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MWYCFA lauds US gov’t for recognising SI women’s effort

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY MAVIS NISHIMURA PODOKOLO

THE ministry of women youth children and family affairs (MWYCFA) has thanked the United States Government for recognising the efforts of women in Solomon Islands.

The recognition is through hosting the programme of the US Secretary of state’s international Women of Courage Award which is hosted annually in Solomon Islands.

Koisau Sade from the MWYCFA said, “We would like to thank the US government for recognising women of Solomon Islands effort to defend and promote progress for women and girls and their societies as a whole.”

She said the past recipients of the women of courage award have risked their lives and have gone the extra mile to ensure that women and girls today and the future generations will be able to have the opportunity to access improved and equitable health and education, improved economic statues, protection from violence and have a voice at all levels for decision making and leadership.

North-west Guadalcanal MP takes noni development revolution to new heights

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Milton Ragaruma
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Northwest Gaudalcanal MP Bodo Dettke explaining the Noni out grower scheme.

By Alfred Sasako

Northwest Gaudalcanal MP Bodo Dettke explaining the Noni out grower scheme.

NORTH West Guadalcanal MP Bodo Dettke has taken the Noni revolution to new heights, announcing a “No Kilo, No Pay” policy as the hallmark for his out-grower scheme.

Dettke announced making available free land for the first out-growers’ program, which starts almost immediately. Some 1,500 farmers will take up the first 300 farming plots in the Betikama Area Ward on North West Guadalcanal.

An additional 2,000 farmers will sign up in the second out-growers program with up to 400 farming plots in the Constituency’s Kolumatana Area Ward. All plots consist of half hectares or 5,000 square metres.

These farmers are expected to sign their contracts in two weeks after the contents were explained to them. The contract runs for five years.

Among those who attended yesterday’s launch was the Malaita Premier, Peter Ramohia, who spoke highly of the out growers’ scheme.

“It’s a revolution,” Dettke told about 200 people who gathered at the Maranatha Hall in east Honiara yesterday afternoon.

“How much you earn depends on what you produced. But they must be good quality fruit, picked at the right time,” he said.

Dettke said he believed Solomon Islands has the capacity to establish up to 700 hectares of Noni plantation, which he said would put the nation in a competing position with producers in Tahiti and Samoa, which supplies 50 per cent of the world’s market.

“But the bottom line is that if we want to compete, we must go for quality and we can do that,” the businessman-turned-politician told people living on the fringes of his Constituency at the four-hour meeting.

“Their purpose in staying on my land free of charge is to grow Noni. They will be allowed a small part of their plot to grow food for their sustenance,” he said.

Dettke also told the crowd about a new Noni factory machine being ordered for the North West Guadalcanal Constituency Subsistence Farmers Association. The USD1.5 million machine is expected to arrive between December this year and January next year.

“It is my hope that the government helps by granting the Constituency import duty exemptions. This is to help the people in the rural area to earn money through their hard work so that they could help their own families.”

Hidden from public

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Parliament

There’s more to the CDF grants than meets the eye

By Alfred Sasako

THE 50 members of Parliament drew a combined $520 million in additional payments besides the Community Development Fund (CDF) in the five years to 2017, official documents obtained by Island Sun have revealed.

These payments were in the form of Scholarship Award Grants, Church Grants, Subvention and Grants, MP Discretionary Fund and Fixed Services Grant, according to official record of payments of one senior Government Minister.

Details of the additional funding for the 2012-2017 period show that:

Scholarship Award Grant   – SBD966,000

Church Grants                                   – SBD1,352,742

Subvention and Grants       – SBD5,844,799.04

MP Discretionary Fund        – SBD1,725,000

Fixed Services Grant                        – SBD500,000 (2013 only)

Total                                        = SBD10, 388, 541.04

This means that the 50 MPs who served in Parliament between 2012 and 2017 shared $520million or $10.4million each. These extra funding appears to have been kept away from the public.

Those familiar with it said the only grant not included in this extra funding is the shipping grants, which this year was scrapped.

It was moved to the Ministry of Rural Development and is now part of the $350 million allocation for Community Development Fund (CDF).

