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Tourism Solomons welcomes Fiona Teama for Australian portfolio

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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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
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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
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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.

No money, no by-election: HCC

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Mike Puia

THE Honiara City Council (HCC) says there will be no by-election for Ward 12 (East Honiara) until funds are available.

HCC Mayor, Mr. Andrew Mua, said their by-election preparation works have been done but they are waiting on the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to provide funds for the actual conduct of the by-election.

Mua was responding to claims the Council has used $150,000 provided by the MHA for its Ward 12 by-election without public knowledge.

East Honiara chief, Mr. Stephen Firibae, said it’s been two years and their Ward is still without a Counsellor.

The Ward Counsellor, Richard Safue, died in 2016 and there has been no replacement.

Chief Firibae said for too long their Ward is not represented in the Council and services not reaching them.

“Our right for someone to represent us in the Council has been robed,” Chief Firibae said.

He said Choiseul and Western Province have done their by-elections while the HCC by-election did not happen.

Chief Firibae claimed this raised questions as the MHA has already provided $150,000 to the HCC to run its by-election.

But, Mua said the money chief Firibae was referring to is the Council’s service grant.

He said the MHA suggested that the Council used the money to conduct the by-election and that the money will be replaced but the Council was advised not to divert the money to any use other than for the Council’s service.

How long before a by-election is held, Mua said it depends on the availability of money.

He said this issue has been explained a couple of times to the public when it was raised but it seems some people do not get it right.

Mua the Council has done its part by completing the registration and nominations and now it’s up to the government.

He added the simple answer to this issue is “no money- no by-election”.

Anti-Corruption Bill 2017 gets full support of MPs

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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By Gary Hatigeva

WITH all the drama and confusion in what has been seen as a potential hijack of the Anti Corruption Bill 2017 after Wednesday’s first day of deliberation on the bill, Parliament has finally concluded all debates into the proposed legislation, which is now deemed to go through the committee of the whole house before it’s put up for its third reading where it is expected to be passed thereafter.

In its second day of debates into the much talked about AC Bill, parliament witnessed a swift indication of support and interests from members of both sides of the house, who praised the Solomon Islands Democratic for Change Coalition Government (SIDCCG) for what many described as, a bold and brave move in bringing it (bill) back into parliament.

Many, especially those from the Opposition and Independent groups, have expressed a few concerns over the bill and criticised a few clauses and sections within, but mostly concluded with great support and anticipation towards it (bill).

Others have however shared mixed views on the nature of the proposed law, which they say it is targeting certain leaders who are elementally remains from the ethnic tension, which got many to further suggest that the bill is a foreign driven concept, put in place to best suit outside interests.

Some other members thought that while the bill is undeniably the way forward, a lot of questions still need answers, and that it is also important to ask, as to whether the other existing laws have been strengthened to work hand in hand with this legislation if it becomes an act.

Questions were also asked, as to whether the government structure and system ready to host the proposed law if it is enacted.

However, with all the critics and negativities, all members who debated concluded that the Anti-Corruption Bill is a cry of the people of Solomon Islands, and it is only fitting for them to support and vote for the bill to be passed and enacted.

The positive feedbacks and support have also got the two leaders of the SIDCCG relieved, especially the Prime Minister, Rick Hou who when summing up all the debates, thank all members of the house who he said showed great support and interests in seeing the bill go through.

The Prime Minister said he was really encouraged to have seen the commitment that all members have taken into the bill.

“This has also enlightened our thoughts especially when this bill is in doubt,” the relieved Prime Minister shared.

Meanwhile, Hou explained that regarding all the comments especially the contributing recommendations from members, the government will ensure they are duly noted and will be thoroughly looked at after the bill can be passed.

“I wish to acknowledge the contributions and many suggestions that have been put forward by all speakers, to improve and strengthen the bill.

“In fact the house acknowledges and recognises this country is in deep problem, economically and in terms of service delivery, largely due to the level of corruptions that all of us have spoken about and described to be in our country.

