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Makira Ulawa celebrates provincial day

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Makira Ulawa Students Association performing their item

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

HONIARA people from Makira/Ulawa province on Saturday celebrated their provincial day at the Museum grounds.

Commencing with a parade from the Honiara city council area, the celebration on Saturday was one mixed with culture, pride and traditions.

A big bowl of the renowned traditional food, ‘six months pudding’ was prepared specifically for that day with participants to the celebration having a taste of the Makira delicacy.

Traditional dances were also performed by the various groups from the different areas of Makira/Ulawa province with the student association of the province participating in the traditional dances as well.

The ‘Ruteku’ dance was the highlight with some spectators joining in the dance to entertain the huge crowd gathered there for the event.

A catwalk display of bamboo designs by Aukeni Mamau from Makira/Ulawa was also a part of the day’s activity including a stage performance by singer, Sliz well known for his song ‘Slo wine’.

Member of Parliament for West Makira, Hon Derek Manu’ari was key guest speaker on this occasion.

Showcasing bamboo designs by Aukeni Mamau from Makira Ulawa province
Ruteku dance by Santa Ana representatives
Representing Santa Ana of Makira Ulawa
Dancers from Arosi, West Makira
Dancers from Ulawa Ugi
Part of the crowd watching the entertainment
Makira Ulawa Students Association performing their item
A man from Makira Ulawa province having a taste of the well known six months pudding

Gaobata Parish celebrates transfiguration festival

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Gaobata Parish catechists with Bishop Nathan Tome

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

Gaobata Parish catechists with Bishop Nathan Tome

A huge number of Christians at the Gaobata Parish turned out to witness the transfiguration day at Kolina-1 in Guadalcanal.

During the celebrations 40 candidates received the sacrament of confirmation and induction of Gaobata Parish catechists which was done by Dioceses Bishop Nathan Tome.

The event was held on Saturday, August 4, 2018.

Bishop Tome in his sermon highlighted the importance and significance of change in society.

“Light come to the world by Jesus at the cross of Calvary hence if we want to see others change we must change our selves first before changing others.

“With that the work of darkness must be thrown away, some the works including swearing, stealing, jealousy and the list goes on by doing this we are destroying the darkness that trapped within us and it will be replaced by the light which is Jesus.”

Tome congratulated the parish for having faith in doing church activities that they are mandated to carry out.

It was a weekend of celebration which began on Friday with a sacrament of penance for the confirmation of the 40 candidates.

On August 4 they held a sacrament of confirmation, followed by transfiguration celebration which was held on Sunday.

Coordinating committee ensures effective policy implementation

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY GEORGINA KEKEA

TO effectively implement its policies, the SIDDC Government has mandated a Core Ministerial Coordinating Committee to assist and to carry out the task of making sure public officers are doing their job.

Established within the Office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, this is in response to part four of the SIDCC Government Policy, ‘Effective policy implementation strategy’.

This internal executive group will oversee and scrutinise the strategic approach that aims to provide the political government information on the efficiency of the implementation of its priority policies by government agencies.

In their presentation last week during the launch of the 2019 Budget, Robson Djokovic from the Prime Minister’s office said the aims and objectives of the Committee is to enable the Executive Government to internally oversee the implementation of its core priority policies as well as to ensure there is effective and efficient coordination of policy implementation, monitoring and evaluation within the government machinery.

Another aim is to ensure the office of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (OPMC) are able to hold implementing agencies and their senior officials accountable for their actions or non-actions in delivering the priority policies of the government.

A part of the function of the committee is to work with the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination (MDPAC) and Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MOFT) to oversee and scrutinize as well as monitor the implementation of the 2019 budget amongst other functions.

The 2019 Budget is said to be of utmost importance to the current government because of the limited time left before parliament dissolves sometimes in mid-December.

The Core Ministerial Coordinating Committee consists of ministers and designated senior government officials from OPMC.

“This is to ensure MPs assert ownership to Government Priority Policies and OPMC being the main coordinating organ of the political government exert its presence in coordinating and monitoring of policy implementation.”

The committee is said to have powers vested upon them by virtue of a cabinet paper [CAB[2018]52].

Health workers confident in managing paediatrics

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Doctor Gane Simbe

BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

Doctor Gane Simbe

FOURTEEN health workers at the National Referral Hospital (NFH) who have recently graduated under the Sydney Children Hospital Programme say they are confident in managing paediatric complexities.