Based on the 2018 Budget papers, each Constituency would receive $7million through their MP.

On average each Constituency received between $6million and $7million a year since 2012.

The revelation of additional funding comes amidst rumours that each MP has $30 million at his disposal to fight the national general election early next year.

The documents obtained by Island Sun reveal payment details for the extra funding, including date of payments, invoices, cheque numbers as well as bank accounts the funds were paid into.

Those who are familiar with the payments said the whole thing is linked to alleged election-rigging, which can only be exposed by a commission of inquiry.

“Our fear is that some of these grants were never passed on to the intended recipients. A good example is the Church grants. No one knows whether churches are benefiting from this financial support,” they said.

“While these grants continue to be disbursed, no one hears about whether they have reached the intended denominations in the rural area,” one man said.

Island Sun will continue a special investigative series on this, starting this week.

Kakamora Cup Challenge underway next week

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY ROMULUS HUTA

Makira-Ulawa’s highest soccer competition will begin Wednesday next week.

Vice-President of Makira-Ulawa Football Association (MUFA) Roxley Tara confirms to SunSPORTS yesterday.

Called the MUFA Kakamora Cup Challenge 2018, the competition will be at the under-22 level and will take place at Manita, West Bauro, Central Makira Constituency.

Tara said the competition was supposed to take place earlier than next Wednesday but had to be moved forward due to some circumstances.

“The new dates will be July 10 to 17.

“The official opening will take place on July 10 and matches will begin on July 11.

“The official closing will be held on July 17 and participating teams are expected to leave to their respective places by July 18.

The competition will be an exciting one as it will bring together all footballers in Makira-Ulawa Province,” Tara assured.

Tara added that a total of 16 teams representing the eight wards in the province are expected to show up for the tournament.

“The tournament will be conducted in a pool competition.

“This competition is a very important one in our calendar as we are using it to select potential players for the Real Kakamora team participating in the next Solomon Cup.”

Junior Kurukuru friendly Friday

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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The National Youth Futsal

By Taromane Martin

THE national under-17 futsal team, the Junior Kurukurus will play their first friendly match in their tour of Australia on Friday.

The Junior Kurukurus are currently in Australia for a one week training camp at the Dural Centre in Sydney as part of their preparation to represent Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), the National Olympic Committee of Solomon Islands (NOCSI) and Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) at this year’s Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires, Argentina this October.

Despite welcoming the final members of the team to their camp on Tuesday, the squad had their first training sessions yesterday after leaving the country Thursday last week.

“Training was today good but the boys are still trying to cope with the cold weather which is still affecting them,” Coach Puirana told SunSPORTS yesterday.

They will play the Dural Warriors youth futsal team on Friday night, on Monday and then Tuesday as Head Coach Stanley Puirana looks to get his youngsters to adapt playing on a standard sized futsal court.

Meanwhile, Puirana said the Australia tour will help their team management to select the final 10 man squad who will represent the country at the Youth Olympic Games.

He said it will be a tough job for them to select the final 10 players after an exceptional campaign and performance in the recent SIPA National futsal league where they finished second behind champions Marist FC.

“It’s very hard to decide on the final 10 players for the Youth Olympic Games but we’ll use the Australia training camp to select our final squad,” he said prior to their departure.

The squad will return to Honiara from their tour Down Under on Wednesday.

The travelling junior Kurukuru squad for the Australian tour is: Charlie Ata (GK), Lordrick Ata (GK), Raphael Le’ai, Travis Sau, Calvin Do’oro, Jinor Laufunua Mana, Frankster Rukumana, Ronado Cromwell, Enoch Poloso, Benjamin Mana, William Tahariu, and Leon Kofana.

Officials: Head Coach-Stanley Puirana, Assistant Coach- Dickson Kadau, Team Manager- Nacanieli Seru.

2023 Games presents rare opportunity for businesses

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Milton Ragaruma
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Chair of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Jay Bartlett

BY TARROMANE MARTIN

Chair of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI) Jay Bartlett

THE business community will benefit at the same time contribute significantly to the local economy as a result of the country’s hosting of the Pacific Games in 2023.

