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Youth retreat day-2 hits ‘high note’

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Young leaders in group discussion.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Young leaders in group discussion.

DAY-TWO of the youth leadership retreat at the Ginger Beach in West Guadalcanal has hit a high note with young people participating actively in sessions about the qualities of leadership.

ON Tuesday, 30 young people took part in group presentations, discussions and activities about leadership.

Feedback from Tuesday’s session is summarised as ‘young people understand and identify with qualities of leadership’.

They also discussed corruption and its impact towards development of the country which at some point lower their pathway to opportunities such as education and employment.

President for Honiara Youth Council Mr Harry James Olikwailafa, who is a facilitator in the second day of the retreat, said from his overall observation he believes the level of young people’s participation really meets the expected outcome for yesterday’s session and agendas.

He said level of young people’s participation have hit a high note because their learning is not from a set of manual or toolkit, rather, it comes out from young people.

He also adds Interaction and engagement are the basis of learning which leads to participation reaches high note resulted in facilitator and young people appreciative of at the end of the day.

Olikwailafa said one outstanding aspect seen from young people participate in the workshop is they have passion to make change.

“The potential seen in these young leaders, it’s about passion to make change, which is the potential I see in these groups of people,” HYC President Mr Olikwailafa said.

Youth Development Officer for Honiara City Council, Mrs Mary Tuhaika said young people have spent whole discussing leadership, and idea is, to inspire and trained them become leaders.

She also adds the whole day was aim at finding leadership potential young people have and find attributes for a true leader.

Feed from young people, Mrs Tuhaika said the exercises and activities young people gone through has given them ways and insights of what it is to be a leader, important aspect of being a leader and important attributes posses to be a leader.

Electorates dismayed over delay and lack of quorum into ACB proceedings

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

WITH the passage of the proposed Anti-Corruption Bill (ACB) 2018 facing a slow and rough sailing process in Parliament, voters and a good number of anti-corruption advocates from various civil society organizations within the country are worried that it (bill) might get withdrawn again for the second time.

This came up after parliament was forced to adjourn all its sittings, including the scrutiny proceeding of the Bill, due to the lack of quorum due to a low attendance of MPs from both the opposition and government sides of the house.

But an advocator spoken to and wished not to be named said ur people are slowly losing patience and are now putting collective dismay and frustration over the delay of the passage of the ACB by parliament depriving the chance to make genuine service and development work for all of us.

She suggested that this piece of legislation have suffered serious setbacks especially in its crucial stage due to delays, unproductive interpellations, and the lack of quorum for the plenary deliberations to continue and members to perform their mandated duty of enacting the basic law.

“WaKe Up, DO YOUR JOB!”

She then suggested that time is running out for the ACB passage but a number of our honorable lawmakers are still ‘in a state of coma.’

Another advocator who also expressed views on unanimity grounds also stressed that the elected officials should realize that much is at stake in the ACB, “not only the future of the development, but the future of the whole country.

“So, to our to put it plain and clear, please wake up from your slumber, roll up your sleeves and pass the proposed law,” he added.

He then questioned what is there to legislate if the lawmakers don’t attend the committee proceedings and cannot even muster a quorum?

“For months now, empty black comfortable chairs dominate the parliament chamber, which is a sign that lawmakers do not see the urgency of this bill,” he further added.

Transmitted through various institutions and bodies, the original ACB draft in 2016 and 2017, both committees have already conducted separate public hearings into them, and advocators stressed that the government or the country cannot afford to take it back for anymore reviews as initial procedures involved, have already cost the country more than enough.

The group of Advocators however paid tribute to the thorough efforts of some members including some of their party groupings and leaders in trying to shepherd the ACB 2017 into fruition.

Their attempts however have been let down by either the lack of quorum or the political motives of some leaders within the current house.

Concerned advocators and a lot of unofficial but intending candidates have vowed to continuously push parliament to enact what they called a worthwhile and crucial piece of legislation, and asserted that any version of the ACB should be consistent with the spirit of a corrupt free society.

And, with a collaborative approach between the Solomon Islands government, its institutions, officials and the people who they suggested, to have suffered long enough in the face of corruption.

The group however reiterated that while they call for a compliant AC Bill, they also seek the faithfulness of all other stakeholders to put pressure on their respective leaders to ensure it is enacted for the country’s sake.

“We hope to see a passage of the ACB and one that adheres to the principles of the existing understandings and outcry of the people.

Parliament was only able to cover six clauses in yesterday’s sittings, bringing a total of sections covered, to 30 with a total of about 40 to go.

The house resumes today, and everyone is hoping to see that the highly anticipating and much talked about Bill is passed.