This comes as good news for the country, to have locals who can provide quality service in that area under the huge medical-health spectrum.

Dr Gane Simbe, who spoke on behalf of the 14 health workers during their graduation last week, said their training adds to their medical and health knowledge and skills, and each of them have come out with boosted confidence in handling paediatric cases.

“The material taught made us a bit more confident then yesterday in managing pediatric complications,” said Simbe.

He said reducing child mortality is a fundamental millennium development goal set by the United Nations in 2015 and it is this goal that they (health workers) are working toward.

“I believe the Sydney Child Health Programme, International Postgraduate Pediatrics Certificates (IPPC) and International Postgraduate Pediatric Nurse Certificates (IPPNC) is part of reducing child mortality as well as help to breach the gap exists between developed and developing country like Solomon Islands,” said Simbe.

Extending appreciation and thanks for helping SI

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, last week, the Hon. Prime Minister, Rick Hou, warmly welcomed the increased funding by the New Zealand Government under the Official Development Assistance (ODA) programme.

The New Zealand high commissioner to Solomon Islands, H.E. Don Higgins, presented a letter from the acting New Zealand prime minister the Rt Hon Winston Peters, to the PM giving the details of the new funding arrangement, which announced the approval of an indicative funding envelope of NZ $ 104.07 million (SBD$528m) for ODA to Solomon Islands over the coming triennium (2018-2021), and on top of that a reported additional funding of $10.41 Million for renewable energy and other NGO activities.

The PM sincerely thanked the New Zealand government for the huge commitment, as I am sure we all do as well.

My thanks are offered to the Member of Parliament for the Malaita Outer Island (MOI) constituency, the Hon. Martin Kealoe, for having overseen the construction of 70 houses built under the housing scheme of his constituency.

It is believed the homes consist of two bedrooms and each has a large veranda.

The MOI MP is understood to have commented that the housing scheme will continue as it is one of the major projects that aim to improve the livelihoods of his constituents, which have been struggling for so many years to build a decent home.

The Loloma Foundation Medical Mission recently arranged for volunteer dentists optical specialist and doctors from the USA and Australia to visit the Russell and Florida Islands and there carry out free dental, optical, paediatric, women’s health, general medical and pharmacy services to over 2300, men, women and children.

Thank you Loloma Foundation Medical Mission and to all the specialist volunteers for the tremendous medical assistance rendered to those in need of medical and dental services.

A final word of appreciation and thanks is extended to the Chief Electoral Officer, Mose Saitala, for having it made public knowledge that “people with disabilities” will be provided with special booths at every polling station during the upcoming national general election.

Mr Saitala said this initiative was considered to make life more significant for people with disabilities during the national election.

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

Energy scheme could herald good times for SI

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, last week when speaking to the Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation the Hon Prime Minister Rick Hou reportedly said the fact that ordinary Solomon Islanders had not benefited from the economic growth the country had enjoyed over the last four decades since gaining independence from Britain posed serious questions.

The PM cited the lack of jobs, high inflation and population growth cancelling out any potential growth benefits.

Given that high inflation is greatly influenced by cost of imported goods, especially imported fuel, then a bright spot on the horizon to help lower inflation and add to job prospects in the tourism industry is the fact that in late July this year, the World Bank approved a $19.95 million renewable energy expansion scheme in the Solomon Islands.

Quoting from what I read of this scheme in a newsletter release by MercomIndia this is what it said.

“The project will support the Solomon Islands’ government to boost renewable energy generation and increase access to grid-supplied electricity, while reducing reliance on expensive, imported fossil fuels.

“More than 9,300 Solomon Islanders will benefit from new or improved electricity services, including renewable energy sources such as solar. The Electricity Access and Renewable Energy Expansion Project will deliver renewable energy hybrid mini-grids, electricity connections in low-income areas, and new grid-connected solar power.

“The focus will be on providing electricity connections to households, small businesses, and community infrastructure such as schools and health centers, throughout Honiara and surrounding towns.

“The $19.95 million project will be funded through a $5.55 million credit and a $4.75 million grant from the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund for the most in-need countries; a $7.1 million grant from the Strategic Climate Fund – Scaling-Up Renewable Energy in Low Income Countries Program; a $946,750 grant from the Global Environment Facility; and a $1.6 million grant from the Small Island Developing States Initiative.

