Home Blog Page 1277

ROC Ambassador assures SIG of continuous meteorology cooperation

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0
Two delegations from National Taiwan University (NTU) and Central Weather Bureau (CWB)

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

Two delegations from National Taiwan University (NTU) and Central Weather Bureau (CWB)

REPUBLIC of China’s (Taiwan) Ambassador to Solomon Islands, Roger Luo has assured MECDM officials of that there will be more partnerships between Solomon Islands and Taiwan in meteorology and earthquake prevention.

He was speaking at an occasion on July 18 organised by the Taiwan embassy in Honiara for members of Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau and National Taiwan University (NTU) delegations and officials from the Ministry of Environment’s Meteorology department and National Disaster Management Office (NDMO).

In earlier remarks, ambassador Luo stressed that climate change is a very important issue, especially for Pacific Islands.

He stated that as true friend of Solomon Islands, Taiwan has long term cooperation with Solomon Islands in the field of meteorology and earthquake prevention, particularly in tsunami, earthquake and cyclone (TEC) and early warning system (EWS).

The ambassador expressed that it was back in September 2009 when Taiwan sent their first batch of specialist teams to Solomon Islands.

He added that since then, there have been a number of achievements like the Taiwan installed 10 GPS stations and 8 seismic instruments in the country for earthquake prevention.

Ambassador Luo said that in terms of weather cooperation, three auto-mode stations have been installed by Taiwan with three more to be installed this year.

He proceeded to stress that a signed MOU on Meteorology Cooperation between both countries in April last year signifies an important step in their cooperative efforts.

“Another important step for cooperation is that Taiwan and Solomon Islands signed an MOU on Meteorology Cooperation in April 2017,” said Luo.

On another note, he took the opportunity to briefly talk about the work of NTU and CWB.

Ambassador Luo said Taiwan’s Central Weather Bureau delegation visited the Met station and NDM office in Auki and installed A900A seismometer in Auki while the NTU delegation on the other hand, travelled to Savo’s seismic station to review facilities and collect data.

He then assured that the Republic of China (ROC) Taiwan will continue to work closely with Solomon Islands government in this cooperative partnership.

“There will be other ongoing cooperation in this field. The embassy would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm Solomon Islands, based on the mutual cordial friendship that we will keep on working closely with SIG,” said Luo.

Taiwan central weather Bureau installs new warning system

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0
Team from the Central Weather Bureau with two employees of SIMS.

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

Team from the Central Weather Bureau with two employees of SIMS.

DUE to the long-term friendship between Solomon Islands and Republic of China (Taiwan), a MOU was signed to strengthen the meteorological and earthquake observation system in Solomon Islands.

Based on the MOU, an integrated project ‘Solomon Islands Synergistic Analysis for the Environment (SoSAFE) has been accordingly co-designed by scientists from the two countries.

Currently, weather scientists from the Central Weather Bureau in Taiwan are in the country to follow-up on the installed weather forecast and earthquake/tsunami warning and upgrade the instruments.

Scientists from the Central Weather Bureau, ROC (Taiwan) brought necessary technology to continue the mission for installations in Honiara and Auki.

For the meteorological stations, three new auto-mode and three semiauto-mode sites are planned.

The work is expected to complete this week together with help from scientists from Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology, in Solomon Islands.

According to the team, they have 15 sets of dual seismometer A900 plus palert which are planned for the warning system of earthquake/tsunami.

From their trip to Auki in Malaita province, the team have a total of four to five seismometers set up in three target areas in Honiara and Auki.

With the assistant from the Embassy of ROC (Taiwan), all instruments have been shipped and arrived in Honiara, the team said.

Meanwhile, first collaborative phase, the project aims at setting up six meteorological stations and 15 seismometers distributed in Solomon Islands to optimize the capabilities of weather forecasting and earthquake/tsunami warning.

Solomons Western Province taking the lead in addressing gender and women’s issues

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

DEAR EDITOR, this week as Parliament was welcoming its newest member to the house, Ms. Lanelle Tagaganda, after her election victory in the Gizo- Kolombangara by-election in May, the Western Provincial Government was affirming its commitment to addressing gender and women’s issues with the launch of its first-ever women’s policy.

It was reported that the Western Province Women’s Empowerment and Transformation Policy for Development was a blueprint for the strategies, projects and programmes the province that can use to address obstacles that prevent women from nurturing their talents and fully participating as equal partners in provincial development.

Quoting from an article in the Solomon Star, in remarks during the launch, the Director of Women in the Ministry of Women, Youth, Children and Family Affairs Pauline Soaki said the policy, which the Western Provincial Government Executive endorsed and was noted in the Provincial Assembly earlier this year, and was in line with the National Development Strategy2016-2035. The strategy aiming to achieve full gender equality by eliminating gender discrimination in the social, cultural, economic and political spheres. (Solomon Star)

“Indeed, the policy’s goal that women and girls are empowered to transform their status to improve their livelihoods and ensure full participation in the sustainable development of Western Province is bold, smart and compelling,” Ms. Soaki said.