“Go-fund-me” Project created by the Mai-Maasina Green Belt Charitable Initiative

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, a project to preserve and protect the remainder of Malaita’s virgin rain forest has been launched in the Solomon Islands via Facebook and donations are being requested.

I quote the details outlying the project published, also, on Linkedin.

“More than 90 percent of Malaita’s virgin rainforests have either been logged or a planned to be. Malaita is an oceanic island of around 4 thousand square kilometres and is the most populated island in the Solomon Islands.

“We have received calls from many communities through-out Malaita who want to protect their natural resources for future generation. We have established the Mai-Maasina Green Belt charitable initiative to create a network of these ‘green’ areas on Malaita, so that tribes through geographically separate can stand together.

“We have around 10 communities ranging from inland mountains through to coastal mangroves who are making this call and we need support to visit these communities and ‘tok stori’.

“Our team of volunteers need logistical support to visit these areas, many isolated, to answer questions, carry out awareness and get them on-board the ‘green belt’.

Time is against us as surging tide of deforestation continues on and we need to reach these communities before the loggers arrive. Any amount you share will go a long way.”

If willing to support this deserving project please refer to Facebook. Source: Linkedin 21 July 2018.

Yours sincerely

FRANK SHORT

Acting lands commissioner

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, I would like to response towards the statements made by John Lobo in the public media on Saturday, July 15, 2018 about the condemnation of Mr Allen McNeill a foreign Australian citizen for his appointment by the government for the administration post as the acting lands commissioner within the ministry of lands.

What he stated doesn’t hold much weight because he has failed to indicate in detail what huge negative impacts would the nation face on the land issue when the Australian foreign citizen become an acting lands commissioner during the current development of undersea cable funded by the Australian government and the argument that insisted for the local to take up the post of acting lands commissioner.

I think it is too early to make such a comment in public media when we still yet to see the differences and changes in work-outputs between the local and foreigner within the administration post of lands commissioner.

The people of this nation do not care who is holding the post but significantly want to see some positive changes happening within that responsible ministry of lands that address the current systemic corruptions that deprive the rights of local citizens towards urban land ownerships and economical activities happening in our urban towns in Honiara and the provincial centres.

Since the post of the lands commissioner was localised after the nation gained independence 40 years ago corruption emerged at an alarming rate deprive the nation interest on land development without proper establishment of land strategies and policies to address the corrupted issues happening within the ministry of lands.

And so as a consequence of poor management and administration engulf with corruption within the land ministry the 80 to 90 percent of prime land sites in urban Honiara city has been sold and owned by the foreigners under the leadership of the local lands commissioners.

This ill attitude if not careful will soon spread to other provincial urban centres in our country.

It means Solomon islanders will be rated as second grade citizens of this nation because we have no reserve urban lands and for our future educated children to engage in commercial activities.

They have to prepare to meet the huge cost of accommodations that are benefited by the foreigners.

Most of our children will be spectators and slaving to foreigners in business making in our own land.

Who are we going to blame?

The ministry of lands need a lot of improvement in its strategies and policies and if local lands commissioners cannot be competent to do so let’s try foreigners.

What’s wrong?

Jacob Ofasia

Talise market

Passenger fare rockets due to poor road condition in East Malaita

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The current poor road condition in East Malaita. Photo by Willie Ekotani.

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

AUKI

PASSENGER fare for East Malaita has doubled due to poor road conditions.

A man from East Malaita, Mr Jerry Simigi said on Tuesday that this new fare-rate just came about couple of weeks ago.

Simigi said before this new fare was introduced, the normal fares were $50 from Auki to areas of Fousasa and Kwai’aba and $100 from Auki to Atori where the East Malaita road ends.

He said that for now fare from Auki to Fousasa and Kwai’aba areas is $150 and $200 for Auki to Atori.

Adding that for truck hiring, previously it was $2,000 from Auki to Atori; now it increased to $4,000 for the same distance.

Simigi said transport owners have defended the fare-hike by blaming the poor road conditions.

Simigi also stresses that the ones who bear the brunt of this are the passengers and travelling public.

“Because most passengers from East Malaita were farmers and they generated very little money upon their markets in Auki.

“So introducing the new fare rate was indeed brought inconvenience to them and on the other hand it also affected the regular passenger route to East Malaita,” Simigi said.

Simigi adds his voice to the growing calls by public in Auki and surrounding communities for the national ministry of infrastructure development to step in and address the poor road conditions.

Meanwhile, Simigi adds that their member of parliament has already sent 10 drums of fuel as a response to the problem, for constituency machines to begin work.

Temotu experiences major changes

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

TEMOTU province’s delivery of various projects through the Provincial Capacity Development Fund (PCDF) which took off after the inception of the Provincial Governance Strengthening Programme (PGSP) in 2008 has brought the distantly located province an array of changes.

