appreciates strong bond with USA and Japan

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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PM Hou Lay’s wreath in commemoration of US Marines at Skyline Memorial.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

PM Hou Lay’s wreath in commemoration of US Marines at Skyline Memorial.

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela says today Japan and the United States have forged one of the strongest bonds across all sectors.

Houenipwela says as Solomon Islands marked the 76th Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal, which was fought between Japan and the USA, both countries now cooperate to advance common interests and universal values in Asia and globally.

“That is a telling factor that peace is within our reach if we allow it to prevail, and the power of reconciliation can turn adversaries into friends.

“Furthermore, Solomon Islands, which once provided a battle field for Japanese and US Allied forces, now enjoys cordial relations with both the US and Japan respectively.

“I believe the history of Honiara International Airport, truly exemplifies the linkages between history and transformative power of reconciliation and partnership.”

He said Henderson Airport, which was once a Japanese airbase and later taken over by the Allied Forces, has now became a strategic entry point for Solomon Islands to the world.

PM Hou explained that Solomon Islands and Japan have signed an agreement to upgrade the Honiara International airport with modern facilities.

At PCYC to remember signalman 1st class, Douglas Munro, only member of US Coast Guard to have received Medal of Honour, US highest military award.

WWII is history that the US and SI share – it is a story that connects our beautiful islands to the great nation of the United States of America, Hou said.

He said Solomon Islands look to welcome growing visitors in the near future, and welcome the efforts the US Government set up at the Bloody Ridge memorial site and support towards Vilu war museum.

“It is incumbent on each generation to seek out peace, freedom and prosperity, for all humanity – that is our shared responsibility and goal,” Hou said.

Visiting US Veterans and families amongst those at the commemoration ceremonies.

SI calls for joint support in global security

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Police Commissioner, Matthew Varley and Assistant Commissioner Crime Prevention, Gabriel Manelusi.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

MORE than 70 years after the Second World War, the world has become an integrated community of eight billion people with international structures in place to maintain peace and order.

On Tuesday, Solomon Islands commemorated the 76th Anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela said Solomon Islands is confronted with increasing global security challenges that are becoming more complex.

He said Solomon Islands is responding by calling for joint support from all nations.

PM Hou Lay’s wreath in commemoration of US Marines at Skyline Memorial.

He said natural disasters, human-induced disasters and diseases have become battles that many continue to fight – and have consumed even far greater casualties.

The threat of terrorism and divisions based on race and religion continue to plague the world today, he adds.

“It is our hope that concerted efforts by all countries in the world can be directed to address these as well.”

Hou acknowledged the efforts by US, Britain, France, Australia and New Zealand who continue to lead global actions to address these challenges.

He also adds the United Nations transformed the League of Nations to a community of nations that promotes dialogue and peaceful co-existence.

He commends the role United Nations plays to ensure international law remains upheld.

“The Solomon Islands will continue to lend its effort and support through its participation at relevant international and regional forums for the cause of peace and global order.”

Police Commissioner, Matthew Varley and Assistant Commissioner Crime Prevention, Gabriel Manelusi.

 

SI and United States celebrate 76th Anniversary of WWII

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Remembering when the 1st US Marines arrived on Guadalcanal on 7th August 1942

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

SOLOMON Islands joined the United States of America on Tuesday to celebrate the 76th Anniversary in remembrance of the sacrifices in the Battle of Guadalcanal.

The programme culminated in the laying of wreaths and presentation of awards to recognise the service of special individuals.

On every August 7, Solomon Islands joins the US to commemorate the Battle of Guadalcanal.

Tuesday’s event convened delegations from the US who arrived on August 6, Solomon Islands’ government representative, dignitaries and civil society organisations in the country.

H.E Governor General Sir Frank Kabui and Lady Grace Kabui.

Additionally, the occasion also commemorated one-year of the country’s national park at Bloody Ridge after last year’s declaration, including awarding of medals to country’s coastwatchers and scouts during WW11.

Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela said Solomon Islands today enjoy the price of countrymen who sacrificed their lives for the peace and tranquility of our land.

“As we commemorate the 76th anniversary of the Battle of Guadalcanal, we are reminded of the sacrifices by the brave allied soldiers, in harsh tropical conditions invested with diseases, for the cause of freedom and liberation.