“This goal, translated into eight strategic outcomes, offers many entry points for various stakeholders, including development partners, civil society, the private sector and academia, to work together with the Western Provincial Government on the interlinked pillars of social, economic and political empowerment of women.” Ms. Soaki added.

It is understood the policy also reflects the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which recognizes gender equality as a fundamental right and a driver of progress in achieving all development goals.

Again to quote Ms Soaki’s words. “This goal, translated into eight strategic outcomes, offers many entry points for various stakeholders, including development partners, civil society, the private sector and academia, to work together with the Western Provincial Government on the interlinked pillars of social, economic and political empowerment of women.”

I very much hope to see the early outcomes Ms. Soaki has envisaged could come about and I offer my congratulations to the Western Provincial Government for this long awaited initiative on gender equality and women’s issues.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

A Live Band Concert to aid the National Referral Hospital (NRH)

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

DEAR EDITOR, I offer my personal thanks to the newly created Honiara Band Association (HBA) and to its chairperson, Benjamin Afuga, for the plan to organise a two-day live band concert in Honiara to raise money for the National Referral Hospital (NRH) this weekend.

It is known the fundraising event is intended to raise money to donate to the NRH so the hospital’s authorities can quickly purchase locally available medicine and drugs which have reported to be in short supply at the NRH at this time.

I commend the idea of helping the NRH during the reported critical shortage of drugs and medical supplies.

I very much hope the live band concert will be a success and achieve the objectives intended.

I would also like to thank all the participants taking part in the two-day fund raising event and the RSIPF for allowing the Rove Police Club to be used as the venue.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

PM thanks outgoing PNG envoy

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0
PM Hou recieves a gift from the outgoing PNG high commissioner.
PM Hou recieves a gift from the outgoing PNG high commissioner.

PRIME Minister Rick Houenipwela has thanked the outgoing Papua New Guinea High Commissioner to Solomon Islands HE Fred Yakasa for his dedication and service to the country.

Yakasa on Thursday paid a courtesy visit to formally bid farewell to the Prime Minister and the Government of Solomon Islands at the Office of the Prime Minister & Cabinet.

The Prime Minister thanked Yakasa highlighting the excellent work he has done during the past 4 years 7 months in progressing the mutual relationship between PNG and Solomon Islands.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Solomon Islands, I wish you well in your future endeavor,” he said.

The outgoing high commissioner in response thanked the Government and people of Solomon Islands for being good hosts for him and his family.

“I have learnt a lot from the Solomon Islands and its people and I will depart with fond memories,” he said.

Yakasa said a new high commissioner has already been appointed to replace him.

The outgoing PNG envoy also reiterated the strong ties between the Solomon Islands and PNG as true Melanesian brothers.

–OPMC PRESS

Police in Central province conduct visibility patrols in villages

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

POLICE in the Central Province have completed high visibility patrols to 10 villages in the Province on July 18.

The villages included Gairavu, Boromole, Kumoligohu, Soso, Semege, Soka, Boroni Olevuga, New Vunuha and Haleta.

“Two issues were discovered during the visits. One is a land dispute case at Soka and boy/girl relationship case at Boroni village. The chiefs were tasked to convince those involved to refrain from taking the law into their own hands, since the other parties involved were not present during the visit,” says Provincial Police Commander (PPC) Central Province, Superintendent Patricia Leta.

“The field visits is part of the ongoing Crime Prevention Strategy in terms of community engagement to mitigate public confidence.

“The Police in Central Province will continue to visit the communities.

“This will be an opportunity for them to report any matters which need police attention and further consultations can be made with them on road maps to curb any criminal activities within their communities.

“I thank all the members of the Crime Prevention committee, church and women leaders, village chiefs and youth leaders for their support in resolving minor cases within their communities.”

–POLICE MEDIA

Taiwan’s NTU and CWB aims to enhance SI weather forecasting and seismic network

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

BY LORETTA BRIGIDIA MANELE

TAIWAN specialists from the National Taiwan University (NTU) and Central Weather Bureau (CWB) are currently working with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) to enhance weather forecasting in the country and strengthen seismic network.

This was revealed by a member of NTU’s delegation, Professor Yue-Gau Chen who was speaking to the media at a joint delegation occasion hosted by the Taiwan embassy on July 18th.

He explained that they are here to carry out activities under the MOU on Meteorology Cooperation Taiwan and Solomon Islands signed on April 2017.

Professor Chen explained that the first part of their mission is to establish observation systems around Solomon Islands including the weather observation system or automatic mode and the semi-automatic mode to enhance weather forecasting.

He then stressed that the second area is focused on the construction of seismometers which can show were an earthquake occurs in the country which will then allow them to locate it before using the information to produce early warning.

A seismometer is an instrument used to measure the motion of the ground which can be caused by earthquakes, volcanic eruptions or explosives.

The professor of Taiwan’s top university furthered that they are trying to use scientific information to mitigate hazards.

Tourism Solomons welcomes Fiona Teama for Australian portfolio

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0
Pictured at the Sydney industry briefing, the Tourism Solomons team, from left to right) Mike Parker-Brown, Fiona Teama, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto and Richard Skewes.
Pictured at the Sydney industry briefing, the Tourism Solomons team, from left to right) Mike Parker-Brown, Fiona Teama, Josefa ‘Jo’ Tuamoto and Richard Skewes.