While the Ministry of Provincial Government and Institutional Strengthening (MPGIS) proceeds in serializing the PCDF projects all nine provinces delivered in 2008, details of Temotu province’s projects have been released.

According to the ministry’s report, projects delivered by the Temotu Provincial Government, come under sectors namely; administration, youth and sports, education, rural and urban transport, local economic development, health, waste management, women development and water supply.

In the administration sector, a total of 11 projects carried out and completed are; 3 Administration Staff Houses, 1 Premier’s Residence Renovation, 1 Provincial Secretary Residence Upgrade, 1 Treasury Office and Warehouse Upgrade, 1 Administration Office Building upgrade, 1 Treasury Office Renovation, 2 Duplex Staff Houses and 1 Treasury Office Fencing.

Additionally, the total cost of these projects in contrast to other sector projects although the most costly at SBD $2,426,789 created the highest number of jobs, having employed a total of 97 people.

Furthermore, besides some of the changes these projects have brought in for the province such as decent office for treasury officers and improved and decent accommodation for staff, it was expressed that the “1 Premier’s Residence Renovation” project is the first time in many years to have been carried out which now since it’s completion provides improved and secure accommodation for the Premier and his family.

Concerns over possible misuse of ID materials

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

By Gary Hatigeva

CLAUSE 26 within the Anti-Corruption Bill 2017 that deals with authorised officers of the Anti- Corruption Commission has been put to question, over fears that the period given for relieved officers to return identification materials (cards) belonging to the commission, is too long and has the possibility to be tempered with.

In highlighting, this, members of parliament from both the opposition and independent groups are concerned that with the given timeframe for the return of the id materials, seems long enough for those who are ceased from being authorised officers, to misuse and misguide people with, for their personal benefits.

In questioning this, Leader of the Independent Group and MP for Northeast Guadalcanal, Derek Sikua stressed that the 21 days is too long because that officer can do a lot of damages within that period, “that’s three weeks”.

“I’m question the policy choice of why 21 days, when that officer could have just return it within 5 working days to return?” the Northeast Guadalcanal MP questioned.

Meanwhile, when responding to the issue raised, the Attorney General, James Apaniai explained that the 21 days highlighted is a pretty much the maximum period given under the clause, but pointed out that it does not stop relieved officer from returning the material the next day or within two or five days.

The Attorney General however warned that if those responsible do not return the identification materials as required by the clause within 21 days, then the matter with the person being subject, will become a criminal offense.

Also commenting on the matter, Member of Parliament for East Honiara, Douglas Ete in a follow up statement, posed questions and made connotations on the term ‘returned’ used in the clause.

The East Honiara MP said while he is happy with the 21-day period given as it is reasonable time by common law, the term ‘returning’ as far as timeframe is concerned especially, when certain officers are stationed in the provinces also needs clear explanations to.

The Attorney General further explained that what the East Honiara MP highlighted will involve the issues in the areas of law and that comes down to how it will be interpret, this is regarding the term returning of the card especially, in the case of someone who is in the provinces.

“If officers are within the reach of the Commission office, the card can be returned at any earlier period, which should then satisfy the requirement.

“But in the case of where an officer is in the province and it is a bit difficult to make it back into the Headquarter to hand over the ID personally, then in my view they can post it, which according to the rules of interpretation on how long this letter is deemed to have been received.

“And according to the rules, there will be indications of the recipient of the letter by the commission in the normal cause of post.

“In the normal cause of post is basically referring to next day, so if you are to be in the provinces and in regards of the normal cause of cost, just work out how long it would take?

“Maybe one or two weeks, and I believe that is one of the fact as to why there is the given 21 days.”

He added that with planes making regular routes to the provinces, the normal cause of post would obviously be reduced to almost a day or two.

He further added that in relation to posting of items back to the commission through mailing would also depend very much on the effectiveness of various postal outlets outside of the capital.

The clause has directed for the authorised officers to be issued with identification cards and also given powers including functions specified in the AC Bill (Act) and any other Acts to investigate, which puts perspective into why the concerns are being raised.

With the crucial function and powers placed on the authorised officers according to points raised, could become what has regularly been practiced by certain individuals, who could have been former officers within various institutes and agencies that go around using genuine or legal identification materials to lure favours, which includes financial but personal benefits.

As required under the clause, the termination of an authorised officer automatically requires for unauthorised officers to return ID materials that give usually give them the powers pointed out, within 21 days after the cessation.

PM encourages Renbel people to manage resources well

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Renbel premier Collin Singamoana welcoming PM Hou at the ceremonial grounds to mark the province’s 25th second appointed day. Photo from PM Press Secretariat

By Mike Puia

Renbel premier Collin Singamoana welcoming PM Hou at the ceremonial grounds to mark the province’s 25th second appointed day. Photo from PM Press Secretariat

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has encouraged the people of Rennell and Bellona province to manage their resources well.