“On this very soil, hundreds of brave men selfishly gave their lives, and this is why we are able to stand here— 76 years later, we enjoy the peace and tranquility of our land.”

Remembering when the 1st US Marines arrived on Guadalcanal on 7th August 1942

He said as Solomon Islanders, their acts of bravery ought to be remembered and celebrated today and in the future.

“It is because of their ultimate sacrifice that we are able to celebrate 76 years of continued peace, and indeed so must we continue to celebrate Peace in the years to come.”

Houenipwela assures that Solomon Islands will always continue to advocate for peace.

He said WWII’s experiences teach Solomon Islands to appreciate peace and freedom, and advocate for peaceful co-existence in the global community.

PM Hou Lay’s wreath in commemoration of US Marines at Skyline Memorial.

Siota receives new school generator

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Left, Siota PSS Principal Fr Patterson Tako receiving the school’s new Genset from Officers of the Climate Change Division under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology. PHOTOS BY MANEBONA BARNABAS

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

Left, Siota PSS Principal Fr Patterson Tako receiving the school’s new Genset from Officers of the Climate Change Division under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology. PHOTOS BY MANEBONA BARNABAS

SIOTA Provincial Secondary School (PSS) at Central Islands Province (CIP) has received a new 24KVA Genset that can be operated using Diesel and Coconut oil.

Handing over the Genset on Monday was the Climate Change Division under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology.

Following a preliminary Vulnerability and hazard study conducted on the school, the Climate Change division conducted an in-depth coastal vulnerability and risk assessments, and educational awareness and found that the school is at risk of coastal erosion and inundation posing significant threats to the essential infrastructures and facilities.

It was also noted then that the Premier School of CIP was operating without electricity for almost six years. Hence, seeing the plight of these students and the need for electricity, the Climate Change Division under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology decided to handover a Genset to Siota School.

The Genset handed over was initially used by the Division to conduct a biofuel (coconut oil) research under its development project ‘the low carbon emission’.

Upon the completion of the research early this year 2018, the Division decided to handover the Genset to the school to help the students.

The Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology hope and believe that the Genset would solve the issue of lighting and other appliance needs and the accessibility to water which has been a major issue in Siota PSS for the last seven years.

To add, the Ministry’s plan in handing over the Genset is to pair it with solar PVs in the near future to have a hybrid system powering the school.

Siota PSS Principal Fr Patterson Tako when receiving the new generator thanked the Climate Change Division, their PS and the staff of the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology expressing it as a blessing indeed for the school and CIP to receive such valuable facility out from generosity.

“From seeing and helping the need of the school, we thank the National Government, the Ministry and our Provincial Authority for approving this generator for the school and hope more assistance will come given the location of the school which is prone to coastal erosion and inundation.

“Despite all challenges, the school is slowly moving to recovery in terms of its infrastructure developments, facilities and education standard of teaching, learning and taking on responsibility which is a good sign,” said Fr Tako.

The past generator used before the 24KVA new Genset handed over this week serving Siota PSS was also during the period under the leadership of Fr Patterson Tako. Now this year 2018 coming into leadership again for Siota, a new school generator has again been received over which he said that it is up to the school now to look after the new Genset properly.

A team of electrical engineers are travelling with the school generator on board ship to install it at Siota PSS this week.

Siota PSS is located in North Small-Ngella at the eastern end of Mboli Passage offering Forms 1 (year 7) to 6 (Year 12) levels of secondary education.

It enrols more than two hundred students from different provinces of the country, having 20 teaching and auxiliary staff.

Siota is one of the first missionary schools in Solomon Islands having a very old but rich history.

Solomon Host rolls tourism training in West

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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A total of 20 participants attended the training in Munda.

By Mike Puia

SOLOMON Host, a local business which offers tourism training and consultancy services for government agencies and businesses, is rolling out a tourism and customer service training program in the Western province.

The training programme is sponsored by Strongim Bisnis, an Australian government-supported programme that works with the private sector to increase the country’s economic prosperity.

The training programme, which will run for two weeks, started in Munda on Monday.

Solomon Host has been conducting this tourism and customer service training in Gizo yesterday. It will conclude its training programme in Seghe next week.