Yes, there were many good proposals some of which have been taken up in the 2017 revised version

However, some of these would require further extensive consultations which will not only be expensive to carry out now, but there is likelihood that in doing so, the bill runs the risk of not being brought to parliament anytime soon.

“I feel this is the right time to do it, as this government is determined to do it, and the 10th Parliament is determined to do it.

“So I would like to stress a point that this bill is the outcome of various consultations at various stages, within the sponsoring ministry, which is my ministry, within the government line ministries, within the political government, namely, the government caucus, and of course the Bills an Legislation committee.

“We have also taken careful note, of the public concerns as they come through the media.

“Sir, many speakers have pointed that we now have a good legislation, it may not be perfect, but on such a serious and major issue in this country, which have yet to have any legislation on, this is a legislation that we are all waiting for.

“It’s an issue that needs legislating now,” the Prime Minister suggested.

He further added that this bill is more than the first step in the right direction, because it is the right thing to do and it is the right time now.

He further pointed out that where things are at right now, are where the bill will take on to become an act, but reassured that all the recommendations and suggestions have been noted for their right time to be acted upon, as far as strengthening and vamp up the new legislation will be concerned.

Following all debates and its second reading of the bill that sees it stand committed for the scrutiny of the whole house, Parliament was adjourned to 9am this morning.

Friday is a private members business, but if granted by the chairman of the committee of the whole house, the country could get its Anti-Corruption Law today, however, if not granted, the bill could b passed by Monday or latest, Tuesday next week.

Timely donation of 20 rubbish bins to the NRH

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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DEAR EDITOR, I thank the Hon Member for the West Honiara Constituency and the community there for donating 20 rubbish bins to the National Referral Hospital.

I understand the donation came about after an appeal from the NRH after receiving complaints from patients and concerned citizens.

The doctors, nurses and administrative staff at the NRH work tirelessly to care for the sick and injured, often in difficult working conditions and with relatively few funds given the responsibility as the main referral hospital for a growing national population said to be about 650,000.

In such circumstances, I always try to thank the friends of the NRH.

Yours sincerely

Frank Short

Shortage of medicine in stock

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR EDITOR, when the essential ministries like the ministry of health that provide live-saving services for the entire population are become non-functioning incurring of life threating issue as shortage of drugs for medical treatment is only indicate well the poor attitude of the national government leadership towards its own citizens. .

The situation has enormously raised questions to the politician MPs who mandated the government of the day to come out clear and state where is the policy implementation priorities of the government are invested when the live saving health service of the people who voted them in the political power is concerned?

While the medical staff who are directly working in the national hospital looking after the national medicine store in our country are in a great concern, raising the issue of shortage of drugs -life-threating issue to the attention of the government, the Prime Minister represent the political government of the day continue to denying the situation with the PS of ministry of health is so confusing, however, it only reflect poorly on the leaders that want to cover up the attitudes of negligence of duties that victimize and deprive the rights of the poor citizens towards quality health services..

The poor medical services is a common issue in the country and this can be seen clearly in our NRH in which lack of live saving machines for blood testing and surgeries in our national hospital despise a lot of call by hospital authorities and public for financial assistance from the national government.

The national government failed to address health issue in our country.

Today the issue of shortage of medical drugs come to an accumulating point due to the prolong negligence of duty by the national government through under budgeting for the future medical services prosperity of this ntion.

The national budget passed at the early part of the year 2018 has indicated very clearly the financial budget priorities of our politicians in our government in which 50 percent budget increase only secured within the Ministry of rural development while other essential ministries such as the ministry of health that provide important services to the people nation-wide experience nothing.

The ministry of rural development is a newly introduced ministry in the government approved by the politicians MPs.

All funding within the ministry come under the discretion of the MPs.

Since the establishment of MRD misused of funds by politicians within the ministry become common without any tangible development happen in the constituencies nationwide.