“Access to energy is very important to increase the quality of life of Solomon Islanders and for the development of businesses,” said Bradley Tovosia, Solomon Islands’ Minister of Mines, Energy and Rural Electrification.

“The cost of electricity in Solomon Islands is among the highest in the world – almost double the average for the Pacific Islands region as a whole – placing a massive financial burden on families and businesses across the country,” said Michel Kerf, Country Director for Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands. “

“In Solomon Islands, less than 20 percent of the population has access to power supply, and when electricity is available, it is costly and unreliable. A stable supply of grid-based electricity has the potential to promote economic growth, including tourism industry development, and improve human capital, through better conditions for children to study, and reducing the burden of household work.”

Let us truly hope that the prospect of a stable supply of grid-based electricity will promote the economic growth and create better economic times and conditions for all in the Solomon Islands.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

2017 performance report on development budget shows Ministries needs shaping up

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

IN the 2019 Budge launch last week, a performance report on the country’s development budget was used as an example to show public officers and ministries on what is expected of them and how their spending are being monitored and appraised.

In the performance of the 2017 Development Budget (DB), ministries are rated according to how they implement their DB. The report revealed that the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) has nine of its programs needing management attention in 2017, placing them in the ‘orange’ section while Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAL) has 12 of its program gone ‘off track’ with the Ministry flagged in the red section followed by the Ministry of Environment with six of its programs ‘gone off track’ also placing them in the red section.

National Judiciary, Justice and Legal Affairs and Office of the Governor General had not been able to verify their results as there was no submission given to the Ministry of Development Planning and Aid Coordination (MDPAC) thus they remain in the Blue section.

Most of the Ministries are placed in the ‘orange’ section, with a number of ministries also placed in the ‘red’ section.

The method used to measure this performance was done using the colours of green, yellow, red, orange and blue.

Green means a ministry is on track and progressing well (80 – 100 percent), while yellow means progressing with minor issues (60 percent), orange signifies not progressing well and needs management attention (40 – 59 percent) while red means a ministry or program is off track and needs management attention (20 – 39 percent) and blue is when a Ministry is unable to verify their spending.

The report revealed that only 16 programmes implemented by five ministries were rated yellow had been able to progress well but with minor issues. These were on-going programmes.

None of the ministries in 2017 are evaluated and rated “green” a poorer result than 2016, yet expenditure is higher in 2017.

27 programmes implemented by 13 ministries were rated orange and have been said to progress with significant Issues that require management attention while 31 projects and programmes implemented by five line ministries were rated red ‘Off-track’ needing urgent management attention.

A total of 13 programmes implemented by five ministries were rated blue, unable to verify results, as no report was submitted to MDPAC.

“Programmes that continued to rated “Red” and “Blue” for a consecutive period of time over must be considered for exiting as they face significant issues showing a likelihood of interventions that will fail without achieving their targets,” it was reported.

The presentation also revealed that one of the main issues highlighted in the 2017 report with “orange” rated programmes (31 percent), is the level of compliance with the SIG Procurement processes and on-going “land issues’ for infrastructure related programmes. These programmes also reported MoFT delays in payments. A number of activities were on-going activities from 2016.

Some key issues also highlighted are the capacity of a ministry to implement its programmes, programme and project appraisal, ongoing delays by Central Tender Board (CTB) to meet as per procurement process but to name a few.

Government officials and Ministries are therefore urged and reminded to improve in how they utilise their budget and report their spending because their budgets and programs and activities are subjected for monitoring and appraisal.

SIDCCG to continue supporting G-province

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare with his key note address.

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

Deputy Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare with his key note address.

THE deputy prime minister has assured the government and people of Guadalcanal province that the ruling national government coalition remains committed to helping the province grow and prosper.

Deputy PM and finance minister Manasseh Sogavare in last week’s celebration of Guadalcanal province’s 34th second appointed day, “As demonstrated to you in the past years and since achieving your status as a recognised provincial government 34 years ago, the national government through the ministries has been very instrumental and supportive in navigating your way throughout these past years.

“The national government has provided resources and technical assistance to cater for your human resource needs, financial needs, social economic aspirations and guidance in making policy decisions and encouraging active participation and cooperation for our people to ensure that development does take place in this province.”