Fijian staff working at Titiru Resort also attended the training. Anthea Unusi of Strongem Bisnis presenting certificates to the participants during the closing of the training at Munda on Tuesday.

Solomon Host owner, Ms Joyce Konofilia, said the training programme they are delivering is important as it will prepare the people in the province for the expected influx of tourist as a result of the opening of the Munda airport to international flights.

The Munda airport, which has been developed with millions of New Zealand aid, is being developed as an emergency alternate to Honiara international airport.

Work has been ongoing in this airport with installation of navigational aid and ground lighting etc.

Solomon Airlines has been keen to start flying Brisbane to Munda direct flights.

Konofilia said they are very happy to be part of this important undertaking in getting people to prepare before the province open to the international stage.

She thanked the Australian government for supporting the local tourism industry to improve its service delivery at an international standard.

A total of 20 participants attended the training in Munda.

Gizo prepares for Pacific Eden

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ALFRED PAGEPITU

GIZO

THE Pacific Eden, which is becoming a regular to Gizo is scheduled for the township on Monday, August 13.

And, Gizo is bustling in preparation to make the visitors feel welcomed and at home during their eight-hour stopover.

Western Province Chief Tourism Officer Jefferson Patovaki told Island Sun Gizo yesterday that this would be the cruise liner’s seventh visit to Gizo.

Patovaki said a welcome ceremony for the tourists will be held in front of the Gizo Hotel area. He said tourists will experience a traditional welcoming ceremony.

Patovaki said Gizo is prepares to offer the visitors some of the best diving, clearest water and best coral in the world with World War ll historical sites and a lot of tourism sites like Saeragi Village, Epanga Island, Sanbis Resort, Fatboys, Imagination Island, Kennedy Island, Naru, Oravae Cottage and other surrounding Island include Gizo Hotel are prepare to welcome tourists.

Pacific Eden is one of the biggest boats in the Carnival Australia franchise. The mega cruise boat carries approximately 2200 passengers.

Patovaki says, “This year highlights are our Traditional Cultural Show from the Gizo Community High School (GCHS) at the Gizo Netball Court Stadium to entertain tourists.

“Tomoko a traditional war canoe will escort the first tender to the shores at 8am to be greeted by a warriors welcome, followed by short speeches to be presented by representative from Carnival Australia.

“We will close the section of road that begins here at the MSG building to the BSP building, as it would only allow for pedestrians and a brief welcome ceremony will be stage here in front of Gizo Hotel upon the landing of the first tender boat.”

He said boat drivers, taxi drivers, volunteers, and craft vendors will act as tour guides.

Remain alert to transnational crime trends in the Pacific

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, I have written several times to your newspaper about recent and substantial cocaine seizures made in Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, always quoting news reports broadcast by Radio New Zealand as the primary source of information.

Today, Tuesday, August 7, 2018, Radio New Zealand has broadcast more information which I believe is relevant to the Solomon Islands authorities taking careful note of in the context of transnational drugs trafficking close to home.

I will quote the information:

“The Fiji police have launched an amnesty to encourage people to turn in any illicit drugs they may have discovered.

“The two week amnesty started yesterday after two stashes of cocaine were found last month on an island in the Lau group.

“The combined weight of the stashes was 52 kg.

“The police said they wanted people to come forward if they had made any similar discoveries.

“There was information that people were trying to sell drugs they had found, the police said.

“People with information about drug stashes could call the police on a toll free number, they said.”

“Meanwhile, a security analyst says the recent discovery of significant hauls of cocaine in Fiji and Tonga will have barely dented the supply being smuggled across the Pacific.

“In recent weeks, Fiji authorities have seized two yachts with US$15 million worth of cocaine, and the police in Tonga seized 58 kilograms of cocaine in a raid in Ha’apai.

“A security researcher at Strategika said the haul was massive, but it was probably insignificant in the grand scheme of transnational crime in the Pacific.”

“One of the main tactics being utilised by the transnational crime syndicates is that they never use the same route for a long period of time. So they will swap.” Copyright @ 2018, Radio New Zealand.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Brother Sun and Sister Moon ACB-WBB

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, I write to also give my big thanks to the current house, the tenth parliament, the 50 MPs for passing the ACB/WBB or the Brothers sun and Sister moon.