The nation will continue to suffer with its basic services if our MPs continue to serve themselves with public funds intended to benefit people through the formulating of unfair national policies that create environment for financial corruption within the government leadership.

Who are we going to blame?

JACOB OFASIA

Talise Market

Australia’s support to SI’s health ministry

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

DEAR Editor, I write to clarify Australia’s support to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

The Australian Government does not require that the Ministry adhere to Australian procurement procedures and protocols to secure Australian funding.

Australia’s funding arrangement is designed to ensure the Ministry complies with the Solomon Islands Government’s own procurement procedures and protocols, including the legislative requirements under the Solomon Islands Public Finance Management Act.

These are the same processes and legal requirements that apply to all Solomon Islands Government funds. The Solomon Islands Government has put these processes in place to ensure the proper use of public funds and to reduce the risk of fraud and corruption in the Solomon Islands public service.

The Australian Government is committed to supporting the Solomon Islands Government to deliver health services to the people of Solomon Islands.

Australia will provide up to AUD47.8 million as direct budget support to the Ministry of Health and Medical Services over the period 2016 – 2020 to support the delivery of health services including the purchase of drugs and medical supplies. The Solomon Islands Government is responsible for the administration of these funds.

Australia remains a committed partner of Solomon Islands.

Yours sincerely

Michael Hassett

Acting High Commissioner

Dependency must stop

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

GOVERNMENT really needs to pull up its socks if it wants to get this country out of this mess of dependency.

We have a government that rely on aid, we have a nation and citizens that rely on government and the cycle continues.

People continue to blame government and politicians, government and politicians continue to blame the people.

When is this going to stop?

In this health crisis, it is really surprising to see how people rely heavily on government even for a basic medication.

We have private pharmacies in operation and yet we see people complain about not having Panadol or amoxicillin.

Why not go and see seek a private medical practitioner if you care so much for your health?

We make fun of government being aid dependent while we ourselves are aid dependent too.

We do not want to spend money.

We rather have free handout then even spend money for our health.

While it is the government’s responsibility to look after its people, we as human beings should also be responsible for our own wellbeing, our children’s wellbeing and our family’s wellbeing.

We need to take responsibility of our own lives too.

We cannot rely or expect other people or government for assistance all the time.

This cycle must be stopped and we as citizens of this country need to pull ourselves together as well.

Graduating from being a Least Developed Country (LDC) is not only about having good roads or bridges or house, it is mainly about us taking care of ourselves and trying to be less dependent on other people for help. It is time we as Solomon Islanders stand up for ourselves.

It is time we rise up and make our government accountable like we are doing now. It is time we choose our leaders wisely.

It is time we go back to our homes and try to do something good out of our own lives so that we do not turn up at our MP’s or wantok’s house early in the morning asking for money.

The ‘dependency’ syndrome must stop.

Stop blaming and pointing fingers and start looking at ourselves.

Government clarifies involvement of Australia

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The Solomon Islands Democratic Coalition for Change Government (SIDCCG) wishes to clarify the front page article of the Island Sun issue of Thursday July 19, 2018 entitled “Govt’s Decisive Steps on Drug Crisis” published in the Island Sun on Thursday.

A statement from the Government Communications Unit stated, “The article is not only misleading but manifestly erroneous and false.”

The Government wishes to clarify that contrary to Mr Sasako’s article, there was no Cabinet meeting held, Cabinet Paper nor a Cabinet decision on the involvement of the Government of Australia with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services nor on the possibility of a charter to bring in medical supplies.

“The Government at no point in time, stated or attributed the medical shortage to an error caused by or actions of the Government of Australia. The procurement of medical drugs and medical supplies was and is done in accordance with the procurement rules of the Solomon Islands Government including compliance with the Public Financial Management Act 2013.” The Statement further added.

The Government also wishes to refute the statement made by Sasako claiming the replacement of a Minister of the Crown.

The issue of medical shortage is a sensitive issue and journalists should practise responsible journalism during these times.

–GCU

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