The deputy prime minister also mentioned that there are issues and problems that need acknowledging – one of them, finding a better way of structuring the economy.

“We are still looking, with close consultations with our people and the provincial government,” he said.

In his speech, he stated that Guadalcanal province’s theme for 2018 is not only fitting but reflects the future directions that a growing nation must take in order to have a better tomorrow.

Sogavare proceeded to stress that shared economic objectives and aspirations must always be the pillars that guide us into the future.

He mentioned that with very little manpower and financial resources, partnership is the way forward.

“As the saying goes, no man is an island,” said Sogavare.

Addressing the premier and people of Guadalcanal who attend the day’s programme, he stressed that while they forge new partnerships they must also ensure that all partnerships are realigned for their growing needs as through partnerships they share each other’s strength and strengthen each other’s weaknesses.

On another note, Sogavare then spoke of how the national government has supported and will continue to support the province.

Sogavare assured the Premier and the people of Guadalcanal province of the Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government’s (SIDCCG) ongoing commitment and support.

He furthered that the national government through the involvement of its various ministries and agencies will continue to work with Guadalcanal’s provincial government and people and support them to achieve their development aspirations.

WIS students off to Mexico this weekend

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0
Group photo of the WIS students representing Solomon Islands in Mexico in the 2018 First Global Robotic Competition

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Group photo of the WIS students representing Solomon Islands in Mexico in the 2018 First Global Robotic Competition

FOUR students from the Woodford International School (WIS) will be leaving for Mexico on August 11 to participate in the 2018 First Global Robotic Competition.

This is the second time WIS is taking part in a renowned global tech competition.

The event convenes students who have passion in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

The WIS team comprises four robotic engineers; Edward Patternot – Designer and team Captain, William Poznanski – Programmer, Renney Sufiona – Builder and     Tanuia Uale – Strategist, the only female in the group.

The team is guided by mentor Mr Rakesh Pandey.

He also led last year’s WIS robotics team last year which placed Solomon Islands on the 35th position among 190 countries which participated – a remarkable and historic milestone event for STEM students in the country.

Pandey said the team will be leaving Solomon Islands on Saturday this weekend, and the tourney starts on August 15, running for three days, ending on August 18, at the Arena Ciudad, Mexico.

He said they will only have one free day to do some sight-seeing before the competition starts. The following day they will run through and polish up on their work before entering the comp the following day.

“What we intend to do here is not just for this kids, but we want to build passion for STEM education in the Solomon Islands.”

WIS students shared its successful stories saying they learned a lot from their failures during its time to build and design their robotic.

Despite challenges encountered they appreciated its team work, determination and leadership they have under the mentorship of Mr Pandey including the school administration.

Speaking for the student Mr Renney Sufiona known as Builder in the group said they have gone through good and bad times but they learn a lot during their time.

“I learn to be responsible person, not only me but we all. We are a team, if I didn’t do my job then they encourages me to go further.

“We work together, put our ideas together which actually made a good robot and it’s because of our team work.”

WIS Head of School Mr Anthony Baron said he is gratified to see the young competitors are from Solomon Islands which are form four students.

He said they still got three-year with the WIS and if they can reach that standard already it’s an excellent and well done job to influence more Solomon Islanders in STEM.

Meanwhile the sponsors for the WIS student to Mexico are; South Pacific Oil, Solomon Airlines, Sape Medical Centre and parents.

Anglican Mothers Union ‘Bring and Buy’ at Pupuku

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY BARNABAS MANEBONA

A Bring and Buy fundraising in aid of Pupuku Anglican Mothers Union was held at Pupuku Village, Northwest Choiseul, last week Friday raising more than two thousand dollars.

The aim of the Bring and Buy fundraising according to Choiseul Province Member of Provincial Assembly (MPA) Hon Nerio Ulemiki is purposely to enable the Mothers Union group to attend the Diocesan Anniversary celebration of Mothers Union at Jejevo Isabel Diocese on the 28th of this month, August.

“The fundraising was a successful one as on sale were cooked and uncooked foods seeing the raising of two thousand dollars plus for the Anglican Mothers Union,” said Hon Ulemiki.

Also holding a fundraising at the same area during last week Friday was St Teresia Tutu Women’s Society of Tutu Zone, purposely to complete their Women’s Resource Centre.

On their fundraising it is reported that they raised around $5,000.

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