Sir, would also here go in and congratulate the current captain of the SIDCCG, Hon Ricky Houenipwela, the prime minster of our dear nation. You are our real leader in the political history of the county.

The above heading indicates ACB/WBB. The sun and the moon both walk side by side to give light to the day and night and the planet earth benefited.

To table this kind of bill, it really need a captain who thinker not only for his political power and who has a great concern for his people.

Because there are high risk, demand and questions that may arise amongst the leaders in any current leadership.

I for one, confirmed that, this is the reason why the previews captain could not allow this bill to process.

This could not prevent the current captain who come from the Christian community of riverside, small Malaita Hon Ricky Hounipuwela.

His leadership is heard from the four corners of the country.

The parenting of the ACB/WBB will now pave the way to make the paths/straight, valleys fill, mountains and hills brought low and the rough ways smooth.

And the witness to the salvation of our God will prosper in the ministry, societies, institution and from the rural constituencies in the year to pass.

I believe, the people of this country are praying for your return to the chair 2019.

Lastly, I humbly call on the current government to seriously awarding honour to the captain. The Knighthood (Rt.Hon. Ricky Hounipuwela)

God bless Ricky Hounipuwela and Solomon Islands.

Daniel Aba

Baegu Asifola

Solomon Airlines is back on the social media

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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IT is hard to know what other institutions are suffering – in silence – as a result of government neglect.

There seems to be smoke everywhere, particularly within the public sector. In the past few weeks, the nation woke up to find that its only national referral hospital had been depleted of its stock of life-saving drugs.

There was panic – a panic which has forced Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela to physically visit the hospital to see for himself this life-saving institution, which has been denied adequate resources in order to serve the people of Solomon Islands.

It was a shameful episode indeed and an embarrassing spectacle. No doubt, those closer to the epicentre of the problem must have been asking themselves, how did we allow this to happen?

Thank goodness, the situation seems to be all but over as friends from abroad helped refill our stocks and that hopefully corrective measures have been put in place to avoid repeating the past.

The focus seems to have now shifted, albeit slightly to the integrity of an equally important industry – our national carrier. Solomon Airlines is a very fine airline, wholly owned by the government.

Given the recent bout of bad experience that the National Referral Hospital had gone through, the mention of government’s involvement sends shocks through one’s spine.

Fortunately, the NRH is on the ground. Airlines fly aircraft. The risk of a mishap happening mid-air is real with tragic consequences. Except for two incidents involving the loss of lives and aircraft, Solomon Airlines has had a good safety record.

That record is now being closely scrutinised by members of the social media who at one time or the other have flown on one of Solomon Airlines’ planes either on the domestic route or internationally.

Members have circulated, for example, a photograph of parts of a ceiling panel cover coming unstuck in one of the planes.

That photograph promoted me to find out whether the government owes the airline any money.

The response was a resounding no. Unlike in the past, the government does not owe Solomon Airlines any money. And that is good news. Now postings on the social media network, Yumi TokTok Forum (YTTF), demand that the airlines management do something about some of the old aircraft to ensure safety of the traveling public is not compromised.

Here’s one among many that I picked, not because my name is mentioned, but because it brings out the concerns that many have expressed after the photograph of a falling ceiling panel cover.

“Alfred Sasako – this is the evidence of what I’ve been trying to tell everyone. SAL is patching up the aircrafts due to cash flow problem but they hang on to expats like Bill Tyson who add no value at all to the airline other than driving the CEO around.

“He went on to recruit more expat pilots that add more costs and have a CEO with expensive apartment and use it for a week or so in a month. What time SI will open their eyes. Where is this SAL? Can they justify Bill Tyson value to SAL? Next post will be a crash site.”

I am not sure that this is fair on Bill Tyson or anyone else for that matter. Bill must be proving his value that convinces the Board to keep him.

The other point to be made is this. Bill Tyson or anyone else on the management of SAL never appointed themselves to those plumb jobs with perks and the like. It is important to bear in mind that our politicians did.

Any actions to remove the individuals named or unnamed should be directed at politicians, not individuals. Politicians are the very people who let us down in the recent National Referral Hospital debacle.

There is no guarantee they won’t do it again, with equally tragic but avoidable consequences.

 

Alfred Sasako

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