TOURISM Solomons has appointed Fiona Teama to supervise all aspects of the Australian marketing portfolio from the national tourist office’s Honiara headquarters.

Teama was introduced to media and trade at an industry briefing on Tuesday at Sydney’s Cafe Del Mar.

We managed to distract ourselves from the delicious food for long enough to give her a warm welcome.

Previously holding the position of senior marketing information officer, Teama steps into the role formerly held by the high profile and extremely popular Stella Lucas who tragically passed away last April.

Announcing her appointment, CEO Tuamoto said her promotion came at a critical juncture in the national tourist office’s history following this month’s launch of the new ‘Solomon Is’ branding and related new international marketing direction.

“I am confident her involvement and direction in ensuring all Tourism Solomon’s marketing and related activity in the Australian market, supported by a very experienced Australia-based team, will play a role in our achieving maximum impact in this key area of our business.”

A Bachelor of Arts majoring in tourism management from the University of the South Pacific, Teama is also a Fellow of the prestigious US State Department-sponsored Pacific Islands Professional Fellows Program.

Joining the national tourist office in February 2015 as a graduate trainee, most recently she has held management responsibility for all aspects of the NTO’s key dive portfolio.

She has also played a strong role in helping to promote the Solomon Islands to the Papua New Guinea market, now one of the destination’s top sources of international visitation.

–TRAVEL WEEKLY

UNICEF hands over 2 boats for social welfare department

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0

BY LYNTON AARON FILIA

UNICEF with support from the Australian Government donated two 20-ft ray boats to the Department of Social Welfare of the Ministry of Health and Medical Services at Y-Sato yesterday.

The two boats are 40hp OBMs as well as Marine safety gear.

The boats are meant for social welfare officers in Isabel and Western provinces with aim to strengthen child protection systems mandated by the Child and Family Welfare Act.

The UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Dr Zelalem Taffesse, said the provision of the boats is part of the financial and technical support provided by UNICEF to the Social Welfare Division of the MHMS.

Employees of the Y Sato Yamaha preparing the 40hp OBMs as well as Marine safety gear after the handing over ceremony
on Thursday.

And that is in recognition of the logistic needs of the Division in meeting its mandate under the Act, he adds.

He assures that UNICEF remains committed to support the Government and People of Solomon Islands in meeting their obligations to fulfil the rights of every child as enshrined by the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) which was ratified by the Solomon Islands in 1995.

Taffesse recognised the continuous support and partnership of the Government of Australia in providing protection for the children of Solomon Islands.

Director of Social Welfare Division for MHMS Ms Linda Tupe acknowledged the receipts of the boats thanking UNICEF and DFAT for the continued assistance.

She said the boats would go a long way in helping social welfare officers in the two provinces reach all the communities under their care.

The UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Dr Zelalem Taffesse and Director of Social Welfare Division for MHMS Ms Linda Tupe

Meanwhile, the Child Act was passed by Parliament in February 2017 following six years of advocacy and lobbying.

In addition to the definition of abuse, exploitation and neglect, the Act assigns the social welfare workforce the legal mandate to provide care and protection for children.

This includes collaboration with other government agencies, NGOs and faith-based organisations, while reinforcing the traditional roles of families and communities for the care and well-being of their children.

The Act defines circumstances where a child may be in need of care and protection and outlines procedures for reporting and responses.

Furthermore, types of protection actions that could be taken such as agreement with families or an order from the court if necessary.

Rapid growth of snail in Malaita needs control

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
-
0
Giant African snail

BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

THE rapid build-up of giant African snails in various identified sites in Malaita province needs effective control.

The fast rate of invasion into new territories in Malaita by the snail is reported to be alarming and concerns have it that if nothing is done soon, the problem may reach a point of no return.

In pursuant of the concern, a senior staff at the agriculture office in Auki, Mr Dennis Frank Tafea said their office is aware of the matter.

Relying a brief on the arrival of the giant snail in the province he said it was first sighted at Fote area in West Kwara’ae in 2015.

He said upon the discovery, villagers reported it to the agriculture office in Auki.

Tafea said Auki office informed the biosecurity office in Honiara on the matter and they went on an urgent attempt on the matter.

“We talk with the community of Fote and the approach was for the community to look out for them and destroy them.

“This is what we did and from the beginning the community did the work really well.

“However, as time goes the responsibility rested on the community got weak and perhaps never do much to control the matter,” he said.

Tafea said the reason for that was unknown but it was assumed that the villagers’ engagement in some of their commitments has resulted to that.

“But it doesn’t rested there, our office continued to monitor it since then and recently we gave a report to our mother ministry on its status of the snail.

“However, we still waiting for the response because through the advice from them will direct us where to go or the next step on the matter,” he said.

Tafea said Auki office was still vigilant on the issue and as long as things finalise from headquarter “we will continue to work on the matter.”

He also reported that another site their office was aware to have been with the giant snail in the province was at Atoifi in East Kwaio.

1...1,2761,2771,278...1,664Page 1,277 of 1,664