Managing Director of Hatanga Limited and Chair of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SICCI), Mr Jay Bartlett expressed this sentiment when addressing the Prime Minister’s Breakfast, hosted by SICCI, in Honiara Wednesday last week where Prime Minister Hon Rick Hou formally engaged with the private sector and members of the business community.

Mr Bartlett said the hosting of the 2023 Pacific Games is one of those rare opportunities where the eyes of the Pacific will be focused on our country.

“Business participation before and after the Games has many opportunities for the benefit of our local economy,” he said.

A significant benefit for Solomon Islands is the long term investment which comes from preparing for such a major event like the Pacific Games.

The most notable infrastructure development project the Solomon Islands Government in collaboration with the Japanese Government are undertaking is the Kukum Highway Upgrade Project, which is also part of preparing Honiara City for 2023.

Mr Bartlett commended both governments for their commitment towards the project which will also be beneficial for businesses and investment.

“The current Kukum Highway Upgrade Project and the recent commitments from JICA to upgrade our international airport will improve efficiency in mobility and drastically give a much needed facelift to our capital city,” he said.

“The first impression of travelers to the Solomon Islands is Honiara and we must continue to invest and reinvest to modernize our capital to increase our appeal as a tourist destination,” he added.

Mr Bartlett said development in key fundamental areas like communication, energy and transportation will redirect our economy to improve the investment climate so businesses can grow to benefit the community.

West prepares for 40th anniversary celebration

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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0

BY ALFRED PAGEPITU
GIZO

PREPARATIONS for the upcoming 40th Independence Day celebration day is in full swing at the Western province capital – Gizo.

Celebrations are set to be hosted at the John F Kennedy Stadium.

The programme will start tomorrow which will include sports. Seven sporting events have been scheduled for July 7.

Stalls are being erected along the street of Gizo and at the venue of celebration.

Western Provincial Secretary Jeffrey Wickham yesterday said the Day’s celebration is being organised by the Western provincial government’s Youth and Sport Division, coordinated by the Gizo local organising committee.

Wickham said the official programme will start at 8:30am on Saturday morning with a parade; participating groups will march into the JF Kennedy Stadium.

He said the guest of honour is the province’s new premier, who will be escorted to the dais by the provincial police commander for the general salute and the singing of the country’s anthem.

“Parade commander will invite Hon Premier for parade inspection and after the inspection, colour party will march in front of the dais, and then PPC Mathias Lenialu will escort Premier to the dais.

“The blessing of the National flag will be conducted by Bishop L Capelli of the Catholic Church, and at 1pm flag raising, general salute and national anthem to be played while Premier will remain at the dais for speech.”

After the official segment, cultural dancing groups will perform for the crowd before the sporting competitions begin.

Meeting our security challenges – national security workshop

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Group photo taken duriing the national security policy

By Ezekiel Talatau

Group photo taken duriing the national security policy

THE Solomon Islands government, police, stakeholders and private sector held consultations on the country’s proposed national security policy yesterday.

Themed “Meeting Our Security Challenges”, the workshop aims to gauge views regarding setting up a national security policy for the country.

Police commissioner Mr Mathew Varley clarifies that national security concerns every Solomon Islander, not just the police, hence requires the whole country to address challenges.

“2017 is the historical landmark for RAMSI. Law and order was restored, but the country’s security is another thing the country needs to address,” he said.

To date, Solomon Islands’ security challenges are the results of poverty, urban drift, corruption, high unemployment rate and a weak regulatory system.

“The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) are working on a strategic direction for this year to 2020 in tackling crime as part of the country’s security measures.”

Director of National Security Division Mr David Diosi elaborated that ‘national security changes as technology is changing’.

“Solomon Islands resources are limited, we still rely on donors. Now, it’s time for us to work together in partners to develop national security to strengthen our border.”

Secretary of Border Security Management, John Wasi, added that Solomon Islands needs to ‘carry out a foundation on how we can implement a strong border boundary, including ports and airport’.

“Immigration should start preparing for an upcoming issue of the country, the government sectors and the police in partnership to tackle any issue on security.”