“I encourage the good people of Rennell/Bellona Province to take ownership of their resources and to ensure they are well managed,” Prime Minister Houenipwela said.

He made the statement when addressing the province’s 25th second appointed day celebration in Tigoa, Renbel’s provincial centre, over the weekend.

Houenipwela said there are potential investments in the province particularly the establishment of Lake Tegano on the World Heritage Site list.

He said Lake Tegano offers potential for tourism and for the preservation of the eco-system.

“I believe this (Lake Tegano) offers great potentials not only in the Tourism industry, but also in the preservation of the eco-systems which your people here rely on for the livelihoods,” Houenipwela said.

He said there are important activities being carried out in the mining sector that are also benefiting the local and national economy.

Referring to the mining activities on West Rennell, Houenipwela said “suffice to say, the use of natural resources can actually be of great benefit not only to the local economy, but also to the national economy of our country”.

He said locals need to take ownership of their resources and manage them well for our future generations.

Citizen journalism new trend

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Online journalists in Detik.com

BY GEORGINA KEKEA

In Jakarta, Indonesia

Online journalists in Detik.com

WITH the rise of citizen journalism, media companies are finding it more difficult to maintain the credibility of news and even trying to keep the balance against the rise of false news.

In Indonesia, Transmedia that owns Detik.com an online news media in Jakarta says it has not been an easy task trying to maintain the balance and uphold the ethics of journalism especially with live news.

Speaking to 10 journalists who are part of an annual Journalist programme in Indonesia, Ahmad Ridwan, Director news of Detik.com says it has not been easy trying to be the fastest and accurate media in Indonesia.

Thus with the understanding that journalists cannot be everywhere at one time, they have embraced a system where citizens play a role in sending in pictures and stories for Detik.com.

Mr Ridwan says citizens are everywhere thus when something happens, they can upload spontaneously through a website platform where their online journalists will get the information and follow through to verify or follow-up with the right people to get answers.

Ridwan says these citizen journalists do this voluntarily but the company has an incentive whereby any citizen with credible stories are given points whereby they can receive gifts or packages for their input through a point reward system.

He said this is one way where they get a variety of issues and happenings while at the same time ensure the final story for their online news website is credible and not fake news.

“We try to make our stories credible as possible and we also try to maintain the balance.”

He said by being a credible news outlet while at the same time embrace citizen journalists they have on a number of occasions make government and people in public offices accountable.

“Because we only have 400 journalists in whole of Indonesia it is not enough to keep any eye out on issues so that’s why we need the citizen journalists.”

However by being a citizen journalist, one must register or fill in their details through their website so that information of the citizen journalists are also kept in a database where they can do follow-up questions and have enough lead to follow a story through.

For Solomon Islands, though there are forums mainly in social media raising issues, there is not much collaboration between them and the mainstream media to concur on issues and stories.

Hate comments and profanity are also common by most social media users.

In Indonesia, for Detik.com they ensure comments are filtered.

“We have the right to check out comments and make sure the comments section are monitored for such negativity.”

Ridwan says he is worried that with the increase of such open platform in social media, there is high chance for citizen oppression.

“That is why I feel that comments and negativity of any sort must be infiltrated,” he said.

In Indonesia there are more than 4000 online media. For such businesses, one always has to be innovative in order for it to stay afloat while at the same time maintain its integrity.

Detik.com had been in operation for two decades. Their journalists work mainly away from the workplace because of the need for them to cover stories on the ground as it happens.

70-yr man arrested over rape of 6-yr girl

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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POLICE in the Western province have arrested a 70-year-old man for the alleged rape of a six-year-old girl in Niumala Village, Kohingo Island in Western province on July 19, 2018.

The alleged suspect is a native of Samangago Village, in the Shortland Islands but was living with his brother at Niumala Village at the time of incident.

Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Western Province Chief Superintendent Mathias Lenialu says, “The victim in this matter is a niece of the alleged perpetrator.

“The alleged incident happened when the mother of the victim told her to look after her sibling baby while she (the mother) prepared the baby’s dinner.

“While the victim’s mother was outside of the house, the accused called the victim, who at that time was inside the sleeping room taking care of the baby, to come out side to the living room.

“The victim’s mother then returned to the house and witnessed the alleged gross inappropriate sexual act done to her daughter by her brother in-law,” says Lenialu.

The matter was reported to Noro Police for investigation and the case was forwarded to Gizo police for further remand application.

The Gizo Magistrate Court granted the remand application due to the gravity of the offence and the accused will appear in court on August 7, 2018 for his trial.

–POLICE MEDIA

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