The workshop was held at the Kitano Mendana Hotel.

People in Malaita wait for MID road maintenance

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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BY SAMIE WAIKORI

Auki

ROAD users in Malaita province are waiting for the promise made by the Ministry of Infrastructure Development (MID) to carry out maintenance on roads in the province.

A driver of one of the passenger trucks in North Malaita, who wished to remain anonymous, made the call yesterday.

He said a couple of months back MID published in the media their plan to do maintenance on roads in Malaita.

“But up to now, nothing is done to roads especially in the north and eastern region as promised.

“I don’t know about road leading to the southern region of the province, but on our side, no maintenance and nothing at all happen,” the driver said.

He said roads are still in deteriorated conditions and people are waiting for the fulfillment of MID’s promise.

The driver pointed out that MID should seriously consider that people use the road daily and also is the only means of transport in north and central Malaita.

He said the poor roads affects movement of people as well as goods and services in the province.

“So my appeal is whether MID will fulfill its sugary promise or not, and tell us the road users in the province,” driver said.

Understanding the richness in our cultures: Yauvoli

Written by
Milton Ragaruma
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Yauvoli

By Gary Hatigeva

HOSTING of the Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival (MACFest) in Honiara is an opportunity for Solomon Islands to understand the richness of Melanesian cultures, says Director General of Melanesian Spearhead Group (MSG), Ambassador Amena Yauvoli.

Island Sun took time to visit the MSG Secretariat booth and interviewed the Secretariat’s Director General who pointed out that events like the MACFest are important for the promotion of the many cultures and pride of Melanesia to the world.

Yauvoli explained that this is an opportunity of a lifetime for most, especially Solomon Islanders, as their nation hosts the MACFest.

He said it is an opportunity for the Solomons people to experience the rich cultures of the Melanesian region in one place.

He therefore suggested for the Solomon Islands population who are here in Honiara and those that are planning to be in the capital within these two weeks period, to take advantage of what he described as a chance to visit all stalls and learn about them (cultures).

“It’s not like this event happens in the Solomon’s every year, because it comes in every four years and gets to be hosted in different countries.

He said it is also important t for the people of Melanesia to be true to their cultures and traditions, and embrace their values, which are ideal in promoting and building cohesion and oneness of a nation.

He added that this year’s theme for the MACFest is very fitting as it gets the people of Melanesia to celebrate their countries’ rich cultural diversity as well as to rediscover cultural passion through poetry, songs, and cultural performances and exhibitions.

The Director General also suggested for the people to respect and appreciate Melanesia’s rich heritage, “which is also why the Secretariat is here, to promote and see that we do not lose them”.

Meanwhile, referring to all stalls within the Melanesian Village at the Panatina Campus venue, Ambassador Yauvoli explained and urged the people to also take time and visit them, including that of the MSG Secretariat.

He added that given the infancy of the Secretariat’s initial efforts, which mostly devoted to developing the required administrative framework and necessary legal parameters to sustain and facilitate all operations of the organisation, it is also under their mandate to educate the people on matters related to cultures of Melanesia.

“We are here to educated and inform our people of the roles and responsibility of the Secretariat, at the same time help promote our Melanesian pride.

Also commending the theme, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Andrew Nihopara in an earlier interview, stressed that there is an alarming rate in the pacific, especially in Solomon Islands, which people are embracing foreign cultures and abandoning their own.

Nihopara further stressed that with the theme, it is high time people learn to protect their own values and norms rooted in culture, and through events like these, the governments of each Melanesian countries, encourages and supports partnerships that can stimulate the arts and culture into contributing to the country’s peace, and its economy.

The Permanent Secretary who is also the Chair of MACFest 2018, shared in his welcome statement on the event’s page online, that the theme of the 6th MACFest “Past Recollections; Future Connections”, also reinforces the significance of this festival as a time to reminisce on Melanesia’s history and cultures.

“…whilst at the same time connecting ourselves as one people in diversity for a brighter connected future,” Nihopara adds.

The last time Solomon Islands hosted the MACFest was a decade ago, and this year, Solomon Islands is given the opportunity restart the festival cycle throughout the MSG countries.

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